314 STATE BOAKD OF AGKICULTUKE. 



can fail to discern this finger on the dial-plate of time, pointing to the approach- 

 ing era of the perfect nnity of tlie human race ? Whether this consummation 

 he remote or near at hand, we snrely cannot fail to discern its approach. Large 

 portions of the world, it is true, are yet to be civilized. AVars and rumors of 

 wars may yet darken the horizon, and spread wretchedness over portions of the 

 earth. Ignorance may j'et be too visible in our communities. But let us be 

 patient and look forward ; nay, let us so act as to help forward the glorious con- 

 summation when the elemental chaos shall arrange itself into definite shape, and 

 the millennial glory overspread the world. Great God of heaven ! is it a delusion 

 of the fancy, or hast thou established laws from the creation of the world whose 

 slow but continual action is at length to evolve this mighty transformation? 

 Shall nations at length revolve witliout jar or collision around the great sun and 

 center of their common attraction, which is an all-dispensing light and peace 

 and joy, while each of those nations, like so many planets, is internally assum- 

 ing the form and structure best calculated to secure its future stabilitv, and 

 contribute most effectually to the universal good? We shall gladly cherish the 

 belief that the world is hereafter continually to become wiser, better, happier, 

 and more free. When the Crystal Palace in London was opened in 1851, and 

 the representatives of about fifty nations were assembled under its vaulted roof, 

 the followiug prayer ascended to heaven, which embodies what we hope shall be 

 realized from our centennial exhibition : " Now, therefore, God we thank 

 Thee, we praise Thee, and entreat Thee so to overrule this assembly of many 

 nations that it may tend to the advancement of Thy glory, to the diffusion of 

 T hy holy word, to tlie increase of general prosperity, lu iwomoting peace and 

 good will among the different 7'aces of manlcind.'^ 



