in Shinshu Seikun, and seems to have only an academic interest.

In section 78, the question is asked, if we may look upon the duties of the Zokutaimon as being natural obligations, or merely as voluntary duties, binding upon such men only as have made some sort of profession of religion. And to this the answer is, that whilst certain of the duties in this section are indeed nothing but natural duties, incumbent on all men as members of human society, there are certain others which concern believers only. These may be summed up in the one word ho-on, #, a phrase to be more fully discussed in our next chapter. [**]

This section of the Catechism, (for Mr. Nishimoto now goes off into a consideration of the ho on,) closes with a warning against spiritual pride. ( section 75).

It is customary, in some sects of Buddhism, to give to men who have a peculiar reputation for sanctity, certain distinguishing titles such as "living Buddha," &c, &c. Mr. Nishimoto has already in section 70 given us some of these distinguishing names and titles of honour. Here he gives us two more, Shojoju, and Zennin, [*+] "righteous man," and again

reiterates the warning against presumption or pride.

We must not expect, we are told, that the acceptance of Faith will work any outward change in us, either in our body, or in our life. Still there will be a change. When we have made the surrender of Faith, a living Fire has been kindled in our hearts, and the flames of Faith within will show themselves in the smoke of Conduct without (shin-kwa uchi ni areba, gyo-en hoka ni arawaru). We live in Amida's light as in an Ocean, and Amida's light dwells in us, and the consequence of this interpenetration, an idea not unknown to the Christian, is that, whether we try to be such or not, we are lights shining in the world (shizen to tokko no kagayaki ga gozaimasu. cf. Phil ii. 15). As men, living among men, we have a variety of duties to perform, and are brought into multitudinous relationships with our fellow creatures, which we cannot shirk or escape from. But these responsibilities are not peculiar to ourselves. We share them with all our fellow-men, and this thought should keep us humble.

At the same time, it should be added, for our encouragement, when we look at the inner man of him that has accepted the principle of Faith, we find there a happiness and a peace, such as one who has not yet believed cannot possibly understand. That internal happiness and peace will necessarily show itself in the quiet, peaceful strength that will characterize our daily lives. [**]

Footnotes

^109:* Gratia actualis consistit in immediata mentis illustratione atque inspiratione voluntatis immediata. Hurter, Theologiae Dogmaticae Compendium vol. iii p. 11.