gathering into the large Church of the redeemed, even to the Lord Jesus, her "head over all things," that her pleadings for the universal triumph of grace, truth, and peace, her cry of "come quickly," which has ceased not during the ages, may prevail; by a way being “prepared and made ready" for His coming and kingdom who maketh all things new.

CARLTON HILL, N.W.,
November, 1877.

The Great Exhibition of the Industry

of all Nations. London, 1851.

"All honour be to those who nobly planned
This world-wide congress in our far-famed land;
All hail to those whose comprehensive mind
Wrought out the scheme by royalty designed;
And well deserved such tribute pay to all

Whose skilful toil hath reared this CRYSTAL HALL.

"Hark! through the welkin rings Victoria's name,
While distant echoes swell the loud acclaim;
Hundreds of joyous thousands crowd the scene,
To greet the entrance of our honoured Queen :
Trust in her people, courtesy to all,
Her only guard within the CRYSTAL HALL.

"The stately court around the transept pace,
These ready, take their high appointed place;
And not the slightest sound the stillness stirred
Until the solemn words of prayer were heard,-
Prayer that oppression should for ever cease,
Prayer for a blessing on the shrine of peace.

“Then pealing music and triumphant cheer,
With roar of cannon burst upon the ear;

A flood of sunshine lit each "long-drawn aisle,"
While happy crowds soon filled the aërial pile,
Exulting in the welcome given to all,

Both rich and poor, within the CRYSTAL HALL.

"And hoary grandsires shall hereafter tell
What in this famous century befell;

Grey Time shall chronicle the victories gained
Since mercy o'er the world and justice reigned;
What time the CRYSTAL HALL sent forth her dove,
And signed the league of universal love."

MISS H. M. RATHBONE.

CHAPTER I.

GIVETH A DESCRIPTION OF THE PALACE OF GLASS AND THE FLOCKING OF THE NATIONS THERETO. — A GATHERING IN LEICESTER SQUARE. QUEEN VICTORIA IN STATE CEREMONIAL OPENS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.-FEEBLE COMMENCEMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORK.-PIONEERS AND WAYPOSTS. THE BIBLE HONOURED: ITS WONDER AS AN EXHIBIT.-WORDS OF WISDOM BY THE GOOD PRINCE.-THE BLESSED HOPE.

A THOUGHT FOR THE WORLD.

AY-DAY in the year of grace 1851 is memorable in the annals of England and the world. The early morning opened gloriously, with a clear atmosphere and bright sunbeams, and well do we remember the joy

ous aspect of London as we passed from one of its suburbs to Leicester Square. Though early, there was great stir and excitement in every thoroughfare. But few shops were open, and yet the people were pouring into the streets in merry mood, while numerous flags and window-decorations were being arranged. Men and women in their holiday attire from all parts of this fair kingdom of Britain, who were streaming from each railway terminus, became mingled in a picturesque manner with the wearers of costumes from eastern and other lands. All were under the influence of kindliness and good temper, as they

passed in increasing numbers towards Buckingham Palace or Hyde Park, to witness a procession and ceremony of unrivalled interest. The joy-spirit had penetrated everywhere, even to the dingy back room we entered in the centre of the foreign quarter of the Metropolis. There was scarcely space enough for the thirty men there assembled, and so subdued was the light, caused by the height of the buildings immediately behind, that the "play of countenance" could scarcely be noticed. It was however plain that an epitome of the world was there, as the visitors formed into small groups, each of which conversed in a different tongue. It was indeed a Babel; but a general note of happiness charmed the ear, and this happiness found expression when a French gentleman struck up the hymn, in the singing of which many joined,——

Mon cœur te réclame, pays de bonheur;

Dieu sauver mon âme, ô Christ Rédempteur.

The Scriptures were then read in three, and prayer offered in five languages, after which, being strengthened with inner might, the company of Evangelists separated, each man to his duty.

The scene upon approaching the Park was simply magnificent. The Queen's guard of honour, with gleaming swords and flashing helms of steel, was, with stately canter, proceeding to the palace. Fair ladies and gallant gentlemen, courtiers and peers, with men of