Notable Women of Olden Time | Page 5

and waiting, Abraham takes
possession of the land which God had given to him and to his seed. He
asks, however, but a small portion,--a tomb, a place for his dead,--and a
more beautiful description of a scene of mutual deference, of regard for
rights and respect for character and position, was never penned than
that which records the negotiation between the bereaved patriarch and
the children of Heth. With the touch of magic, the whole scene is
before us. The bereaved patriarch, courteous in grief, bowing in the
presence of the sons of Heth,--the deep respect, the kindly sympathy,

manifested by those who, strangers to his religion, felt the claims of his
character,--mingled with that deep awe which the visitation of death
ever inspires.
The last scene was now over, and Sarah has first taken possession of
that home to which she was to be followed by her husband and their
descendants. One by one they take their places by her
side,--unwelcomed, unquestioned,--
"Where none have saluted and none have replied,"--
and yet where all are gathered at last. We see her not as a sister or a
daughter. She is not known to us in the house of her father. Sarah is
only presented to us as the wife of Abraham. And as a wife the apostle
has held her up to her own sex as a model and example. "Even as Sarah
obeyed her husband, calling him lord,"--exclaims the apostle, exhorting
the wife to due deference. The deep, fervent affection of the heart led to
that outward manifestation of honour so beautiful and becoming; and as
the only love which can be enduring is that which is founded on respect,
so it is the highest happiness of the wife to be able truly to honour him
whom she is bound to love and obey.
When the heads of a household are thus united in warm affection and
mutual respect, the influence will pervade the whole circle, and the
family of Abraham presented a beautiful picture of such a household.
The numerous members composing a large family were governed by
one who provided for their sustenance, led them forth for the defence of
rights, or the redress of injuries, or the rescue of the captive; and who
officiated as the priest as well as ruler of his household. In such a
community, the character of the head would be impressed upon the
whole people; and it was with obvious meaning that Jehovah exclaimed,
"I know him that he will command his household after him." It was by
example that admonition was made availing. And the wife was ever
ready, with her ardent and trusting love, to aid and co-operate.
Hastening, when he welcomed the stranger, to prepare the feast, she
was ever ready to receive his guests and add her efforts to his
hospitality.

Hatred, strife, and mutual alienation so often cloud over the unison of
wedded life, and cause its sun to set in darkness, that few spectacles can
be presented more beautiful or more delightful than the old age of
wedded life, soothed by true affection and mutual kindness. It is more
touching than the glow of youthful passion. It proclaims the presence of
high moral worth. It is never found in the habitations of the unholy.
The love which thus survives the glow of youth, which bears the storms
and the trials of life, must be founded on truth, on unimpassioned
esteem, on approved integrity; and those alone who love God
supremely, love each other unselfishly.
While Sarah honoured her husband, she too was treated with proper
deference. Her counsels were ever heeded, her voice had its due
influence, and he still deferred to her wishes. It is beautiful to note the
increasing estimation in which she is held. Sarai, "the mistress,"
betokened her station as the head of a household; and as years brought
honours, and an enlarged sphere of duty, and a more elevated position
among the people around them, Sarai was changed into Sarah--my lady.
Her husband, in addressing the former Sarai as Sarah, "my lady,"
gracefully returned the honour she bestowed when she called him
"lord." By such manifestation of mutual respect and love, the chain of
family affection is kept bright.
As the household of Abraham was the household of faith, ordained as
the model for all ages, it is well to analyze the elements which
composed it, and to trace their combined influence. There was the
conjugal union of the true worshippers of Jehovah, animated by the
same hopes, governed by the same principles, whose hearts were united
in the strong bonds of natural affection. There was the confiding,
unfailing affection, the deep, reverential respect, and due obedience of
the wife. There was the tender love, protecting care, the unwavering
faith,