The New York herald., 1878-10-14
STANDARD HALL.


TRUE DurIEs-PRorEssoR ADLEn's LECTURE
TO THE SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE.
Standard Hall was crowded yesterday mornin ing 70
overnowing by highly intellectual congregation, -
listen the opening discourse of tho season by Pro-
lessor Adler. The pulpit was profusely decorated
with plants and flowers and the lecturer looked
his very best Alter the Introductory by tho choir
Professor Adler began by recounting his experience
the Pacific coast and hts observatons OF nature.
he said: 1t is gratifying to observe signs Of pcrma.
nency In our undertaking. We are longer q
temporary phase OF development, as was
nrst believed. Tho society begun to
build institutions, and already it's main work
must be sought beyond the limits OF this hail. IL
organized relief works Tor the establishment OF law
among the poor. Il sceks to mako infancy happy in
order that maturity may be cheerful Our free kim
dorgarteu, Notwithstanding It's spacious accommoda-
tions, 10 insufficient 10 meet tho demands madc upon
It The society mas identified itself with tho OF
those struggling classes who are seeking to win oi
themselves anu their posterity moro fortunate and
honorable position II extends to them its ympathy
ana aids them as lar as lios 10 IT'S power More than
this, tho society has establis shed an ethical
school, ana thus shaken OIL tho cowardi'e mat
cause 4, the school the thrceiold aim IL 70 sharpen
tho moral judgm 70 strengthen the Nora memory
and TO kindlc moral enthusiasm The religions Of tbs
past utilized their moral aspects. Eacn great
religious system stands for some aspect Of tho moral
In others The Hebrew religion presents the majesty
OF tue law OF duiy; BUDDHISM, sympathy; CHRIST.
the principal varieties according their Subdivisions
anu groups, arc admitted Ia the higher classes rhs
pupils OF The school arc expec cd 10 graduate into the
society aud form in time real ethical union
rho society has been attacked freely because men
the contrary ~ seeks 10 preserve and kindle anew
TheOovelty oil the socoty's work consists In It's
Mentioned III. 'r angry rsdiesi,sm Of n. p,onoers
represented BY such men a. keimarus, ia Germany,
and and Ihsmss Payne, ~ @ England .s ana ,n. Ameriss
BlDle." Ths second type Of radlcalism has
been termed rauonaiism. Their cry Was, "Reason
and the Bioc." Tho third type is 'Materialism." !"
This dogma Is that OF nesation. rho fourth type ia
"EcecticIsm," which rc,sius at least the skeleton
leaves OF tho old Christian doctrnc As opposed TO
all these wo raso our banner, on which Is inscribed,
''No dogma;' not mo dogma OF affirmation; not tho
dogma oil negation. Tho creed shall be lott to tho
promptings OF private judgments We unto on tho
basis Of tnat moral IN men which may curtly be
.ouR RgLIGioyn
Our religion Is not only TO do the good but to strive
for the OF the better The good winch
~ rsaiizcd under tue existing systems not SUN.
ccut good. The vensration OF our codes OF conduct
the oil our plon Of dutyth,, "a inc
pith and core Of Effort. The wstchword OF our
society Is True duties" Ii that be rretsion then
we are irrsilgous; II mat be atheism. inen wc arc
atheists tAp.ause.l We have duty TO perform
toward those who have come out from the cnurcnes.
Morality ana crccd have so long been idonined tnai
the ofmer IS IN danger OF suffering with the Latter
We snail erect fe station the shore OF this
OF rciigious doubt TO bring those who havo
moral safety We have duty also toward those
VINO have iined withn tho pale oil existing insti-
tutons TO aid them In preserving their mDrali y.
Prosperity Is by It's very nature immoral. Toe
marches themselves Will exttavagance aud
increase boscling age instead OF ab ttng
cnurehes waste tho material surplus o soci-
c,y on barren pomp The churches waste tho intel.
lectuai surplus OF society. Great toll; few
only bo apart TO lead tho intellect uai s
How many OF tnssc does tho Church abssrb for hor
purposes, aud how many OF those whom she has
taken really compensate society Tor the OK.
pensc lavishod upon thier training2 How many
VINO do not make themselves bar to progrcssf
Churches should teacn honesty, at least; bat too
often they encourage the reverse. Men openly con
less that convictions are sacrificed TO worldly inter-
css, aud that religion with Them means mere social
form. That Is tae true Diasphcmy. We extend tho
hand fellowship TO those witntu pale OF xstiBg
institutions who are eager for some nlg better and
want 10 wiiii1giy labor with them a gcnu
De reform. We ask that those no are tru " liberal
put on the attitude oil indifference stano not ike
Spectators Watching the gadiators the arena but
AID themselves IN the npnt or wnat the dearest
and most loyal treasure of the human souI--non.
esty.
Inc lecturer concluded by stating tnat tho kinder
garton in Forty-iourtn street, Ninth avenue 10
now open. aud no moro scholars can bc taken also
Thai similar Institution been located at the
ner Of avenue v aAd Fourtn street. t@