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ISAAC.

Born Anno Mundi 2109, died 2289.

THE private and sequestered life is often more irr structive and amiable than that which is passed upon the crowded theatre of the world. If we follow the good man into his retirement, and observe his conduct narrowly, we shall find much to admire and love, though the view may not afford many incidents to excite our wonder or to gratify an inquisitive curiosity. The records of Scripture present us with characters of both kinds, the public and the busy, the private and secluded; all, however, fulfilling the wise ordination of Providence, and all holding out to us the example of a virtuous and godly life, ending in an honourable death and a blessed immortality.

In the memoir of Abraham we have seen a great variety of interesting circumstances, and have viewed the great patriarch in a number of trying situations. The life of Isaac was less diversified; for he happily inherited from his father a large estate, and having the advantage of a pious education, sat down in the quiet possession of it without feeling the necessity or inclination of wandering about to increase his wealth, to seek for pleasure, or to obtain a more beautiful residence.

At his birth great joy took possession of the hearts of his parents, for he was the child of long expectation, therefore the name of ISAAC was given him, which signifies LAUGHTER OF GLADNESS.

In his youth he suffered much from the evil disposition of his brother Ishmael, who probably envied Isaac as the heir of Abraham. The historian says that the son of Hagar 66 mocked Isaac." And St. Paul explains the matter thus, "He that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the spirit." Gal. iv. 29. This accounts for the aspe

rity of Sarah, and the demand which she made to Abraham, "Cast out the bond-woman and her son, for the son of the bond-woman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." That there was something peculiarly provoking and offensive in the conduct of Ishmael is evident; otherwise Abraham, whose tenderness and generosity were so conspicuous on all occasions, would hardly have banished him and his mother in a time of festivity.

The most prominent circumstance in the life of Isaac was the scene on Mount Moriah, where Abraham, obedient to the will of heaven, was about to sacrifice him for a burnt-offering; and where Isaac, without murmuring, yielded himself as a victim to be slain upon the altar. The particulars of that event have been already related, and therefore we shall forbear to add any thing upon it in this place, except to express our admiration of the meekness of Isaac. How beautifully does he represent the Redeemer of the world, who, obedient to the will of his heavenly Father, bore the cruel mockings of his brethren the Jews ; heard, without a murmur, the sen tence of death, carried his cross to Mount Calvary, and there endured the most agonizing pain and suffering, being offered a sacrifice for our salvation!

Isaac lived, after his deliverance, a domestic life with his affectionate parents, being their joy and comfort in the decline of life, by the sweetness of his temper and the sincerity of his religion.

The attentions of such a son must have been delightfully gratifying to his aged mother; and her dying pillow was softened by the gentle hand of Isaac, who mourned over her remains with sincere affection.

This last duty being performed, and the time of mourning expired, Abraham considered it necessary to provide a wife for his son. The good father had no thought of a splendid alliance, but was anxious to obtain a daughter-in-law from a family which feared GOD; and Isaac, like a dutiful son, left the management of this important concern to the prudence of his father.

Abraham, having weighed the matter fully, called for the steward of his household and sent him to Mesopotamia to seek a wife for Isaac from among the children of his brother Nahor.

The faithful servant went as he was commanded, and, on his arrival at the place of destination, he stopped at a well, that his camels might drink; and, while he rested there, he offered up a prayer to "the GOD of his master Abraham, that he might have good speed that day." How diffusive is the influence of a good and gracious example! A pious master makes religion respected in his household, and often brings his domestics to know and love what they would otherwise be ignorant of and despise. This steward of the patriarch had a most tender concern for the welfare of his master; and he showed that he had this at heart, not by an ostentatious display of service, but by a solicitous regard to promote his wishes, and by praying to GOD for success upon the commission with which he was entrusted. Praying masters will frequently make praying servants, and upon such families a Divine blessing will descend.

The God of Abraham attended to the request of the pious steward, and the damsel allotted for Isaac came to the very spot where the camels rested. Though the daughter of a man of wealth and rank, she was not above domestic concerns. Rebekah, the niece of Abraham, and a person of eminent distinction, was seen "bearing a pitcher upon her shoulder," which she filled at the well. The circumstance is instructive, and shows that, in the primitive ages, nothing was accounted mean which was useful. To draw and carry water may now appear servile, and unbecoming a female of high birth and expectations; but she who can descend to any necessary employment in a family, will be esteemed the more by the liberal and discerning. From this picture of primitive simplicity, the fair sex are instructed to attend

minutely and actively to all the concerns of family

economy.

The diligence and humility of Rebekah were not more amiable than her courtesy and affability. Abraham's servant requested a draught of water from her pitcher; and Rebekah, with true politeness, said, "Drink, my lord, and she hasted to let down. her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him to drink." Not content with gratifying this request, the damsel, in a spirit of true benevolence, attended to the wants of the poor camels also, and "she hasted and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well and drew water for all the camels."

The sacred writer observes, that "the man wondered at her;" and well he might. The winning grace of such behaviour could not but affect any human heart with love and admiration. Condescension and kindness in persons of distinction, will always have this effect upon persons in lower stations; and if those who move in the more elevated circles would but consider how endearing they make themselves by gentle manners and pleasant demeanour, it would be their chief ambition to win a praise so easily obtained.

The stranger, charmed with the behaviour of Rebekah, felt a wish that she might prove a branch of his master's family; and when he found that she was, he "bowed his head and worshipped the Lord. And he said, Blessed be the Lord GoD of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren."

It is delightful to see a man acknowledging the Lord in all his ways, seeking his direction in the outset, and blessing him for the issue. The conduct of this servant deserves to be admired and imitated by every one who believes in the superintending care of Divine providence. Eliezer takes no step without prayer, and he receives no favour without praise.

Rebekah, on hearing the language of the stranger, ran to inform her family that a messenger from her uncle was at the well. Her brother Laban immediately hastened out, and said, "Come in thou blessed of the Lord; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house and room for the camels."

After the cattle were taken care of, refreshment was placed before the steward; but he, who had the interest of his master at heart before his own convenience, would not eat till he had discharged his mission. How does the character of the good man rise in our esteem by every new circumstance! He loved his master, because he knew and loved his master's GOD. Religion made him a faithful and affectionate servant; and Abraham, knowing his value, placed an entire confidence in him.

The family of Rebekah received the overture with willingness, but they exercised no authority over her inclinations. They called the damsel, and "said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go." The free and artless reply of Rebekah comported with the manners of that age of simplicity, and is not to be judged after the customs of modern time, when the heart is taught to conceal its natural sentiments under an artificial guise.

Eliezer was impatient to report the success he had experienced to his venerable lord, and, therefore, resisted all the importunity of Rebekah's family to arry with them for a little time. Finding him fixed in his determination, and having nothing to allege against the motive of it, they dismissed their fair relative with a blessing: "Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them !"

Let us now turn our eye towards the tents of the patriarch in Canaan.

Isaac, we are told, "went out to meditate, or to pray in the field at even-tide." This devotional disposition formed a leading feature in the good man's character. The circumstance here noted, though

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