The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1905-10-20

~ ./AX drank in the old
T } familiar scene. b.
(I% continued, enrhu-
~iD sia~stically: And
It wa right here. in this hollow rock.
that | made my bed. Ny, how good
that hard rock seemed. after the hot.
weary journey Of the day"
And is this where God met you
and talked with you?" asked Rachel.
soberIy, looking about her with quick.
entng Interest, How sacred IS this
place she exclaimed. feryidly after
a thoughtful pause, and then added. as
she placed her hand lovingly within
his own; Tell me the story of thy
vision again"
AS | did years ago when we watered
thy fathers sheep at the well?" he
asked, with a smile. and as the food
of tender memories swept over him he
drew her close to his side and told
again the story of the night spent
there so long before.
They had that day reached the
memorable spot. and having pitched
their tents on the grassy slopes to one
side, and as the sun had set and the
cool and quiet Of the evening hour
gave them rest from their labors, ia
cob and Rachel had walked out to-
gether, and, drawn by an Irresistible
Impulse, Jacob had sought out the
place where nearly 80 years before he
had Passed the night alone. Memory
was quiCkened by each familiar object.
and with glowing heart and thrilling
voice he rehearsed each detail of that
nights experience, while Rachel lis.
tened with breathless interest. A new
realization and appreciation of
God stirred her heart. The old super
stittous dread was gone, and in its
place thore glowed a love and desire
Known or felt Before, Looking up with
the light of the new faith shining in
her eyes, she exclaimed, fervidly:
"Oh, Jacob, how glad | am that 7
left the images behind. | wonder now
at the struggle which it cost to give
them up, but oh, how much more God
has given in their place"
Yea, have found it so, too, my
love"
HIS wife's words struck a responsive
chord in his OWL heart, for there had
swept over him like a food the mem
DRY OF how, through the years as he
mad given up his W will and purpose
n desires, God had given him mora
and more of His presence and bless.
ing, They were enjoying a common
experience, and 1t drew their hearts
together In a new and deeper bond of
sympathy.
AS have heard you speak Of tbe
God Of Abraham, and the God of Isaac
and OF thy God" she continued. earn
estiy, Il have thought of Him as only
belonging to them and to thee, but
now can say that the God of Abra-
ham and of Isaac and of Jacob is my
God, and | am so happy"
Jacob leaned over and tenderlv
kissed her upturned face, and his arm
which encircled her waist pressed her
more closely to him, but in that sacred
moment he spoke not a word. They
understood. Heart spoke to heart in
It's W expressive language, which
needs no Interpretation and knows no
lack.
My love" Jacob said, at last, half
playfully, 'wouldest thou linger here
all night, thinking to see the vision of
the ladder and the angels?"
Nay" she said, softly. as they
turned and walked slowly towards
their tents;s there has been vision of
God in my heart this night, which is
Surely the house of God hath
been filled with His presence"
YEA" responded Jacob as the dark
outlines of the tents came into view
and the hum of voices and the bleat.
and lowing of the sheep and cat.
tie broke upon their ears, and let
US share with the rest the blessing
which we have received. Tomorrow
will build an altar to our God, and
sacrifices for all the people.
Thus shall Bethel be for all most
.ruly the house of God, and the gate
II Heaven
The next morning, as Jacob was
Gathering the stones with the helm of
lis sons for the building Of the altar.
10 told them the story of his r;s;a,