Sermons on the Great Exhibition ([1851])

The design has also been considered ambitious, originating in vain/glory; they sought to get themselves a name, and by it an everlasting remembrance. It has been held to have been impolitic and dangerous, as well as impious and ambitious. The productions of art and skill, of science and industry, among all nations of the earth, are to be collected in one focus, and that focus the metropolis of the British empire. The assemblage / will embrace vast numbers of persons, of every variety, rank, and condition, and country under heaven. There are physical dangers to be anticipated. When great multitudes of men are drawn from all quarters to any given spot, it is easy to foresee in how many ways the chances of mischief, injury, and ill occurrences are increased. Crowded apartments, too, with diminished facilities of ventilation, cleanliness, and sanitary precaution, may impair the health.