The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-05-19
RECONCILIATION AND PEACE.
A Sermon Delivered BY Rev. James z.
Gutheim at Temple Sinai.
Genesis GfNtt.; I'll.

The scenes and 1nCidenLS described In IiE5e
words are full Of interest and instruction.
JACOB AND EsAU WERE ENEMIES.
Who of the two was to blame? Who kindIed
the flame OF discord which ragged SO fiercely
between the two brothers, which destroyed
the sweet peace and happiness OF the patri-
archal tent? With the record before US the
conclusion is inevitable that neither was free
OF blame. Esau had alienated the affee-
tions OF his mother by his wild life and reck-
less conduct, and, instead OF endeavoring to
adjust the difficulty by friendly remon-
strance, had threatened to kill his brother
when the opportune moment should arrive
Jacob, on the other hand, had too eagerly
taken advantage Of his brothers weakness,
by which he gained the birthright, and too
readily yielded to his mothers advice, by
which he secured the paternaI blessing, as
not to draw upon himself the just indignation
of his injured brother. The prudence and
coneiliatory spirit which he now displayed at
the first meeting with his brother he might
have evinced twenty years before, and all the
trials and hardships to which he was sub
jected would have been avoided and the dis
ruption OF the patriarch's family prevented
Both brothers, therefore, were equally at
fault In fomenting and sustaining the frater-
mai feud.
Il
mirror OF real life. The intelligent, Impartial
observer OF passing events cannot fail to
notice that the quarrels and dlssenslons
which ALLEVIATE man from man, brother from
brother, which rend asunder the tenderest
family ties, spring from precisely the same or
similar causes, and are perpetuated under
similar conditions. Some interest is at stake,
and the claim OF innocence and wrong
sustained by the one party to the feud Is
met by a similar claim ON the part OF the
nd n hino claims which are
obstinate1y aud angrily insisted upon, prevent
a speedy com promise, a restoration OF the
former friendly relations. By degrees the
misunderstanding, which might have been
hatred, rankles for years in the hearts OF
those who might otherwise live u
harmony and peace, and becomes a
prolific source of unhappiness and trou-
bIe How easy 1t would be to arrive
at a satisfactory solution Of any incip-
lent difficulty, If, instead OF making charges
and counter charges, the parties to the pend
ing dispute would earnestly examine their
oWa course OF action and see whether one
side was not as much to blame as the other,
whether the aggrieved, In reality or inag1na-
ton, was not also In some way the aggressof
HOW MUCH ANIMosTTY AND BITTERNESS
of feeling would be avoided if people were not
carried away by selflshness and passion. but
be guided by reason, fairness and love: i
the adversaries, relying on the Inherent good
ness OF human nature, we're to regard and
treat each othersWith confidence, and not with
that dlstfust and suspicion Iby which every
step Is Inisconstrued and the opponent set
down as a worse man than he really is. This
action OF the brothers in the case before us
may be cited in illustration.
Esau, on hearing OF his brothers approach
no doubt argued thus. Jacob returns with
host of servants. He is aware OF my hostility
and of the designs had expressed regarding
his life. It was the fear OF my wrath ant
vengeance that drove him away. He now re
turns with a numerous retinue. Cunning ant
avaricious as / know him to be, he will fal
upon me unawares, OyerpoWer ftte and selz
my possessions. Let me meet him, therefore
with an armed force and be ready for th'
combat. Jacob does not leave US In doubt con
cerning his sentiments on that memorable
occasion. He regards his brothers move
| ments with fear and distrust. why shoule
he go forth to meet me with so large forct
unless it be to attack me-" Deliver me, 6
God" he prays, from the hand OF m5
brother, lest he come aIfd slay me, ana 81
that belong to meg And acting upon tnls
supeosition he prepares for every emergency
| But the sequel proved that the, brotheEs
were mistaken; that they mlsludgedt taca
| other. Esau was better than JACOB peneyeu
| him to be, and Jacob better than E5au Cav
him credit for. At their meeting Lne ~ mlisun Jun
derstanding was com pletely aspe a
| the affectionate fraternaI relation ie-essao
| lshed. 4a+a,,;.- .nf
/ Nothing Is more calculated 10 lhetAsliy ane
| proong animosities than the
DTsTEUsT AND SUSPICION
| with which adversaries are apt to regard eacf
! other. Every movement made, every WoIt @
enoken ooeTt by % the one appears IL hostile ligh
and every rs osk Il tortassd sts1 ns' bs
taken possession OF the heart; when IauLaa
! dIatrrst dd and suspicion widen the breach which
asT aenarates a r brother from brother. How can
reepnneiiiation be effected If every intercourse
Is avoided if the malicious reports q 9thftoa y
lns,a nnnartun1ty is afforded for an amieable ad
nps inpafment, a friendly explanation Il the On
1ragards the other in no other light but tina
/ of an avoWed enemy, who persfstently nurse
his hatred and Is bent upon mischief. AT To
meeting OF Esau and JACOB veil IS throw