every soldier to attend the church of his choice.  Some years afterwards, the Rev. Dr. Rule strove hard to secure the recognition of the rights of Wesleyans, and after much struggle the War Office recognised Wesleyan chaplains.  The work and position of Wesleyan Methodism are now thoroughly organised throughout the world.  The government allows a capitation grant for all declared Wesleyans, and it amounts to a large sum of money every year.  In 1896 there were, including the Militia, 22,663 declared Wesleyans in the army and 1,485 Church members.  There are 28 Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Homes, providing 432 beds, and these Homes have been established at a cost of L35,000.  In them are coffee bars, libraries, lecture halls, and, what is most appreciated by Christian soldiers, rooms for private prayer.  The officiating ministers, who give the whole or part of their time to the soldiers and their families, number 195.

There are many local preachers among the soldiers, and at least two have left the ranks to become ministers.

On the Mission field, soldiers render valuable aid to the missionary in building chapels, distributing tracts, and often teaching and preaching to the natives and others.  Thus, whilst helping to hold the empire for their Queen, they are hastening on the day when all the kingdoms of the world shall be the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.

This deeply interesting work in the Army and Royal Navy is appropriately mentioned in connexion with our Home and Foreign Missions, both intimately concerned in its maintenance and management.  It is right to mention that the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Homes described are free to all members of H.M.’s sea and land forces, irrespective of religious denomination.

PART II.

One great event in Methodist history since 1837 now calls for notice—­the assembling of the first Oecumenical Conference in Wesley’s Chapel, City Road, London, in 1861.  This idea was in strict keeping with the spirit Wesley discovered when, five weeks before his death, he wrote to his children in America:  “See that you never give place to one thought of separating from your brethren in Europe.  Lose no opportunity of declaring to all men that the Methodists are one people in all the world, and that it is their full determination so to continue,

“’Though mountains rise, and oceans roll,
To sever us in vain.’”

The growing affection among Methodists of all branches made the idea of an Oecumenical Conference practicable.

[Illustration:  Sir Francis Lycett.]

The suggestion took form at the Joint Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church of America in 1876.  The American Methodists sent a delegate to the British Conference, proposing a United Conference which should demonstrate to the world the essential oneness in doctrine, spirit, and principle of all the Churches which historically trace their origin to John Wesley; such a manifestation, it was hoped, would strengthen and perpetuate that unity.