It remains only to assert with all earnestness the _importance_ of the contemplated innovation. It is the first step in a course which lies already as in a map before us. The opening of one such building is virtually the opening of all. The demand for this extension may be gradual; but, whenever and wherever made, it must be granted. At all events, the principle is gone. England becomes like other nations. That great spectacle of reverence for God which was afforded last year in the face of assembled Europe can be presented no more. The very building which bore so noble a testimony is itself a year later to utter a different language. Yet where, practically, is the distinction between the two cases? What Sunday was, Sunday is. If it was an act of becoming reverence to close the Great Exhibition on that day, how is it that what was religion then is superstition now? Assuredly the effects, for good or evil, of such a proceeding will not be less striking or less extensive now than then: then too they would have been temporary, now they will be permanent. If there be yet time to pause—and there _is_ time, for Parliament, at all events, has not yet spoken—may it be seized and used. It is one thing for an individual, or a host of individuals, to disregard or to abuse their day of rest: it is another thing for the _nation_ to interpose to sanction that neglect, and thus to fling away by her own act a badge which, once lost, can never be resumed. HARROW, _November_ 2, 1852. * * * * * The following Address will be found to comprise the main topics above insisted upon. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF DERBY, &c. &c. &c. “MY LORD, “We the undersigned venture to express to your Lordship with all deference the regret with which we have heard of an intention to open to the Public on the Sunday (with some limitations) the new Crystal Palace at Sydenham. “We deem it unnecessary for our present purpose to enter into any discussion of the general question of Sunday observance. “We are far from desiring to see such an observance of the day as would rob it of any portion of its character as a day of refreshment and of Christian commemoration. “We can sympathize to the full in the hard lot of those whose whole week is spent in confinement and toil, and to whom Sunday alone brings the opportunity of seeing the light or breathing the air of freedom. “But we value above all price that national recognition of the existence of God, and of the blessings of Christianity, which has been made for so many ages by this country in its maintenance of the observance of our weekly day of rest. “We should lament the sanction, by a Royal Charter, of a departure from the principle of this observance.