On the historic occasion of the 178th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church meeting in Japan, we are pleased to republish A. D. Hail's classic 1898 work, Japan and its Rescue. The volume was originally partly serialized in the Cumberland Presbyterian newspaper. For many Cumberland Presbyterians, this was their first experience and knowledge of Japan.

Hail's work is very much a product of the late-Victorian age. Although the author was quite progressive, his attitudes and opinions cannot be expected to mirror those of the early 21st century. As with all historic pieces, this work is a relic of another time. Please keep that in mind while considering Hail's original text.

This volume was reproduced digitally from a vintage original. While this type of reproduction is expedient it can reveal the many physical flaws of the source material. Some pages are noticeably out of alignment while others show signs of their age and condition. We hope that these flaws will not detract from your enjoyment of the work.

Several brief biographical sketches of Rev. Alexander Durham Hail (1844-1923) have also been included in this volume.