The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-11-20

MS ScTSdutJ CuC clOcT VI NIB uOuSC
that ruled over all that he had" tc
obtain wife for Isaac. The steward
Eliezer evidently understood his busi-
ness and was on good terms with his
master.
Isaac certainly was old enough at
40 to choose for himself, but he was
not in haste. Probably he much pre-
ferred independence and ease rather
than the care of wife. But the
fathers will was law 1t seems evil
dent that the old Oriental theory pre-
vailed that love comes after marriage.
There was no difficulty in the way Of
Eliezer acting as IN Intermediary.
Some things were absolutely essen
tial, as Abraham viewed the situation:
Isaac must without unnecessary delay
have wife; he must not take wife
from the Canaanites; he must not go
out alone. however we'll guarded, in
search of wife, for he might make a
mess of it by stopping short Of his
princely privilege; to save the son, to
keep the line pure, to fulfill the condi
tions whereby the divine blessing
would be assured for all time, wife
must be taken from his own kindred.
Isaac must remain in the paternal
home while Eliezer is finding a wife
for him.
The time was short. Eliezer quite
naturally questioned the plan sug
gested, but was assured that God
would send his angel to make the way
clear; yet if, by any possibility, there
was failure, he himself would be ab-
solved from blame. So Eliezcr, by a
peculiar form Of oath, pledged himself
to fulfill the behest of his master.
And 80, clso, wi.hcu. mere ado, he
took ten camels. well laden for the
journey, with abundance for presents
to the prospective bride, aud departed
directly for Mesopotamia, to the city
where Laban made his abode.
1t is early evcntidc. Eliczer waits
just outside Haran, the city of the
moon god. Beside one Of its wells he
makes the camels kneel for rest; then,
facing the sunset, he communes with
Jehovah, seeking safe tesG that shall
determine future action. During his
many years Of service with Abraham
he has seen manifestations of the di-
vine guiding hand. Why now should
not he have it, for Jehovah does not
fail to respond to any honest plea?
Besides he has the promise Of angelic
help. He remembers Jehovah at this
hour as God Of my master, Abra-
ham," His test is very simple, but
it will prove indicative Of the person
and the character he is seeking.
While yet he speaks, there comes
from tho city bevy of maidens, each
bearing water jar nicely poised upon
her head or shoulders. Their laugh
ing and chattering make wholesome
music to the tired nerves Of Eliezec as
they pass on to the wells. It is but the
work Of few moments ere they are
ready to start homeward, each helping
some other to raise her jar again to
: its, wonted place.
Among them is one Every fair to
look upon" She is no hothouse
flower raised in idleness; she has
grown in the abounding air aud sun
shinu. Her drapery hides perfection
of form. She walks erect, with queen
ly dignity, her face partially covered
a. she notices the steadfast and in
quiring yet respectful gaze Of the
stranger, who moves toward her with
rapid stride and asks: Give me to
drink, I pray thee, little water from
thy pitcher" +"
With sparkling vivacity and voice
sweet and clear as silver bell, she
answers briefly: Drink, my Lordl"
Deity the jar is let down upon one
hand for service, and Eliezer' first
step in the quest is satisfied. He is
not young, and she would show fitting
reverence in manner as we'll as in
word
Her action inadvertently causes her
face to be uncovered for moment:
1t is radiant with the incompatible
beauty OF health il is winsome with
the grace Of true kindness of heart.
Eliezer is charmed with her grace of
form and manner and her sweet minis
try as she cheerily says: II will draw
for thy camels also, until they have
done drinking" 1t is apparently a
small matter with her, such as she
might do for anyone. Again and
again she goes from we'll to trough
until the tired animals are satisfied.