"'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.
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