Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-12
SERMON on FOOLISH QUESTIONS.
DIR. CnIisch Delivers an Impressive
Discourse on This Theme.

Rabbi f ~ Calisch spoke last night
at Beth Ahaba Synagogue on the sub
ject Of Foolish Questions" taking his
text from Job ". Z.
He began by saying that among the
important evidences of a religious NOR
bidity that seem to be attendant upon
the close OF tho century is the number
OF foolish questions that are counte-
nanced and discussed. questions that
involve the very sustaining pillars OF
our moral and social fabric. II was only
the 'hn de steele spirit that could give
birth 10 such silly queries as. for ex-
ample rs Marriage FailureY" rs
Suicide a Crine2" "Is Life Worth
Living?" and the like.
Discussion i'm the abstract Is valuable.
That which cannot bear analysis is not
worthy Of existence. The necessity for
the discussion of these themes is an evil
dence Of the weakness. not of the themes,
but Of our moral appecception.
The speaker then said that he would
not permit himself to touch on the ques-
tin. 'Ts Marriage a Failure?' The sub
jcct Is too sacred. The very question
is blasphemy. only a diminished sense
Of honor and Of chastity could render
its discussion possible.
Not so very long ago the arch apostle
Of unbelief gave out his letter. in which
he said that suicide was not crime,
and that under certain conditions self
destruction is justifiable.
Touching upon the increase Of suicide
the speaker said. What does IT mean|'
The ordinary verdict OF a coroner's jury,
of Temporary alteration cannot be ac-
cepted: IT is the easy makeshift of either
disinterested parties who do not want
to have too much trouble. or OF interest
ed friends who wish 10 condone the act.
In his sixth commandment the son OF
Amram laid down the Injunction. "Thou
shalt not kilir II IS there in all the
majesty Of unapproachable simplicity;
not a word too much, not syllable TOO
little. There are no excuses, no pallia-
tions. no weakening conditions. 1t in
cludes all and excludes none. II applies
TO thyself as to thy neighbor. Thou
shalt not kill" either others or thyset'
at once or gradually. Life Is duty
and responsibility trust and an
obligation.
The speaker then touched upon the
question whats the use?' in whose
brief span. he said. was the quintessence
OF pessimism. whats the use OF strus-
cling" cries one. conditions are so
hard" whats the use trying 10 De
honest7" cries the merchant "all others
are dishonest" "Wbars the use trying
IN be pure?" says the young man, tine
current Of passion is so strong"
There IS great use. struggle Is the
law of life. and each struggle leaves
US stronger than before, each tempta-
ton overcome gives us greater power
over the next What's the use strug-
Cling to be honest. and pure. and truth
ful? Because honor and purity ana
truth are the everlasting conditions OF
existence. because the neXus or human
brotherhood is so strong ana so iheNtrI-
cahle that each individual life is part
of the life of humanity. and that hu-
manitv is bettered or made worse by
each unit, and he is a coward who would
shirk his part of common burden Inc
speaker closed with powerful plea lor
moral courage and righteousness.