The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-01-08
DIR, FELIX ADLER.
A Radical Jew Preaching Thoughtful Ser
mons to New Workers.
from me Baltimore American.

nom me Baltimore american.
New YoRK, Jan. At may be "a well to
mention new society, which II Is difficult to
denomipate as religious or irrelisious, which is
In process OF formation, and exciting much
comment from the distinguished character aud
talent Of Its leader, DR. Felix Adler. THIS young
man, not yet thirty Is the son OF somewhat
famous Jewish rabbi. and upon his return from
Europe. where he had pursued his studies IN
tne German universities. he was unanimously
called To the position which bis father had held
with honor In the synagogue for many years, At
a salary of $500 per annum his father, In the
mean time. Tor long and faithful service, for
which he had grown too old to be- retired upon
But his frst sermons did not suit the strict in
depreciation Of the Jewish theology, and II was
intlmatcd TO him that ne must either proa,G,h
scfuplcs were. however, res pscted and approved
by a MIR. Ellneer. wealthy banker and "a jew,
VINO created n professorshtp OF Hebrew and
.nscfit IN Cornell University, ON condition
that he should be invited to tlll the chair But
there was difficulty about this-l do not know
precisely Of what kind-and the dOctOrts In New
York preaching every sunday In hall near For
ty.second street, the most serious. the most
thoughtful. the most practical OF sermons.
Already about three hundred persons nave
united into society, which Is to supper DR..
Adler as 1t pastor, found a school free from
sectatian and theological influence, and u hui
name society to assist IN preparation for and
proper dis tributon Of labur-not mere almseiv-
ing. he following extract, which CONSTITUTED
the closing u rlgraph of his inaugural dis
course. VIII give an idea Of his charm OF style {:
" But 1t l. not only the duties. tut also the
beauties Of hfc that we would more fully know
ana appreciate. We do not share the gloomy
view Of those who are forever peerLe into the
curtaineu secrets OF the grave and mold tins lie
to be a wor HESS thins. For us the clover blows
and the violet springs foru the summer brooks
murinur their marvellous melodies. aud the
eternal hills raise their solemn testimony for us
the peace Of the woodland, and the eaping
laughter OF the fall for us the glamour OF moon
HIGHT, and OF the still starr that melt Into the
dazzling days and. greater than these for us the
sweet accents Of tenderness, the Thrill OF SYM
pathy, the ecstasy OF truth. the sacred, sacred
pift OF 1--we. Life Is Grand everywhere II You
possess II granuly, and read its meanings with a
| trustful heaft.
In days long past, the ancient Germans. seek
| ing prophetic messages of the future were wont
| to 20 forth ON tranquil nights into the rpened
| harvest ana listen to tine wind int sighed and
sang Ia the Cotniie.as: in its voice they heifu
| the words of DESTINY. So do We stand to- day
| amid tht herv,st OF the ages, anu listen to the
voice that bears US ti0ings OF what the Tor future
shall bring voice % an endless promise. voice Of
an iuuuiie hope. What Is mat II tell, or Ofnew
springs, friends. aud fairer narNests. ana baDiy
! nupuler .peis. the redpcrs Tor whom TO SON Is
IL Try ana reward"