The Ecumenical

A notable gathering is being held in Washington to-day, where repreBentattvefl of thirty mitiions of people as6cmblc. It is the ecumenical conference of all the branches of the Methodist denomination from all parts of the worjd. These followers of Wesley vie with the great Catholic church in their missionary zeal, for whereever you find a new town being 6tarted two church buildings go up at once. It is always safe to gucas -that one is a Methodist and the ■other a Catholic. Anuually the Methodists spend over a million of dollars in missions, nntil yon find them in Indüi with nativo preachers, in the heart of África, in China, in the Isfefl of the sea, goüig hand in hand with the explorer and the pioneer trader. Wherever there are two missionary post one is sure to be a Methodist. There are many branches of the church by many names, but their kindred sympathiee bring them together for a great conference, and it is indeed a worthy eight to witnesstheir exchanges of fraternal greetings. The meeting is of interest to the reliKious world, for here are gathered the best minds of all these branches from all c limes, whose interchange of exporiences will be of great value to micinionarits, evangelists and philanthropists.