The New York herald., 1878-12-15
THIRTYFVURTH STREET SYNAGOGUE

The USES OF ADVERSITY-SERMON By REV.
HENRY s. JACOBS.
Rev. Henry s. Jacobs preached yesterday in the
Thirty fourth Street Synagogue 1.-The Uses Of Ad-
versity." The topic suggested by the Scripture
lesson Of the day. containing chapter in the life Of
the Patriarch Jacob. The text was selected from
Psalm lxxxiv. 7-"Passng through the valley Of
weeping they changed it into q spring"
The reverend gentleman reminded his hearers that
the troubled and complex conditions of human life
are facts which force themselves on the reflective
mind and afford food for suggestive thought. Mis-
fortunes, he said, incidents in experience
and necessary consequences of the imperfection Of
earthly happiness Yet they have their in
structive agents on the moral constitution OF the
world. They tend to purify and benefit the char
and give strength. and they point to something
nobler and better than what earth calls happiness by
bidding look upward and beyond even while pass
ing throu ugh the valley of weeping
MANLY RELIGION.
Another Of the uses OF adversely is found in the
promotion of manly religion; not casting ourselves
down helplessly and desparingly under the bur-
den % Moreover. pass even amid tears; DO
deavor to convert them into beneficial instructions.
Our tears thus can become wellspring OF JOY IL
view our caiamites IN religious spirit and recognize
them often sent to try character aud principles
BELE-ExAMINArION.
Adversely should also prompt determination.
What we call trouble might often more legtimSteiy
be considered rs the logical result Of own acts
We too little scan our conduct when misfortunes as
sail. and in them requitsl of misdeeds but
are prone to exonerate ourselves from all RESPONSE
blity, and. to say to throw the blame Provi-
dence. Would to heaven we could be taught by the
hand OF tribulaton. Of its beneficial uses to
recognize our impe. ,ections. and how.
Within ourselves the danger lies, yet lies
Within our powr!
Then. indeed would we convert the arid desert Of
into blooming garden OF hope, fertilized by
the gushing spring OF truth. even pass through
the valley of weeping.
LESSONS LIFE jacob.
The preacher illustrated his remarks by ample refer
the life Of Jacob. which taught these lessons
in all their bearings. They should impress to-
day. said he, in profitable and practical manner not
page of half remembered and little needed history,
but . living instruction of endless value. The
life Of Jacob. with its troubles and perplexties:
with its suggestions of divine guidance and yet Of
divine justice; with its mingled lights and shsuows,
sunshine and storm are profitable topics Of rehec-
ton, applicable to present circumstances in all
their force for undoubtedly true s the assertion of
ancient teachers, "What happened to the patri-
srchs foretokens to their children" Use.
then, the sad incidents of your lives to
promote religious ends. Let them invite you to
consider that while they prompt confidence in God
and reliance His goodness and protection, they
also remind that energy and activity. not passive
rcstlessness and endurance. taught by religion.
In all adversities efforts ut self help.
vigorous endeavors TO rise out OF the slough Of
despond. evidences OF religious character. SO
manifest your principles and your faith, and while
you know and believe that happy is the man whose
strong confidence IL in the Lord, yet rouse your
selves TO the performance OF your human duties aud
while you pass through the valley of weeping change
IL into wellspring OF Joy BY your quickened ener
gies and hopeful efforts.