BIBLE PRESENTED TO THE PRINCESS FREDERICK WILLIAM, BY THE MAIDENS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.

Colonist, Issue 62, 25 May 1858, Page 3

BIBLE PRESENTED TO THE PRINCESS FREDERICK WILLIAM, BY THE MAIDENS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.

■■■,':. (From the Court Journal.) '■ Among the parting; jtokens of loyalty and attachment received by her Royal Highness the Princess Frederick William of .Prussia, is a Bible presented: by upwards of 6000 of the maidens of the United Kingdom. This elegant memento is a special large paper copy of Bagster?s facsimile octavo polyglot, forming a perfect convenient volume for constant, use; neither trouble nor expense has been spared in its pre: paration, which was entrusted to Samuel Bagster and Sons, the publishers.

It is bound in the richest dark purple morocco, mounted with beautifully chased clasps and corner-pieces of the purest gold, bearing the national rose, shamrock, and thistle, and the arms of her Royal Highness as Princess^Royal of England. At the beginning, and end there is a double fly-leaf of vellum; illuminated in the first style; these designs being composed also of the rose,, shamrock, and thistle, with her Royal Highness's arms^ : ', ':■■/'

,;: At , tha bsgjmms -' is^briiliantly ,il|uminated, "To" hCT'Boyal Highness Vict6*ia"Adelaide Mary Louisa, Princess Royal; with the loyal, loving, and prayerful rWishes of the maidens of the United Kingdom,; on the occasion of her Royal Highness's marriage, 25th of January, MDOcoLviii." And on a scroll below the date, the. words of the blessing,." The Lord bless thee arid keep tbee; the Lord make His face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee ; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace." • .

The edges of the leaves are brilliantly illuminated, the ornamentation being relieved by the introduction of the following sentences. On the top,—"Thy word is truth," and, "Seek the Lord;" on the side, " God is love," and," God is light;" and on the lower edges, " Pray always," and "Watch and pray." Several of these; texts were also engraved on the clasp.

' The Bible is coutained in a casket of British oak,, which is elegantly carved, the devices being principally roses and their leaves. On the top a large "V" is .richly gilt, and the words, " Search the Scriptures," painted- in enamel;; and on the sides and ends are escutcheons, bearing the injtial " V" and the arms of the Princess Royal. . , ;.v-

Tlie feelings which'prompted the maidens of her native land to offer some expression of their loyalty and affection to the Princess have been fully appreciated by her B.oyal Highness, who graciously appointed an interview with three young ladies, as the representatives of the many who were privileged to share iv the gift. They were received (in a private manner) atßuckinghapi'Pa'ace by her Royal Highness, with marked condescension and affability; arid on presenting' their offering, the read the folio wing address: -

" Mackrti,~On behalf of the maidens of the Ilnited KingdcMn, wo beg leave 'humbly to approach your. Royal Highness, and to offer very respectfully the/heartfelt expression of our dutiful attac^jh^nt and affectionate homage. It has hitfiertp'b'een our privilege and our pleasure :to 'ook tip to your R6yal;Highness pride '»■ the beloveiV and illustrious head of the maidens of England, and1 to find Our glory in the loyal devotion with which you have been regarded; Our sincere desire and prayer will now be that, your Royal Highness may enjoy a bright and happy future in this life, and a blessed eternity in that which is to come. Since (although the welfare of your Royal Highness must alwayslbe de'ai* to the heart of every English maiden) we cannot longer claim that exclusive interest in your royal person of which we have been io proud, we venture, in all humility, to beg that you will be graciously pleased to allow us to present to your Royal Highness a copy of the, Holy Scriptures, in remembrance of the joyful allegiance which it has been our happiness to owe you, and of the noble principles of truth ! and righteousness which have so long been .the ornament and safeguard of our Fatherland. _" Wishing to give the pleasure of joining in this tribute of respect and admiration to.many hearts, we have each of us diminished our individual contributions; and, in the hope that your Royal Highness will deign ta accept of our humble offering, we have been so bold as to prepare a statement of the number of those who have aspired to share in the honor of presenting it, and of the districts in which they live, which we are willing to hope your Royal Highness will not look.upon as presumptuous. ■..'.. ■ "With every sentiment Of respect and devotion, we have the honor to 1 be, Madam, your

Royal Highness's most humble and most faithful servants, &c."

In reply to the-address, the -Princess Frederick William assured the young ladies.that both the Queen and herself were much pleased with their offering, and that it should always be preserved in remembrance of the donors, graciously expressing a hope that they would not forget: her. If anything were required to endear the Princess to English and maidenly hearts, her Royal Highness's reception of the representatives of the maidens of England would assuredly do so. :