At home, all classes and all conditions are forsaking the ancient landmarks, and seeking further advancement. Science strives by its theories to surpass the discoveries which awakened the astonishment of past generations. In politics, what would have been once regarded as the dreams of deluded imagination, are now esteemed as unquestionable principles of equity. Even religion has its innovators, who affect originality, and pretend to be friends of progress by attempting to revive the discarded ceremonies of effete superstition, or by disentombing those rash speculations whose utter want of intellectual or spiritual life had long consigned them to oblivion. In social life, contentment with the allotments of Providence is an uncommon sight, and “onwards and upwards” is the universal cry. Oh, that this feeling arose from enlightened principles, and that it were always directed to appropriate ends! Let it not be supposed that with cynic apathy we denounce the desire of progress as evil in itself. So far from this, we believe that it was implanted in the heart of man to stimulate his efforts, and ultimately secure his welfare. But let us not forget that gracious Providence by whose blessing only progress can become a real good, and let us practically recognize the supreme importance of individual progress in the paths of religion and virtue. Formed “for the glory of God, and that we should show forth His praise,” we are not at liberty to devote our hearts exclusively or mainly to mere temporal pursuits. “The fashion of this world passeth away, and the lusts thereof,” but the soul must endure for ever;—of priceless worth, no Koh-i-noor can compare with it in value;—capable of indefinite progression, though polluted with iniquity, nothing can purify and save it but the grace and merit of Christ;—destined to survive when the earth itself shall be a wreck, it must shine eternally like a gem in the Redeemer’s crown, or sink into never-ending wretchedness and ruin. Oh, then, reader! neglect not your deathless soul; be not so dazzled with this passing splendour as to forget the “glory, honour, and immortality” which may yet be yours; while displaying a graceful courtesy to the foreigners who have honoured us with their presence, do not impiously slight that blessed Jesus who came from heaven and gave His heart’s blood for your salvation; while honouring the skilful, the scientific, the industrious minds, the fruits of whose labours are piled around you, do not dishonour that God in whom you live, and move, and have your being. Be not so engrossed with the present as to overlook the future: another Exhibition is preparing—another gathering of the nations will occur—when, around the glorious white throne, “the dead, small and great, shall stand before God; when the sea shall give up the dead which are in it, and death and hell shall deliver up the dead which are in them, and they shall be