The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-12-11

can usually foretell what the man will
be from characteristics distinctly
manifested in his childhood or early
years. But this leaves out Of the ac-
count the molding influence Of ma
turer years, the often inevitable re-
suits of environment and the develop
ment Of principle VIII use root and even
bud might pass unnoticed and disa-
greeable traits that in early life were
prominent and perhaps dominating.
We have fine illustration Of this in
the patriarch Jacob.
SPOILED FROM rOYHOOD.
There was evidently the making of
q man in the boy Jacob, yet instead
of rightly directing Lis growth and
energies, his handsome, but unwise
mother, very nearly ruined him, which
was not materially different result
from what may sometimes be received
in modern families.
Jacob was Rebekah s favoritc. The
reason is not far to seek. She had
only two sons. Esau having no liking
for home life. doubtless voted his
mother weakling, because his sturdy
nature found satisfaction in pursuits
foreign to her tastes and habits.
Quite as evidently she never was
drawn to con6dc in him. Esau was
lover Of outdoor spor.s, in which he
excelled. From the gentler home as
sooiations he had steadily leaned away
since childhood. Neither did he re-
gard the preferences of father or moth
er in his personal companionships,
marrying twice distinctly contrary to
the wishes Of his parents, well know
ing that his course would bring pain
to both. But Esau had discovered
the soft side of Isaac and catered to
it. being rewarded in turn by his
father. And it is not in evidence
that Isaac felt any especial RESPONSE
bility for tde direction and con-
troll of either Of his sous, influencing
them less than he was Influenced by
them.
Jacob, on the contrary, hovered
about tie home. No longer q young
man, he was yet obedient to every
whim and caprice of Rebekah. He
was "the business man of the fami-
ly, and filed doubtless with sense of
his "divine right" to succeed to the
patriarchate; first, because Of his su-
perior qualifications by nature, and,
secondly, because he had bought that
right of his reckless brother, when
the latter was apparently in great
strait. 1t is not unfair to suppose
that every step in his course was
prompted by his mother. Clearly, he
had been in large degree spoiled, and
in order to the wight development Of
his manhood, il was essential that he
should be cut loose completely from
his early environments.
A FAMILY PARTING.
Notice the managing Of Rebekah.
She has been told Of the threats Of
Esau. "Now, therefore, obey my
voice." she says to Jacob, es she ad
vises him to go to her brother, Laban,
and starry with him o few days"
until Esau shall forget his ire and
perhaps his murderous purpose.
"Then will send and fetch thee from
thence; why should I be bereaved Of
you bo,h in one dey?' 1t is mother
love, of course, but selfish through
cut.
Notice again Rebekah' 8 shrewdness.
She seeks Isaac with plant that is
sure to win him to her views. Esau is
not mentioned. 81 am weary of life
because Of the daughters Of Heth; if
Jacob take wife Of the daughters Of
Heth, such as these Of the daughters
Of the land, what good shall my life do
me?" It ia wholly "I'' and "my"
and "me." She does not seem to rise
above purely personal considerations.
Her plea prevails, and Isaac is fully
won to her purpose. Jacob is sent
away, filled with blessings and reiter-
ated promises with regard to his fu-
ture, but most solemnly charged
that he must not marry Canaanite,
but seek alliance with his mothers
kindred.
Lift the tent-fap, if you will, and
look into the women's apartment. 4
woman, fair in her maturity, is lying
upon divan, moaning and weeping.
She has dismissed her maids, for she
would be alone in her room. The
shadow Of coming events casts its pail