The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-20
THH CHILDS' GIFT.
HCNoRS TO MILTON AND AMERICA
IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
The Eloquent sermon Of Canon Farrar
Milton's Love for America - The
Condition. OF the Crown Prince Worry
gariotla

LONDON, Feb. 10.--Despite keenly cold
northwest wind, coupled with frequent
snow falls, large congrega-
ton fockcd'tc 81. Margaret's church, West
minister today, the occasion being
special sermon by Archdeacon Farrar in
connection with the unwilling yesterday
OF the Milton memorial, presented to the
church by Mr.. G. w. Childs, Of Philadel-
phia. The new space was soon occupied,
aud chairs were placed in the aisle TO ac-
commodate late arrivals. The congrega-
ton included Mr. Phelps, the American
minister, and his vito, Baroness Burdette-
Coutts, and many leading American resi-
dents. Tho British aristocracy was also
largely represented. The service was the
ordinary Lenten one, except that the
hymn before the sermon was Millions
"Let us with gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord. for no Is King"
Canon Farrar, who preached from
Lamentations w., 7, further emphasized
the occasion in his opening remarks.
While justly claiming attention 10 the fact
that he never neglected TO preach accord
ing 10 the church's season; that year after
year through both the gloom and the
glory of the Christian calendar, IL had been
and would be his cndeavor to dwell with
the congregation upon each sacred ami
versary rs 1t REQUIRED, he plainly an
nounced on this occasion departure from
the usual practice, deferring for week
the usual Lenten exhortation. lie do
voted almost the whole address 10 pointing
out the concrete lesson OF Christianity as
expounded by the noble life Of Milton. A
spontaneous, generous expression OF APP
proval OF the action OF the donor Of the
memorial window was succeeded by an
eloquent and kcenly appreciated resume
'oi Millions life as Christian man, coupled
with an unstinted tribute 10 his gcuius ~
poet. who derived inspiration from d.
vine source.
IA the discourse proceeded, and the con-
grcgation warmed in sympathy with tho
imprisoned but wcll-weighed eloquenco
Of the preacher, the gloomy weather with.
out cleared, and the wintry sun cleaned
through the richly-staincd windows with
which ~. Margarets Is adorned, and
glinted on the Milton memorial, relieving
the semi-obscurity OF the interior and H.
lumining the impressive scene in which
the worshipcrs mingled with devotion 10
the Almighty the full need OF admiration
of Millions inspired genius, which the
preachers fcrycncy demanded.
The arch deacon spoke rs follows with
reference TO the Milton memorial window:
sit has been my desire for twelve years
10 surround this ancient and famous church
with noble associations; 10 revive the
memories Of those great men with which il
has been connected, and thus 10 indicate
the relation in which II stands TO the his
tory OF England. To commemorate events
Of recent days, the members OF the House
Of Commons, whose church IL is, have
erected the window which recalls the tragic
death Of lord Frederick Cavandish, and
memorials have been placed here TO Lord
liatherly. tito good lord chancellor; TO
lOrd Marlborough, who spent his life in
the service OF Parliament, and in token OF
our gratitude Tor fifty years Of almost din-
broken prosperity under the reign Of be-
loved Queen, the Caxton window WIS
given 10y the printers Of London in memo
~ Of that great man who hes buried here;
and citizens Of America, ia their large
handed generosity, and care for the great
traditions which are their heritage,
no less than ours, have pre-.
scented US with that brilliant
West window, which commentaries moth
Ing less than the founding Of the new
world. But this church may also claim
its special interest In tho mighty name Of
Milton. That name Is reported in our
register, and herr lies buried, with Mil
toms infant daughter, that beloved wife
''my late cspouscd saint'-whosc love
flung one brici CLEAN Of happiness over
the poets later ycan. Once more we are
indebted 10 nm American citizen for the
beautiful Milton window, which yesterday
was unveiled. The VOL counscled munih.
ccncc OF Mr.. Ohilds, who has already en-
richcd Standardization with n memorial
Of Shakespeare, and Westminster abbey
with the window in memory of Herbert
and Cowpcr, has now erected this abiding
memorial 10 the great Puritan poet. My
self the debtor 10 American friends for
great kindness, / cannot but rcioicc
that the church OF 81. Margaret. should
furnish vet one more illustration 81
those bonds Of common blood and tradi.
tons and language which unite England
10 the great republic OF the west, and am
glad that the public spirit Of the church.
wanlcns has assigned from hcncciorih the
Use Of one pew In this church 90 our
friends and visitors from the other side OF
the Atlantic. There was something spo.
cially appropriate In The Milton window
being the gift Of an American, for
the United States represent much
that Milton most deeply loved -
the commonwealth, which, falling
In England, in America gloriously sue
cccdcd: the Puriianism which, crushed In
England. inspired yigorand nobencss into
our kin beyond the SEA Paradise Lost
WIS the one English poem which the sons
81 the Pilgrim fathers loved and which,
until Longfellow inspired New England
with fresh sense OF the Hacrcdness of art
aud song, alone tempered the stern lie
brow ideal bcqucathed 10 their descend.
ants by thoSc Who sailed In the MAyfowcr
Some 81 Millions dearest friends were
closely conncctpd with American history.
Sir Henry Want, The younger 10 whom he
addressed the sonnet,
Vane. young Ia ytt. In ssgc experience oil.
a A A a