Cautions & Counsels; Addressed to the Young

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866. Excerpt: ... This chapter is intended especially for those of you who do or may sustain the relation of masters, mistresses, or servants. By servants I do not mean household servants merely, but all those who are in the service or employment of others. The character of La Ban is not without some excellencies. His kind reception of Jacob when he fled from the face of Esau is worthy of commendation. Although Jacob was a stranger to him, he did not yield to uncharitable suspicions, as if he apprehended deception; nor did he assume such suspicions as an excuse for refusing the rights of hospitality; but, crediting the account which Jacob gave of himself, he generously bade him welcome. The conduct of Laban on this occasion instructs you to show kindness, if See Gen. xxix.--xxxi. able, to your relations in times of affliction and perplexity. During the ensuing month after his arrival, Jacob, although as yet but a guest, was not an idler, but served his uncle so efficiently that he found it his interest to retain him. Laban, therefore, makes the following proposal to Jacob; fair, honourable, just: -- Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou serve me for nought? Tell me, what shall thy wages be? Up to this point there seems nothing to censure in word or deed, either in the uncle or nephew. The contract made was that Jacob should serve Laban seven years for Kachel. To this long apprenticeship he agreed with ready cheerfulness for the love he bare to her. At the end of that period, urged on to it, apparently, by a grasping covetousness, Laban broke his contract, and had recourse to a plan by which he retained Jacob yet seven other years. Principle once violated, such a repetition of dishonourable acts followed, as to give occasion for Jacob's cutting complaint, twic...