The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1885-03-05

We like to study the life of Jacob, with
its temptations and inconsistencies, be-
cause it affords an excellent illustration
of the human side of Gods creatures-of
the frailties, as well as some of the good
qualities of mankind. Jacob has many
cOunterparts, and parallels to-day. He
seemed to have a desire for living a life
which would find favor with the Al
mighty Father, but at the first tempta-
tion-especially if it was matter affect
ing his own personal interest, there was
very great probability that all his
good resolution would be scattered to the
winds. 1t seems that he had one distinc-
lively human quality, which is a matter
of frequent observation among men to-
day-he did not forget his wrong-doings.
He had that silent monitor, conscience,
within him, and when he wronged man,
he remembered it, and trembled over it,
as surely as he boasted over it, in the
most vainglorious manner, when he did
man good turn. TO use homely express
sion. He never was entirely successful
in trying to blot out his wrongs toward
his brother Esau, and as he was now ap-
preaching the land of his kindred, he had
some misgivings as to how he might be
received.
After constructing the heap and max
ing the covenant with his father-in-law,
Laban, he had the latter remain over
night at Mt. Gilead. In the morning they
had a general kissing-match all around,
and Laban took his way homeward again.
This pursuit by Laban was ludicrous all
the way through. He knew that his
daughters and their husband were gone,
yet he pursues them until he catches
them, to find out whether they are really
gone. Now he goes back to the land of
Padan-aram, and Jacob turns his atten-
tion toward the land of SER. He desired
to know, If possible. just how his brother
Esau would receive him-for there stood
before Jacobs vision yet that phantom
goat, with the word "venison" written
upon it-and. human-like. thinking that
it might be best to impress his brother
with sense of the Importance of the Wis
itor who was approaching, he sent mes
Sengers on before to assure ESau that
Jacob was returning with his family, and
a considerable store of worldly goods, and
a considerable number of servants. These
messengers returned with the startling
statement that Esau was approaching,
and with him four hundred men. This
caused great fear in the heart of Jacob,
and led him to divide his band into two,
so that, in case Esau came in an unfriend-
ly spirit. one band might get away, at the
sacrifice of the other.
Then Jacob. knowing himself perfectly,
was in a measure distrustful of God, and
took particular pains to call the attention
of the Divine Father to His promise to
deal well with Jacob in case the latter
should return to the land of his fathers.
Deliver me. I pray Thee, from the hand
of my brother, from the hand of Esau,"
he prayed. Yet he was not willing to risk
any lack of effort on his own part, and
therefore hit upon a plan of impressing
Esau with his Importance, and at the
same time appealing to his cupidity. He
divided his fiocks and herds and sent one
ahead of the other along the route, each
driver to assure Esau, when meeting him.
that there were more behind, thus crea-
ting the idea of an almost endless array
of wealth. Esau was to be assured that
all this vast wealth was sent as present
to him.
A certain farmer was annoyed by
breachy animal belonging to neighbor.
Various methods had been tried to pre-
vent further depredations from the trou-
blesome animal, and at the same time
keep within the bounds of Christian for
titude. But the animal tempted the good
man beyond all human endurance, and at
last desperate measures had to be resorted
to. One Sunday morning the good man
arose earlier than usual, and there was
the animal tearing away at a fine lot of
growing corn. That was the moment
when human endurance stretched to its
utmost tepsion-and snapped Rushing
into the house the good man seized an old
musket which he had previously loaded
with slugs and buckshot for the occasion.
He rushed out, and the animal rushed off.
But the old gun was turned loose and the
thief was riddled. After some days the
animal died, and the two brethren-Who
| were members of the same church-en-
gagged in lawsuit, which was finally
compromised, and with tears of brotherly
affection they cemented the covenant of
eternal peace and friendship. All was
forgiven and forgotten (D II was beau
tiful picture to see these brothers in the
church thus overcome, by the power of
the Spirit, the little mortal weaknesses
that arise to the surface of the spring of
life and embitter its waters. Not. of
course in their own strength did they ac-
complish this, but through their faith,
springing from their innate piety.
Time went on, and the two old friends
lived happily side by side-not even line
fence arising as cause for quarreling. A