Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-10-27


IL was right here, in this hollow rock,
that | made my bed. My, 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,
soberly looking about her with quick
ening interest. How sacred is this
place" she exclaimed, fervidly, after
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 flood
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 10 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
s.t
realization and appreciation OF
God stirred her heart The old super
stitious dread was gone, and in its
place there glowed a love and desire
for the true God which she had not
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
left the images behind. | wonder now
az the struggle which II 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 own heart for there had
swept over him like food the mem
DRY of how. through the years as he
had given up his own will and purpose
and desires. God had given him more
and more of His presence and bless
ing. They were enjoying a common
experience. and it drew their hearts
together in new and deeper bond of
sympathy.
''As I have heard you speak of the
God of Abraham. and rhe God of Isaac
and of thy God she continued. earn
estly. II 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 Ioaned over and tenderly
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 word They
understood. Heart spoke 10 hear; IN
its own expressive language. which.
needs no Interpretation and knows no
lack.
my love, Jacob said. at last. hall
playfully. "wouldest thou lirger 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: there has been vision OF
God in my heart this night. which H.
better 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
ing and lowing OF the sheep and cat
tie broke upon their ears, "and LEI
us share with the rest the blessing
which we have received. Tomorrow
we will build an altar to our God. and
offer sacrifices for all the people
| Thus shall Bethel be for all mos
truly the house of God. and the gat,
| of Heaven"
The next morning. as Jacob wa!
gathering the stones with the help o
his sons for the building of the altar
he told them the story of his vision
there and of Gods word to him.
And this stone" he explained. al
they placed IL on top of the rude pile
lis the one on which | rested my heaG
that night and which I set as a me
mortal. pledging God that IL He woul,
be with me. and keep me. and Civ
me bread to eat and raiment to put on
and bring me again to this place II
peace. that He should be my God