Most of those now present have gazed with admiration on the marvels of the memorable and magnificent Crystal Palace of 1851, the design of which originated with the same Prince who, in his homage to the Supreme Ruler of nations, had previously suggested as an appropriate motto for our Royal Exchange the words now graven on its pediment: “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” It was in beautiful harmony with this recognition of the sovereignty of Heaven, and it formed one of its most gratifying features, that the doors of the Crystal Palace were closed on the Lord’s day. England thus solemnly proclaimed to assembled nations that she exalted the spiritual above the material—the eternal above the temporal—the immortal above the perishable—in a word, by this public acknowledgment of the Divine law, the Royal Commissioners, in the nation’s name, put honour on the Sabbath of God. The gorgeous fabric, whose wonders had attracted myriads of spectators, having fulfilled its design, by exhibiting in peaceful rivalry the products of genius, and science, and industrial skill, collected from all nations, was ordered to be taken down. Many were anxious for its preservation; meetings were held and petitions presented to the Legislature on the subject; but it was finally decided, by a vote of the House of Commons, that, in accordance with the terms of the original agreement, the structure should be removed. The directors of a railway company then resolved to purchase the materials, and reconstruct the edifice on a new site, in an improved and more enduring form, and on a scale of unprecedented magnificence and splendour. In connection with this movement, a crisis most grave and momentous has come upon us, fraught with the elements of danger to our national Sabbath, and to that morality and social order which largely depend on its due observance. It is stated, with an air of authority, by the press, that an application has been made to the Prime Minister of the country for a charter of incorporation, enabling the company to open the Crystal Palace, under Royal sanction, on the afternoon of the Lord’s day; that he has signified his acquiescence, and that the responsible advisers of the Crown are prepared to recommend the granting of the charter, with the required licence. It, therefore, becomes the duty of every Christian in the land, who rejoices in the blessed privileges of the Sabbath, to plead for its full and faithful observance. True it is that some concessions are made, in apparent deference to the religious feelings of the community. It is proposed that no train shall run before one o’clock on the Lord’s day; that after that hour the public shall be admitted only to the park and to that portion of the palace called the Winter Garden; whilst the compartments devoted exclusively to productions of manufacturing and commercial industry shall be closed; and further, the directors undertake