should fall into a similar error, that his own conduct had given offence, he took, in addition to his Canaanitish wives, a daughter of Ishmael, the son of Abraham, who, he supposed, as being of the kindred of God's chosen family, would be more agreeable to his parents-the children of Ishmael not having as yet, it may be presumed, forsaken the worship of Jehovah.

105

SERVITUDE, MARRIAGES, AND RETURN OF JACOB.

JACOB, departing from Beer-sheba, bent his steps across the mountainous wilderness leading towards Haran. It was a long and lonely journey. The country was thinly peopled; and what population there was, was gathered into cities and towns remote from each other, and situated in places selected rather for the natural strength of their position, as places of defence, than for their convenience. A system of rapine, even at that early period, had become established among the tribes inhabiting Palestine" the land flowing with milk and honey, and abounding in corn and wine, and food for cattle." The rich valleys were uncultivated, or, if turned to account at all, it was as pasture for sheep, of which, however, the native inhabitants-a warlike race-had few. The uplands, though overgrown with the wild vine and the olive, the pomegranate, the pear, the almond, and the date, were left to fructify at random. The plains, from want of shade and of reviving moisture, were arid and barren; yet, where an occasional spring bubbled up, the natural wealth of the land revealed

itself in the spontaneous growth of the richest flowers, the most luxuriant grass, and the most fruitful and pleasant trees and shrubs. The surpassing beauty of the land, and its capacity for producing all that might afford gratification to man, was everywhere visible. Cultivation alone was absent. Notwithstanding its solitude, therefore, it was a goodly country to look upon, more especially to him who now traversed it, with the knowledge that it was to be his heritage for innumerable generations.

In the course of his journey, Jacob was overtaken by night, which in the East falls suddenly, without an intermediate twilight or gloaming, in a place where no town, village, or shepherd's hut could be found. He was compelled, therefore, to tarry all night, with the broad sky for his only covering. In that climate, however, except in the most inclement seasons, the genial warmth and blandness of the atmosphere, render the earth no unpleasant resting-place; so Jacob, though fearing it may be some indefinite lurking evil, was fain to take one of the stones which were scattered about for his pillow, and lay down there to rest.

And, lo! in the night there appeared to him a glorious vision, dispelling all fear and loneliness from his heart, and inspiring him as a prophet, with holy fervour and confidence. A ladder seemed placed upon the earth, the top of which was hid in