Mamma. He consented to stay some time longer with his father-in-law; but as he had a very large family to provide for, he could not afford to remain without making some agreement with Laban for their benefit. Laban did not shew the trust and confidence in Jacob which he had deserved by his long and active services, and was inclined to make rather a hard bargain with his son-in-law. An agreement, however, was at length made between them, by which Jacob was to keep all the white sheep and goats which were not spotted, and that Laban's servants should drive away to the distance of three days' journey all the speckled and spotted of the sheep and goats; and that from that time all the speckled and spotted sheep and goats which should come from the white and brown sheep should be the property of Jacob. This was a very fair and moderate agreement on the side of Jacob, for it was to be supposed that the young ones of the white and the brown sheep and goats would be either white or brown. But on the side of Laban, it was an agreement which shewed that he thought much more of his own interest than that of his son-in-law.

Ellen. But I hope, Mamma, some of the sheep

were speckled or spotted, that Jacob might have some benefit by remaining with Laban.

Mamma. They were almost all of them either speckled or spotted; by which it plainly appeared that God blessed Jacob, and was willing to reward him for the fidelity with which he served him and did his duty in the station in which he had been placed. Jacob was very successful indeed, and in a short time, as the Bible expresses it, he increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maid-servants, and men-servants, and camels, and asses.

Ellen. Did not Jacob then wish again to return to his own country, Mamma; and did Laban consent to let him go ?

Mamma. These questions I will answer another day, Ellen, for we have heard a great deal to-day, and I am fearful of your forgetting what you know, if you hear too much at one time.

DIALOGUE XII.

CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY OF JACOB.

Ellen. Now, Mamma, will you tell me whether Jacob returned to his father's house?

Mamma. Presently, Ellen. a few questions to ask you. how many sons Jacob had at to go?

But first I have

Can you recollect the time he wished

Ellen. The sons of Leah were Reuben, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulon.

Mamma. Which of these was to be the person in whose line was to be born the Saviour of the world?

Ellen. Judah.

Mamma. What other sons had Jacob?

Ellen. The sons of Bilhah were Dan and Naphthali, the sons of Zilpah were Gad and Asher, and Joseph was the son of Rachel.

Mamma. Which of the sheep and goats was

Jacob to have for his own share to pay him for his services to Laban?

Ellen. The speckled and spotted sheep and

goats.

Mamma. Did he have many speckled and spotted?

Ellen. Yes, a great many.

Mamma. Which shewed that Jacob was particularly blessed by God. For, in the natural course of things, the white and plain brown sheep and goats would have had their young like themselves. I am glad that you recollect so well what I say to you, and will now proceed to tell you that Jacob, on the increase of his flocks and herds, became very desirous indeed of returning into his own country and to his father's house. An additional reason for his wishing to go was that Laban, since Jacob's increase of wealth, did not behave so kindly to him as he had formerly done; but what determined him most to take his departure was, that God directed him to return to his land and to his father's house; at the 'same time promising that he would be with him and protect him in his journey.

Ellen. Was Laban willing that Jacob should go now, Mamma ?

I

Mamma, He was not willing, for he had too much regard to his own interest to think of consulting the good of others. And this should teach us to be very cautious of being selfish, as it may lead us to commit great injustice and unkindness to those connected with us.

Ellen. Did Leah and Rachel like to go with Jacob, Mamma?

Mamma. They were very willing to accompany their husband and children to Jacob's country, for their welfare and affections were now more interested in them than in those of their own father's house. They therefore prepared for their journey; and when all was ready, Jacob set his wives and his children upon camels, and packed up all his goods, and collected his flocks together, and commenced his journey towards Canaan.

Ellen. Did Jacob and his wives take leave of Laban, Mamma?

Mamma. Jacob did not venture to tell Laban of his intention of leaving him; for as he had received the directions of God to depart, nothing would shake his determination of leaving. And in all probability Laban might have endeavoured to detain him, and hence disagreement might