The New York herald., 1879-09-07

Having shared in the continual progress and
cessve chfnges o: mankind. he said Judaism to-
day shows the Same teverish restlessness our
heaver-storming age everywhere manifests. The
bold spirit of inquiry. which breaks the iron
letters of the past like cobwebs has with its
samson arm also shaken the pillars OF
the Jewish temple. We have arrived at one
of the greatest turning points of human history.
Judaism cannot remain passive. hidden. it were.
in its little snail house. Good, honest orthodoxy
with its face turned backward failed to recognize
the dawn Of the new era and. consequently was
overaken by the swelling tide of modern ideas which
undermined not only the outer walls of the
Ghetto. but also the buttresses and towers OF
medimval Judaism. Struck with fear and despair
the venerable rabies felt unable to check the grow
ing apostasy. Reformed Judaism lifted the staff OF
divine redemption the agitated waters to open
the path for tho heralis of the pure monotheistic
faith. Turning its eye away from the smoking ruins
of tho solomonic temple to the ioftier heights
embracing ideal. 1t inspired Israel with
new life and fcryor Tho reform principle
ing to the Messanc hope the for Of
the one God by united mankind as it's grand his
torica mission. in the realization Of which not only
its dispersion among all the nations, together with
its unequalled martyrdom and perseverance,. but
also Christianity and IslamisIn the two daughters
OF Judaism. proved greatly instrumental. Judaism
is destined to be the religion OF tho future.
THE RELIGION OF THE FUTURE.
Hence IT must he progressive. broad and cosmo-
politan The neglect of it's ceremonial laws and
tire rituasm only tends to bring the cardinal truths
OF Judaism into greater prominence as the corner
stone or the temple of humanity.
The Doctor contras.ed Judaism forty years ago,
when the reform movement began with Judaism
to-day. and criticised the fears of those then and
now who predicted the ultimate failure of
that movement. he called attention to the arbi-
trarness of the leaders, the diversity of opinions
that prevail the restessness of sceptcism and apos-
tasy rampant on every hand in the Jewish camp.
But DR.. kohler saw no cause for fear or alarm
long as the words of the prophet are true:-"And
this shall be my covenant with them," says God.
MY spirit which resteth on thee. and my words
which laid in thy mouth, they shall not from
thy mouth nor from the mouth of thy children and
childrcn's children from now unto all eternity"
This is the landmark, the unfailing compass of Ju
daism.
:Judaisn,." says the great Babylonisn seer "is to
testify to the existence of between heaven
and earth, between God and mankind, and Jewish
reform merely wants to renew and confirm the same.
Not the extinction but the regeneration. not the
inscribed on its banner. Judaism means harmony
between reason and faith, between earth
outer %ord rt its dscer
between the powers of good and evil light and dark
ness. evaporated like mist before Israels God.
pure monotheism. the faith in living. selfcon-
scious God Of Righteousness and love remains for all
time the vital centre and purpose of Israel. As
Israel suffered for this faith in the Dark Ages
1t has also to maintain it IN its unaoyed purity in
ages of ratonalism and scepticism."
EVER CHANGING STILL THE SAME.
Reform Judaism sharply distinguishes between
the spirit which abides and the changing form.
AS the earth changes its face while moving around
the sun. mankind. while being drawn along by
the divine magnetic centre is to changes
i'll its lite and views And religion must necessarily
participate in this perpetual change of wants
and of ideas. Still the spirit remains the ssme.
Whether nature is looked upon in the old modern
light, Gods majestic spirit must be felt in it, Let
fear of hell and torture cease and love of God will
prevail instead. Reform wants to make Judaism
appear in q modern. lovely garb, as to reflect
credit on its noble task but is far from depriving
historical institutions,
Sabbath and the holy days. the Jewish
nation itself OF Its divine holiness. It partcu-
ary bent upon maintaining the glorious inheritance
Of Israel for all coming generations All it's inno-
vations have the instruction and elevation of the
young in view But. alas these missing in
houses of worship: they do not come within reach
Of the pulpit. What is to be done to our chill
dren from moral perdtion our sacred heritage from
impending ruin? Reform Judaism alone can lead.
1t must create attractive forms Of religious
education and inspiration at home in school and in
the synagogue 1t must introduce new measures OF
instruction and elevation which shall fill the jew
isb soul with noble pride and self-consciousness,s
that with the veteran rabbi. DR.. Enhorn, they
proudly say. II am q Jew!"