The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-22
TEMPLE AHAWATH CHESED.
THE FEAST OF DEDICATION SERMON by Ell
REV DIR HUEBS(H

REV. DIR. HUEBsCH.
The Rev. Dr.. Hpebsch preached yesterday in the
Temple Ahawath Chesed Lexington avenue. taking
his text from Zechariah w., 6Not by might nor by
power, but by my spirit. says the Lord of Hosts
Onr tosinys Sabbath opens for us, said the rabbi
one OF those pages in history which can read
and over again without falling to find new
beauties and new teachings of the greatest impor-
lance. The great struggle of the Jewish nation
against the Syrian King and his hosts is of such in
tense spiritual character that it must enlist the SYM
pathies not only OF those that call this history their
own but of all enlightened and freedom-loving men,
to whatever nation creed they may belong.
It is a gratifying sight to see nation
rise and defend their sacred ideas with
unbent heroism. This struggle gains in Importance
when hear that the great idea which is the
foundation OF all civilization at stake; that mono
thcism assaulted and threatened to become
trely abolished and replaced by Greek idol worship.
Not only race. but the many millions
who have since adopted the pure belief in the one
God, must pay due homage to the memory OF those
heroes who joyfully their lfes blood in order
to the precious inheritance of their fathers the
divine truth revealed ON Sinai
HOME RULE THE ANcIENTs
When, however we look closer at the parties that
cannot fail to perceive and to adore Gods watch
ing providence that leads mankind in tho way Of per-
the weak who battles for truth. On the one
side we see the proud tyrant Antiochus, who is
not satisfied to sway over the lands and
boundess overbearing, aims also to subdue the
science to fettcr the souls OF those that under
his iron rod. On the other side people with whom
home rule religion and to whom religion
dcarer than home and life On the side of the tyrant
was all earthly might all worldly power his were
the strongholds. the military leaders, the steel
weapons the chariots and the numerous hosts;
moreover, his ranks were swelled by the many thou
ID
sock their people and its sacred cause in the time of
need. On the other side handful OF men,
unskilled in warfare, unarmed and exhausted
from continuous suppression and persecu-
ton; at the head of this little band old with
trembling hands but Arm and undaunted heart.
surrounded by sons who had inherited his heroism
and his virtues They began the unequal strife,
with the intention OF being the last sacrifice to their
religion than with the hope to win the victory for
the same.
TRIUMPH OF JUDAH
But. like an avalanche grows more and more while
it rolls this little band grew from hour to hour
until it became fearful fatal to the proud hosts OF
the blasphcnous enemy. Old Mattathias did not live
sacred banner. led the faithful combatants from vic
tory to victory, until he brought them to the courts
Greek had placed there was removed and the temple
dedicated anew TO the Most High. the eternal
rock of Israel The lamps of the golden candlest1ck
lit again. The light OF the world saved.
THE DAY THAT is CELEBRATED.
These are the facts which gave rise to our feast
of dedication They the true illustration Of
Scriptural text, mot by might nor by power but by
my spirit says the Lord This festival the only
post biblical which celebrate became q cherished
time for the Jewish household. The little lights
Of the memorial lamp which were lit during eight
days in all Jewish houses; the pous songs with their
old national melodies; the explaining words and the
kind presents which the father bestowed at such
time on the younger members of the family, made
this ceremony source OF instruction and or JOY at
the time for the growing generation, There
they learned to cherish the memory Of their
tors there they iInbibed that heroic spirit which
enabled them to Withstand the scorn OF whole
world and in spite OF all persecution, to keep faith
fully to their religion.
NECESSITY or RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.
Domestic training. paternal example, are Of the
greatest importance in matters OF faith Neither
feralism so-called modern science harm the
vigorous life of religion Neglect OF religious educa-
ton The lesson taught by the wonderful VIC
tory of the Asmon9ans is that the spiritual life of
Israel has never failing source from which IL draws
eternal existence. All prcdttica OF . speedy disso
luton false prophecies
JUAAIsM STILL LIvErH
I was said the Doctor visited this week by a
gentleman who in the name Of Of tho leading
Journals Of this city to inquire after the SAM
tary state Of Judaism. "Why." said ], Judaism is
well I found it last Sabbath all sound and
safe" "Wcll," said the gentleman. but since
last sabbath bulletin came out that Judaism
is dying. What is your opinionY' reflected short
while, then ! lied:-"well, what know il that
Judaism has made its Testament long while ago;
they call ii the Old Testament As long this Testa-
ment lives Judaism will not die. Judaism had TO
fui1 its task in the olden times, to dcthrone the
idols old heahenism. IL has TO fulfil it's task In
our time; to dcthrone all the idols OF modern heath-
ensm. 1t will accomplish this task II the whole
world were against it, for 1t battles and conquers
mot by power and not by might, but by my spirit,
says the Lord of Hosts"