ABRAHAM_JOHN_THOMAS

Books on the life of the great patriarch abound; yet, as a life can be seen from many angles, it is always interesting to discover what are the main lines around which each human being revolves. A good method of study is to consider the first and last informations we have of the individual. When we meet Abraham he is a pilgrim, half way between his native home and Canaan; and we hear the command that he should depart from his country and people and go to a land the Lord would show him. When we take leave of the patriarch we read that he was gathered unto his people. The master-thought which gives us light in the events of that rich life is: From a land and a people, to another land and another people. The events between the beginning and the end are dominated by this goal: A continuous going towards a new city and a new company. We will not follow any tradition but only the brief scriptural records. If we have acquired some experience in humanity and in our own heart, we may, by God's help, fill the gaps which are in the letter and which are left purposely in order to exercise the mind of the believers in understanding God's people and the works of Providence in their respect. When we read of the failures-at times quite grievous-of God's heroes, we are tempted to say: "If that step had not been taken"; or, "If that word had not been said"; etc. We are mistaken. God's chosen ones needed those mistakes in order to be kept humbled and to never forget that they had to depend on the continuous assistance of the One who had called them. With these considerations we enter our subject, relying on God's special Grace for wisdom and understanding. May these pages be an encouragement to all honest seekers after the Truth.