The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1932-05-05

ESAU SELLS HIS BIRTHRlGHT
Temperance Lesson.)

Temperance Lesson.)
LESSON TEKT-Genesis 25:27-34.
GOLDEN TEXT-And every man
that striveth for the mastery is tenn
perate in all things. Now they do 1t to
obtain a corruptible crown; but we an
1ncorruptible.
PRIMARY ToPIc-A Trade Between
Brothers.
Costly Dinner.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-Controlling Our Appetites.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-Indulgence or Self-Control?
After years of married life, Isaac
and Rebekah had no children to glad
den their hearts, for Rebekah was
barren. In response to Isaac's en-
treaty twins were born whose names
were Esau and Jacob. The Lord re-
vealed to Rebekah that the elder
should serve the younger. The COM
mon law among the Israelites was that
the elder should have the place Of pre-
eminence.
!. Boys with Difference ". 2O.
Esau and Jacob were in decided con-
trast. They differed in appearance
and disposition. Every child born into
the world possesses a peculiar bent
which we call individuality" back of
which is personality. No two are ex-
actly alike, even twins, as Esau and
Jacob. The wise parent, the wide
awake teacher, the educator seek dill
gently to discover this individuality in
every child and to give it direction ac-
cording to the laws of the individual
being.
/. Esau was "a cunning hunter"
man of the field. He was energetic
and of roaming disposition, impul-
sive, and self-indulgent. He lacked
foresight and was under the sway of
appetite.
2. Jacob was "a plain man dwelling
in tents" He was home boy, choos-
ing to look after the flocks and herds
and other affairs at home. He was
not, however, negative character,
for he showed great capacity for affec-
ton and administration.
n. Parental Favoritism ". 2S).
/. Isaac loved Esau because he did
eat of his venison. He ought to have
loved him because he was his son. 1t
is a sad commentary upon a father
that his love for his son had such
a sordid basis as that of his appetite.
Isaac, however, is like many today
whose love is secured through such an
appeal.
2. Rebekah loved Jacob. We are not
told why she loved Jacob. Naturally,
his being much at home would cause a
peculiar love to spring up between
him and his mother. Perhaps it was
because of his being of similar dis
position. Both Jacob and his mother
displayed unusual traits of cunning.
Cleverness is the bond which strongly
binds together many people.
III. A Birthright Sold wv. 29-34).
1. Esau's profanity (Heb. - :16, ~.
He sold his birthright for bowl of
pottage. The birthright was the right
Of being at the head of the patriarchal
family, a position of honor and influ-
ence. as well as being the inheritor of
a double portion Of the fathers es-
tate.
Esau came from hunting, physically
exhausted. In this moment of distress
he thought only Of that which prom
ised immediate satisfaction. He was
willing to relinquish all claim upon the
future if only his present desire could
be gratified. A profane person is one
who for the enjoyment Of the present
will forfeit all claim upon the future
He would gladly gain both worlds, but
seeing that mess of pottage, he let go
Of the future for the enjoyment of the
present. Swearing is profanity, but
not of the most common variety. To
be under the sway Of appetite is to be
profane. What profanity about us!
For a moments sinful pleasure men
and women are throwing away inno-
cence, happiness, and their souls
eternally. This is most serious, for
their acts are irrevocable.
2. Jacobs cunning. It was right
that Jacob should have the birthright
for 1t was according to Gods plan
which had been announced ". 23), but
his scheme to get it is to be con-
demned. He took advantage Of his
brothers weakness to drive a sharp
bargain. The same thing is prac-
ticed when under the force of necessity
unlawful interest is exacted or prop
erty is bought under price because one
is obliged to sell. To get rich at the
expense Of another is to practice
Jacobs sin. Modern competitive bust
ness methods to decided extent are
of this type. Let each one ask him
self, SIS my name jacob" The end
never justifies the means. God said,
"The older shall serve the younger"
It was his plan that Jacob should be
at the head Of the family, and God was
able to bring about his own plans.