IT would not be well to close this narrative of Christian effort in International Exhibitions without distinct and lowly expressions of gratitude to Almighty God for the known blessings which He has vouchsafed to those engaged in each department of its labours. At

first, the magnitude of the buildings and the vast pressing multitudes of people, suggested discouragements, from the difficulty of securing attention; the minds of all associated with them being absorbed by duty, cares, or pleasure. And yet rare opportunities were presented for the spiritual application of the prophet's words, "Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters."

Under ordinary circumstances, such extensive teaching would have required the agency of many persons, in many countries; but in these vast erections there was what the Hebrew dialect calls, "a gathering together of waters" (Lev. xi. 36), for there were assembled in each spot the representatives of nearly all the nations of the earth; and never since that marvellous outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost,-when "Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians," heard every man in his own tongue, wherein he was born, the wonderful works of God,-never, since that day, had there been such heterogeneous assemblages of the peoples of the earth in one place; never had there been such glorious opportunities of heralding the glad tidings of salvation in the ears of countless myriads, who, to a great extent, were as ignorant of Gospel truth,-of

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that peculiar way, revealed in the Book, whereby God proposeth to save sinners, as were those Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, at the Day of Pentecost. If on that unhopeful assembly the Spirit of God could descend, awakening the conscience and touching the hearts of thousands, why might not that same Spirit grant His presence and bless the efforts of His servants in the midst of equally hopeless gatherings in London, Paris, or Vienna.

This consideration influenced many of the Lord's people, who entered upon the effort with timidity but in simple faith; and now that the great events have succeeded each other and are over, they are enabled to look back with joy and gratitude, because of sustaining grace,—to give thanks for wheat gathered into the garner, to join with the apostle in rendering "glory in the Church by Jesus Christ, unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

At the commencement, the force of discouragements appeared equal to the good anticipated. On every hand there were repelling influences; and those who joined in early struggles can testify to periods when hope of success almost deserted them. One sustaining circumstance was, however, felt,-the fact that the first International Exhibition had been opened with a prayer of solemn dedication to Almighty God-a prayer which

extended in holy desires for good to result from successive gatherings of the peoples of the world. That the Lord was gracious to His servants beyond their fears,— that openings, altogether unexpected, were made for their testimony, and that blessings were granted far beyond the efforts put forth, the following "summing up of mercies" will clearly show, to the praise of Sovereign grace.

The Word of God was honoured and magnified.

Winged messengers of truth were scattered over the globe.

The Gospel was preached to men of all nations.

The Sabbath Institution has been honoured and strengthened.

Many individuals were led to the Saviour.

The Church of Christ has been strengthened and encouraged for future and increased effort.

The Word of God was honoured and magnified. This light for mankind, which was at the beginning obscured, rose in the first Exhibition to send forth fresh rays into the dark places of the earth. When its arrival became known, men of all tribes and peoples flocked to read in their own, and to gaze upon the written languages of others. A deep sense of gratitude was expressed to that association of Christians known as the British and Foreign Bible Society, and many strangers visited their Depôt for the purpose of securing copies for the use of themselves or friends in distant lands, or

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as souvenirs of the Exhibition. On the Continent the Book sent forth a great blaze of light, which illuminated. and continues to illuminate the surrounding darkness. The Bible Stands in Hyde Park, the effort of Mr. Hawke and other private Christians, were a powerful expression of the desire of English Christians for the increase of the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ; and the continuance of this effort, with its daily effectiveness, in the Crystal Palace, under the direction of Mr. Alexander, is a matter for thankfulness and rejoicing, while stimulus has been given to Christians generally to scatter with liberal hand, books and portions of the Book whose words bringeth salvation.

Winged messengers of the truth were scattered over the globe. That other association of Christians, the Tract Society, with its inexhaustible supply of truth, pure truth in printed form, from leaflets, tracts, and magazines to volumes,-put forth its energy to acquaint the gathering and dispersing myriads with the saving testimony God has given of His Son. Their records speak of hundreds of thousands, even millions of silent messengers of mercy diffused by their own and every agency they could command; and their records also show that they who scatter liberally are rewarded with the large ingathering.

But let it also be recorded that these Exhibitions have given large scope for the exercise of personal solicitude for the enlightenment and happiness of man