of a Sunday at sea, which we venture to transcribe from the _Methodist
Times_:--

'This day has really in large measure been given up to the feelings
and exercises of devotion. There has been no physical drill and
regimental "doubling" round the deck to the accompaniment, first of
the bagpipes, and then of the fifes and drums; no medical
inspection of the men's feet; no lectures to officers on first-aid
to the wounded; no rifle practice at the Boers in the shape of
bottles and boxes thrown overboard to be fired at by scores of
eager marksmen, and speedily sent to the bottom.

'Early came an inspection of the ship's crew, stewards, and
stokers, numbering about 180 in all, and including Africans and
Lascars, of almost every imaginable hue, all dressed in their
Sunday best. Then came the muster, at ten o'clock, of all our
soldier lads, in red tunic and forage cap, for church parade.
Nearly the whole 1,600 answered to their names, were divided into
groups according to their various denominations, and marched to
their various rendezvous for worship. The Presbyterians and
Wesleyans numbered nearly 500, which would make a very full parade
at Grosvenor Road Church. The place assigned to us was down below
on what is called the first and second decks, where the men usually
have their meals, and sleep in hammocks, or on the tables, forms
and floor, as the case may be. All the tinware and other
impedimenta had been carefully cleared away, and so the men at once
filed in between the tables. A special form was provided for the
two officers who attended, and another for Mr. Pearce, who acted as
my precentor, and myself. The 200 ha'penny hymn-books sent in by
the thoughtful kindness of the Rev. R.W. Allen rendered invaluable
aid in the brightening of the service, for they made it possible
for every man to join in the singing, which was touchingly hearty
and tender. Only favourite hymns would be in place in an assembly
so strangely mixed, so we began with "Jesu, Lover of my soul,"
followed by "What can wash away my sin?" "Just as I am," and "Oh,
what a Saviour! that He died for me." Nearly half the men on board
are Reservists, fresh from home and home-ties, though now 4,000
miles at sea, and to them the singing of such hymns would
inevitably be wakeful of all hal