The Palace of Glass and the Gathering of the People: A Book for the Exhibition

The author in this book has taken a sunny view of the nature and tendency of the Great Exhibition from the first announcement of the project. Originating in the disinterested suggestions of the Illustrious Prince Consort—designed and adapted to promote the interests of art and commerce, and the fellowship of nations—supported by persons, who, in addition to the distinctions of rank or wealth, are remarkable for knowledge, benevolence, and piety—promoted generally from a desire to advance the welfare of our country and mankind—responded to very extensively abroad as well as at home with manifest cordiality and goodwill—and calling forth and securing the prayers of Christians about the undertaking—it appeared to the Author to warrant cheering and hopeful anticipations. The wonderful scene on the day of opening—as must have been felt by those who have read the graphic descriptions of it in the public prints, and especially by those who were privileged to behold that unprecedented spectacle—was of a character to strengthen favorable expectations of the result of the enterprise. The order, harmony, and mutual kindness manifested by the vast multitude on that occasion—the moral impression which it certainly made on many—and the religious element introduced into the august ceremonial, evidently awakening sympathy in thousands of hearts which then beat with strange emotion—surely may be regarded as tokens for good!