The Gathering of the Nations

There is something especially imposing in the sight of great multitudes; hence, apart from the bliss, the glory, and the joy which the happy hosts are represented as possessing in the Apocalyptic vision, there is a peculiar sublimity in the description given in Revelation vii. 9, 10: “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
The solitary traveller excites no attention; the ordinary concourse of even crowded cities soon becomes familiar; but when large masses of humanity are congregated together for any common object, it is impossible to be an unconcerned spectator of the scene. We may have little personal interest in the purpose that has led them to assemble; we may be perfect strangers to the mighty host; but by some mysterious law we identify ourselves with them, and that not only when they are actually present, but even when they have but an imaginary existence on the graphic page of descriptive narrative.
These emotions were powerfully excited on the occasion of the Exhibition in 1851, when such vast numbers visited our metropolis to inspect the contents of the palace of glass. The accumulated treasures of art and skill excited the astonishment of the observer; but it was the countless millions of our fellow-men , who were continually moving in our midst, that commanded the wondering observation of the most unreflecting mind. And now we are called to witness a similar influx from all parts of our country and the world, to examine another display of the varieties of international skill. Europe, forgetful for a time of the agitations of political strife, is pouring forth her thousands who are intent on the encouragement of those arts which tend to the promotion of peace. Asia is sending her representatives to inspect those accumulations of treasure before which the boasted magnificence of Oriental splendour grows pale. America spares some from her fratricidal struggle to admire the far more harmless and honourable competitions of industry. Even Africa and the inhabitants of the beauteous islands of the vast Pacific have an interested share in the general gathering; while our colonies afford, by their contributions, and the number of visitors, pleasing indications of the rapidity with which they are following us in the race of civilization. From the sunny dales, the fertile fields, and the rural villages, as well as from the busy towns and cities of our own land, our countrymen are also flocking to share in the peaceful rivalry of the assembled nations. Who can look with indifference on this continually increasing aggregate of active, living men? Imagination cannot but speculate concerning the various emotions which are throbbing in these countless bosoms; on the different objects each is pursuing; on the diversified impressions individuals will receive as they survey our busy streets, our ever flowing tide of population, our temples of religion, our government, our virtues, and our sins. Piety, too, will anxiously inquire, as she surveys the mighty throng, “Who among them feareth the Lord? Whither are all these immortal spirits tending? What are the stores they are laying up for eternity?” No, we cannot be indifferent to the scene. We may look unmoved upon the majestic river, hastening onwards to the sea—upon the lofty mountain, towering to the skies—upon the solid fabric, which the skill of the architect has so reared that it may defy the attacks of ages; but it is impossible to behold with apathy the thousands whose minds are liable, like our own, to the ever shifting anxieties of life’s struggles, whose hearts are subject to the same conflicting passions with which our own are familiar, and whose souls are destined to survive the wreck of all material things in the joys or sorrows of an endless life. Hence, amid the varied specimens of artistic skill, of splendid luxury, of earth’s products, and of the discoveries of science, which appear on every side, it is, we contend, the crowding hosts of the many families and races of mankind which troop along the aisles of the International Exhibition, which will, to a thoughtful mind, still present the most serious matter for interested meditation. Oh, that the scene may awaken those who profess the religion of the Bible so to display its influence, that these occasional visitors may carry back with them deep, lasting, and salutary impressions of “the truth as it is in Jesus,” and learn that “it is righteousness alone which exalteth a nation!” The opportunity is as favourable for exhibiting the moral influence of genuine Christianity as it is unusual. May a powerful conviction of our national responsibility lead our countrymen to be faithful and effectual “witnesses for God,” and not impede the progress of the world’s evangelization by haughty pride, sordid covetousness, disgraceful profligacy, or atheistic indifference. Our common faith is on its trial, and thousands of our fellow-men will be spectators of the issue.