The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1945-08-03

them the outworking of the plan Of
God. Our lesson presents one Of his
tory's sweetest love stories. 1t would
be worth reading just for that
reason, but it is also the account Of
Gods hand in the carrying forward
of His promised blessing on the seed
| of Abraham.
For a long time 1t seemed that
there could be no fulfillment at all,
for Sarah and Abraham had no
child. Then by a miracle, God gave
them a beloved son.
Isaac's remarkable deliverance In
the hour when it looked as though
he might be taken from his father
(Gen. 22:10-12) was like bringing
back one who was dead (Heb. n:18,
1917.
He grew into manhood, and Abra-
ham, good father and faithful ser
want of the Lord, determined that
his son must have godly wife. So
in accordance with Oriental custom
he sent a most trusted servant back
to their homeland to choose bride
from their own kindred.
The altogether charming story UNI
folds in our lesson as we see
I. A Faithful Servant ". 10Y.
Full instructions frem Abraham
and an oath that he would not
take bride for Isaac from among
the Canaanites, prepared the servant
for his journey. Taking with him a
goodly caravan and rich presents
from his master, he set out on his
journey.
There Is much to learn here about
the need of parental concern, and
their interested action in helping
young people to find the right mate.
We see the Importance Of avoiding
linked" marriages., especially
those between believer and an un-
believer.
We see the need Of constant de-
pendence on God, for only He has
the wisdom and the knowledge Of
human hearts which can properly
join two lives together. In our day
when marriage is so carelessly and
casually contracted, these mat
tiers need special emphasis.
III. A Fair Damsel wv. 1920.
To be good to look upon is GER
tainly desirable thing in wom-
an, but it has been far too much
exploited In our day. Notice that
while Rebekah was very fair, she
also had those qualities of character
and Of experience which prepared
her to be a good wife for Isaac.
She was kind and willing to serve;
not only did she offer water to the
servant of Abraham, but promptly
watered his camels. Such an atti-
tude Of heart and mind is great
asset to a woman in marriage.
She was instructed in the domestic
arts. The fact that she had come to
draw water indicated that, and her
ability to draw the water showed
that she had experienced the
duties Of woman In the household.
Here is wise counsel for the young
man who is interested in marriage,
and for his parents as they guide
him. Let him look for the girl with
the fair countenance If he will, but
let him be sure that there Is some
thing really worthwhile behind the
pretty face.
No woman, no matter how extern
sive her culture or how rich her
family, is ready for marriage until
she knows something Of the re-
sponsibilities Of family life and has
a will to do what she can for the
care and comfort of others.
III. An Honorable Proposal wv.
1886.
Abraham's trusted man, perceiv-
ing that God had led him to the one
of His choice, at once stated his err
rand. There was no trickery, no
smooth double-talk. This was a
straight-out proposal that Rebekah
come with him to be the bride Of
Isaac.
Notice that he made known his
masters financial position, and
made clear the place Rebekah
would occupy as the wife of Isaac.
That is as it should be. There is q
contractual basis for marriage
which calls for complete candor and
honest dealing.
But there was more here, for Re-
bekah ultimately responded to the
dictates of her own heart when she
said, 81 will 60" (see v. 58). It was
~. A Love Marriage wv. 61-67).
Isaac, meditating in the twilight,
presents a fine picture Of a man
spiritually ready to be a good hus-
band. He had more to offer than
riches. Let other young men follow
his example.
The tender scene of their meet
ing, and of the love which welled up
in their hearts at first sight of one
another, needs no comment.
We do need to say that unless
America gets back to real love mar
riages, our nation is destined for dis
aster. Matrimony based on physical
attraction, improper emphasis on
sex, or on convenience, will never
be able To meet the stress of mod
ern life. Love can and will do it,
especially where those who thus