t
quantities: we bring fruit of all kinds from the most distant countries,
insomuch that there are some fruits, such as apples, oranges, grapes,
bananas, which we can enjoy the whole year round. But famine may yet
play a great and a disastrous part in our history. We must not forget
that we enjoy our present abundance of all things on one of two
conditions; first, that we are strong enough to protect the waterway and
keep it open, or, secondly, that we remain at peace. The latter we
cannot hope to do always. Therefore it is of vital importance that we
maintain a strong fleet, well equipped, ready to fight, at all times and
at the shortest notice, superior to any likely combination that may be
brought against us. Therefore, again, it behoves every man in these
Isles to be jealous of the fleet, for a time may come when the way of
the ocean may be closed and when Great Britain, through the neglect of
her rulers, may be starved into a shameful and ruinous surrender.

23. ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL.

PART I.

When London was converted to Christianity, in the year 610, the first
Bishop of London, Mellitus, built a church on the highest ground within
the walls of the City. This church he dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle
who first preached to the Gentiles. What kind of church this
was--whether great or small--whether of wood or of stone--how often
rebuilt or repaired--we know not. Probably it was quite a small church
at first. This church, or its successor, was taken down in the year 1087
when Bishop Maurice began to build a new and far more stately Cathedral.
Fifty years later most of the church, not yet completed, was burned
down. Its building, thus delayed, was continued for nearly two
centuries. The steeple was not completed, for instance, till a hundred
and fifty years after the commencement of the building. The drawing
shows the church as it was in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
Old St. Paul's was one of the largest churches in Europe: its length was
at least 600 feet; the spire reached the height of 460 feet. The church
stood in a large walled enclosure, still kept partly open, though the
wall has long since been pulled down and there have been encroachments
on the north side.

[Illustration: LONDON BEFORE THE SPIRE OF ST. PAUL'S WAS BURNED: SHOWING
ALSO THE BRIDGE, THE TOWER, SHIPPING, ETC.]

The church in the fourteenth century was not regarded only as a place
for public worship. Masses and services o