ceived, and bore two sons, called Esau and Jacob.-xxv. 21-26.

What may we learn by God's dealings with the elect in all ages?

That they are ever brought into circumstances which require their waiting on God by prayer and supplication, for those blessings God has promised.

What do we learn of Jacob and Esau ?

They were as unlike each other as Ishmael and Isaac were: Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field, and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.-xxv. 27.

What did Jacob show by his dwelling in tents?

That he was an heir with Isaac and Abraham of the same promise and looked to a city which hath foundations.-Heb. xi. 9, 10.

In what other respects was the contrast between Esau and Jacob shown?

Esau despised his birthright, but Jacob earnestly sought after and obtained it.

How was this shown?

By Esau's selling his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage-xxv. 29-34.

What warning does the Apostle give us in speaking of Esau ?

"Look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God-lest there be any profane person, like Esau, who for one morsal of meat sold his birthright."-Heb. xii. 15.

On what occasion do we hear that the Lord appeared to Isaac?

At the time of the famine after Abraham's death, when he told him not to go to Egypt, and he renewed to him all the promises he had given his father, saying, in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.-Gen. xxvi. 2-5.

Where did Isaac go?

To Gerar.

What proof had he in Gerar of the Lord's watchful care over him?

He sowed in the land and received one hundred fold, for the Lord blessed him, and he grew till he was very great.-xxvi. 12.

What was the consequence?

The Philistines envied him, and the king said, "Go from us: for thou art mightier than we," and he went to the valley.-14, 16, 17.

What did Isaac do in the valley of Gerar? He dug again the wells Abraham had dug and which the Philistines had stopped with earth.-18.

What may this action remind us of?

Of the labour the faithful now have in removing the rubbish by which the enemies of God's truth have sought to conceal the springs of life opened to us in the Gospel.

What other troubles had he?

When his servants dug for themselves living or springing water, the people quarrelled with his herdmen for the wells of water they had dug, so that Isaac called the first well, " contention," and the second well, " strife."20, 21.

What have those to bear who find for themselves the waters of life?

The contention and hatred of a world who know not God.

How did Isaac act when the people contended with him and hated him?

He removed from one place to another. What command did Jesus give his disciples when they were employed in his service?

He said, when they persecute you in one city flee to another, and it is said, "the servant of God must not strive."

Where did Isaac go at last?

To Beersheba, the place where Abraham lived and which had before been so often consecrated by the Lord's presence.

What happened the very night of his arrival?

The Lord appeared unto him, and said, "Fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and will multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake."

What did Isaac in this favoured place?

He builded an altar and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there; and his servants digged a well.

Who came to him at Beersheba ?

Abimelech and Phichol who before had hated him and sent him away.

What answer did they give when asked a reason for the change in their conduct?

They said, "We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee; and we said, Let there be an oath between us and thee."

Did Isaac treat them as they had served him?

No. He "swear unto them, and sent them away in peace," and called the well which his servants had dug, Beersheba, or "the well of the oath."

What directions about the treatment of their enemies does Jesus give his people?

He says, "Love your enemies, do good to them who hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you."

How did Esau cause "grief of heart" to Isaac and Rebekah?

By marrying two wives, each the daughter of an Hittite.

Did he ever regret his folly in selling his birthright?

Yes. When he found that the blessing Isaac meant to give him as first-born was given to Jacob, he cried with " an exceeding bitter cry," and entreated his father's blessing.-xxvii.

Was Isaac able to give him the blessing he gave to Jacob?

No. Though he loved him greatly, he