Chapter III

Summary

In the same beautiful country whence, nearly seventy years previous, the son of Terah had been called by the divine command, still dwelt the children of his brother, Nahor. Contrary to the long period of childlessness which had been the portion of Abraham, eight sons were born unto Nahor. And when tidings of his family again reached the patriarch, just after the offered sacrifice of his son, he heard that his brother was also a grandfather—Bethuel, one of his sons, having married, and possessing sons and one fair daughter. The many wanderings of Abraham, the distance to which he had removed, and the almost impossibility of obtaining reciprocal intelligence, had, of course, prevented family intercourse. Yet, by the notice taken of Abraham's having unexpectedly received intelligence of his kindred, and also by the momentous events recorded in the xxiv. chapter, it is evident that both Abraham and Nahor retained a vivid recollection of, and continued affection towards, each other—an affecting illustration of the doctrine we so earnestly uphold—that Holy Writ never fails to inculcate—alike by precept, character and narrative—the ascendancy, necessity, and beauty of the natural affections. Though elected to know and serve the Lord, and to promulgate the knowledge of the true religion throughout the world, still, no forgetfulness, no contempt of the less favored of his father's house actuated Abraham.