Independent Statesman

National Congregational Council.
NEW HAVEN, CT., Oct. 1.

Messrs. Editors: The National Congregational Council is assembled in this ancient city of historic interest. The place itself is one of great attractiveness. More than 240 years ago, the first church, with which the council meets, was formed. Down by the shore is the ancient house of Benedict Arnold, the traitor. Here is the far-famed University which was established as early as 1636. Of these, at another time. Running through the commons and away to the north is Temple street—a complete archway of branching elms, like the arches of a cathedral. Altogether it is a beautiful and fit place to hold the sessions.

The Council is composed of delegates, both ministerial and lay, from all parts of the country. A fine-looking body of men it is, too. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the Provisional Committee, Rev. H. M. Storrs, D.D. Rev. Dr. Quint read the names of the delegates as given in by credentials. Hon. Lafayette S. Foster, of Norwich, Ct., was chosen Moderator, and Rev. Dr. Dwinell and Rev. Dr. Magoun, Assistant Moderators, and Revs. F. D. Ayer and J. P. Kimball, Assistant Registers.

In the evening, at 7:30, the large auditorium of the Central Church was packed, to its utmost capacity, with people who were anxious to hear the sermon by Rev. R. S. Storrs, D. D., of Brooklyn, N. Y. To give an abstract of the sermon is not possible. It was the most complete effort of logic, rhetoric, and eloquence I ever listened to. It swept like a torrent. For nearly two hours he held the vast audience spell-bound. Not a trip or hesitation, or a misplaced word in the whole, and yet not a scrap of paper. It was not memorized; it was an elaborate extempore effort, yet the argument was irresistible. As another expressed it: "It frightened me." It was absolutely overwhelming. The march of his thought and of his imperial intellect, was like the march of a victorious army. I am safe to say the United States has not another man who could have made such an effort. When I hear such men, I am proud to own my connection with the human family. The sermon was an effort to establish the authority of the Christian's God, on the basis of His revelation of Himself in nature, in history, in human consciousness, and in the Bible. It would have done Prof. Tyndall good to have heard it.

To-day the business of the Association begins with papers, etc.