He had lectured in the United States, and challenged the representatives of Irish Nationalism on the history of their own land.

He had visited most of the British Colonies, and promoted to the best of his ability the Federation of South Africa.
Few men had seen more, or read more, or enjoyed a wider experience of the world.

What were the lessons which after such a life he chiefly desired to teach young Englishmen who were studying the past?
The value of their religious reformation, and the achievements of their naval heroes.

The Authorised Version and the Navy were in his mind the symbols of England's greatness.

Greater Britain, including Britain beyond the seas, was the goal of his hopes for the future progress of the race.