people without interfering with the ordinary course of nature, simply directing them in the exercise of sense and intellig·ence; and doubtless Jacob recognised in his lighting on the Haran well a first instalment of that celestial guidance he had been lately promised. Saints should practise the art of discerning the movement of God's finger in the minutest and commonest events of life. 2. The friendly conversation. Saluting the shepherds as his brethren, i. e. as masters of a common craft, Jacc:b gathers from their frank communications that he was on the outskirts of Baran, in which bis uncle Laban was a prosperous and wealthy citizen, and that hie cousin Rachel was on the road to that very well beside which he stood with a flock of her father's sheep. Great is the virtue of asking questions, especially when they are prefaced with politeness. Seldom anything is lost, but frequently much is_ gained, by courteous inquiries. 3. The prudent counsel. Observing his friends disposed to indolence, and perhaps desirous of meeting Rachel alone, Jacob recommends them to uncover the well, water their flocks, and drive them off again to pasture, since much of the day yet remained. If it was their advantage he sought, his advice was good; if it was his own interest he served, the stratagem was ingenious. God's people should be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves, . II. JACOB's FIRST SIGHT OF RACHEL. 1. The gallant action. The lovely shep- herdess arriving made a deep impression on her cousin's heart. Springing to bis feet, he rolls the stone from the well's mouth, fills the troughs, and waters Laban's sheep-impelled thereto, shall we say, as much by consideration for the fair girl who attended them as for the rich flock-master who possessed them. Kindly acts proceeding from loving hearts are sometimes largely assisted by the attractions of their recipients. 2. The lO'IJing salutation. "And Jacob kissed Rachel." If before explaining who he was, it must have taken her by surprise even in those unconven- tional times; but it is probable he may have first announced his name, in which case bis behaviour was only in accordance with the manners of the -age. Suitable ex- pressions of affection to friends beseem both grace and nature; 3. The irrepressible emotion. "And Jacob lifted up his voice and wept "-expressive both ·of joy at finding his relatives, and of gmtitude for God's goodness in guiding him to the house of his mother's brother. Unexpected good and eminent providences kindle trans- ports of delight in gracious souls. 4. The important communication. "Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's eon: and she ran and told her father." Friends, and much more Christians, meeting on life's journey, should with frankness discover themselves to each other, and give each other hearty welcome. III. JAcoB's INTRODUCTION TO LADAN. 1. The uncle's reception of his nepltew, "Laban ran to meet his sister's son, and embraced him, .and kissed him, and broug·ht him to bis house." Kinship and kindness should ever be allied. Laban's hospitality to Jacob was grounded on the fact of their relationship. So is Christ'li entertain- ment of his people based upon the circumstance that they are" members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." 2. The nephew's return to ltis uncle. Ingenuous confidence-" Jacob told Laban ,all these things"-and faithful service. I! isimpl_ied in ver. 15 that during the month Jacob abode with La~an he s_erved m k~epmg Laban's sheep. God's people should endeavour as far as m them hes to reqmte the kindnesses of relatives and friends.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ch. Df.ll. -Jacob among his 'DWther'a ki,ndred. Taught by experience to be patient. His own craft reflected in Le.ban. Lessons to be learned. , I. THE CONNECTION DETWEEN THE TEACHING OJI' GOD IN THE INNER MAN AND ms LEADINGS IN PIJ0VIDENCE. Jacob learned what he needed to learn-dependence, self- humiliation. Saw the evil of selfishness; understood that the Divine purposes must not be identified in our thought with our personal feelings and desires. We must wait on God to know what his will is. II. TnE INDEPENDENCE OF GoD's Gil.ACE. The chosen instruments not chosen for tl1cir own sake. Often that which displeases us is our special help. Le~h, not ch?een by Jacob, bore him sons. Rachel, whom he loved, was barren, Eveti ·n auch rrnxed OH, XXlX. ll>---30.] THE BOOK 01'' GENESIS. 35!)
eoi,l as tl1ese. characters the se~d of ~ivine !ife will grow. Leah gave names to her children which betokened an mcreo.smg faith. Jacob's willingness to serve was a gracious victory over self, preparing him for higher tLings. Thwarted man is taught to wait upon God. III. PRAOTICAL LESSONS ON THE RELATIONS OF THE SEXES AND MARRIED LIFE &c. The misei:Y of all that interferes with the sanctity of affection and its supre~acy. The pertarnty that lack of candour and truthfulness will be fruitful in evil results. The importance of right feeling in sustaining religious character· how difficuit where the refo.tion~hip is not founded on affe_ction, ~o maintain truth, purity, and ~ lofty standard of life. We must try to see d1sappomtments from a higher point of view. God may withhold what we desire, but only to give afterwards a fuller blessing.-R.