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Abraham Ever Displayed Unselfish Courtesy, November
10
Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from
me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if
thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
Genesis 13:9
.
Abraham’s household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those
who were led by his teachings to worship the true God found a home in
his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as
would prepare them to be representatives of the faith. Abraham’s affection
for his children and his household led him to guard their religious faith, to
impart to them a knowledge of the divine statutes, as the most precious
legacy he could transmit to them, and through them to the world. All were
taught that they were under the rule of the God of heaven. There was
to be no oppression on the part of parents, and no disobedience on the
part of children. God’s law had appointed to each his duties, and only in
obedience could any secure happiness and prosperity.
His own example, the silent influence of his daily life, was a constant
lesson. The unswerving integrity, the benevolence and unselfish courtesy
which had won the admiration of kings, were displayed in the home. There
was a fragrance about the life, a nobility and loveliness of character, which
revealed to all that he was connected with heaven. He did not neglect the
soul of the humblest servant. In his household there was not one law for
the master, and one for the servant; a royal way for the rich, and another
for the poor. All were treated with justice and compassion
He was a man of faith, who always followed principles of the strictest
integrity. In all his business transactions he was courteous and honorable.
His life was controlled by Christian politeness, and he placed the service
of the Lord before all else. He would not swerve a hair’s breadth from
pure, Christian principles
It is in the power of every one to practise true Christlike courtesy
[322]
23
Manuscript 22, 1904
.
24
Letter 203, 1903
.
25
Manuscript 19, 1892
.
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