112
Patriarchs and Prophets
His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously
guarded and enjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion cannot be
thus held, for such a spirit is contrary to the principles of the gospel.
While Christ is dwelling in the heart it is impossible to conceal the
light of His presence, or for that light to grow dim. On the contrary, it
will grow brighter and brighter as day by day the mists of selfishness
and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by the bright beams of the
Sun of Righteousness.
The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He
intends that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world.
Scattered all over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they
are God’s witnesses, the channels through which He will communicate
to an unbelieving world the knowledge of His will and the wonders of
His grace. It is His plan that all who are partakers of the great salvation
shall be missionaries for Him. The piety of the Christian constitutes
the standard by which worldlings judge the gospel. Trials patiently
borne, blessings gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy, and
love, habitually exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the character
before the world, revealing the contrast with the darkness that comes
of the selfishness of the natural heart.
Rich in faith, noble in generosity, unfaltering in obedience, and
humble in the simplicity of his pilgrim life, Abraham was also wise
in diplomacy and brave and skillful in war. Notwithstanding he was
known as the teacher of a new religion, three royal brothers, rulers of
the Amorite plains in which he dwelt, manifested their friendship by
inviting him to enter into an alliance with them for greater security;
for the country was filled with violence and oppression. An occasion
soon arose for him to avail himself of this alliance.
Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, had invaded Canaan fourteen years
before, and made it tributary to him. Several of the princes now
revolted, and the Elamite king, with four allies, again marched into the
country to reduce them to submission. Five kings of Canaan joined
their forces and met the invaders in the vale of Siddim, but only to be
completely overthrown. A large part of the army was cut to pieces,
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and those who escaped fled for safety to the mountains. The victors
plundered the cities of the plain and departed with rich spoil and many
captives, among whom were Lot and his family.