begun, no man can tell when or hoiv it shall terminate. Hence he was desirous of promoting peace between the herdmen, and more especially between himself and Lot. The con- sideration of the relation subsisting between himself and Lot, rendered the idea of contention still more hateful in his eyes ; " Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen ; for we be brethren." How amiable was this spirit, how engaging was this address ! and how happy would the world be, if all were thus studious to prevent contention, and to " keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ! "]
2. Condescending —
[Abram, as standing in the superior relation of an Uncle, and as being the person peculiarly called of God, while Lot was only a Nephew and an attendant, might well have claimed the deference and submission that were due to him. But, in- stead of arrogating to himself any authority or asserting his own rights, he was ready to act the part of an inferior ; rightly judging, that condescension is the truest honour, and that to be the servant of all is to imitate most nearly the character of our blessed Lordc. Accordingly the proposal came from him, that, since circumstances imperiously required a separation, they should separate in a manner that became their holy profession. How many angry disputes, and bitter quarrels, and bloody wars might be avoided, if the contending parties, instead of proudly requiring the first advances from each other, would strive who should be foremost in making proposals for peace !]
3. Generous —
[Common justice required that the partition of land should be such as to secure to Abram equal advantages with Lot. But Abram waved his rights, and cheerfully conceded to his Nephew whatever portion he chose to take. Though he could not but know that there was a great difference between the lands on either side of him, the one being far more fertile and better watered than the other, he desired Lot to occupy which- ever he preferred, and to leave the other to him. What a noble, disinterested, generous mind did this manifest ! Would to God that such an indifference about carnal interests were more prevalent in the world, and especially among the pro- fessors of religion ! This would shew a becoming deadness to the world : it would give an evidence, that our hearts were set on things above, and not on tilings below : it would illustrate, more strongly and convincingly than ten thousand words, the efficacy of faith, and the excellence of true religion.]
c Matt. xx. 26—28.