The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1901-04-29

Honor of Robert Hume.
One Of the most remarkable sermons
ever, preached in United church, the
historic church of Horace Bushnell,
which bridged the chasm between the
Puritanism of old New England and
the more liberal religion of to-day, was
delivered yesterday morning by Rev.
DR., Theodore T. Munger, the occasion
being his retiring from the active pas
torate, where he has upheld its tradi-
lions Cor the past fifteen years.
DR. Munger struck the characteristic
note at once. The associations of this
venerable church lead back to the day
when church and state were one, and
the church was by law subservient to
the needs OF the state This church."
DR.. Munger declared, still maintains
that position. 1t Is not Congregational
church, 1t is municipal, catholic
church. 1t belongs to the city, in the
midst Of which it stands"
For the parting message to his con-
gregation DR.. Munger chose the text,
Cor, xvi, 1s: Watch we, stand fast in
the faith; quit We like men; be
Il do not like to graduate from the
active pastorate into the emeritus stage
before speaking of the municipal
church; of the municipal character Of
this church. You may be thinking that
it's greatest need is to find pastor.
You mistake. Its greatest need is to
find itself, The church has never awak-
ened to its dignity In standing where it
does, nor to the need of changes which
are demanded of 1t from time to time
by. the changes in society"
He then spoke of the founding of the
church, and of its original purpose. to
minister to the needs of the state. ut
is distinct relic of church and state,
but not an unmeaning relic; and its
original obligations are now as binding
as ever. This church does not stand
here chiefly as Congregational church,
but as a catholic church that opens its
doors to the whole city.
This church is universal church.
II belongs to the city as a whole and
not to three or four hundred families
who come here and rent pews for the
sake of their own edification. Any cit
izen has right to come here and sit
here, irrespective of It's pew holders.
1.-THE reason why churches lose their
hold ON the people at large is because
they break down on some practical pol
ICY not doctrinal. Nothing in Chris
tianity Is more essential and vital than
that worship should have no limitation
put about 1t.
zone wishes this church had full !
endowment. I ought to have mention
ed this in my early years. as l do to-
day, for 1t would have risen by this |
time to the $4,000 mark. But all
can do Is to- urge 1t upon you. The
whole city will see to 1t that it is we'll
cared for and spent, for the church |
stands here on the green. 1t is a great !
thing to be connected with a great work
like this, for it dgnities and ennobles !
life. am longing to see the young |
men of this congregation rise to this OPP
portunity to serve In a noble cause.
Here is church, peculiar church, |
which somebody must take care of and |
which somebody will, but only one who
realizes that 1t is coupled with public |
trust 1t Is o work peculiarly fitted to
feed the reverence that lies at the root |
Of character. These walls will still en-
close generations of worshippers for |
centuries to come.
1.-THE strongest plea I make to-day is |
FOR thorough organization, strongly
made and thoroughly carried out; or
ganization for the maintenance Of a
full and vigorous life. Enlist as many
as possible into the administration.
Divide the responsibility as widely as !
possible. Ny plea Is for thorough or
ganization Of the several forms OF
,hurch life and action"
The speaker then enumerated the diff
erent sides of the church life, laying
special emphasis upon the mid-week
prayer meeting. He said that adverse
comments upon its influence are invest
ID with prejudice and charged with
ant II have never heard" said he,
any cant in the mid-week services,
,ut have heard a good deal of cant
lbout them among those who have new
n been there 1t Is the best part of
,ur organization.
"In this connection I believe I can
afely venture a prophecy. 1t is, that
'ur Unitarian brethren will return to
his service. just as they are calling