ship were always
among their first acts when they settled in a new place. There are
some evidences that they observed the Sabbath of rest. Abraham gave a
tithe to Melchizedek and Jacob promised God to do the same if he would
bless him. God communed with them and gave them knowledge of his will
and especially promised them great future blessing, through a
deliverer that would come through the line of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
and Judah.

The Book of Job. There has been a general belief that the incidents
recorded in the book of Job belong to this period or even to an
earlier time. There is no mention of the bondage in Egypt nor of any
of the early Hebrew patriarchs. The Sabeans and Chaldeans were Job's
neighbor! and he lived "in the east" where the first settlements of
mankind were made. The social religious and family life as portrayed
in this book correspond to those of this period. There was art and
invention; there was understanding of astronomy and mining; there was
a fine family affection and evidences of social kindness and
benevolence; there was high development of commerce and government;
there was both the true and false or idolatrous worship. This book
should be read following the outline given in the author's "The Bible
Book by Book."

Lessons of the Period. It would be difficult to point out all the
splendid lessons brought forward by these narratives but the following
are among the more important ones. (1) God guides to a noble destiny
all those who will be guided by him. (2) God reveals himself to all
those who seek a revelation, no matter in what place or land, if only
they are in the path of duty, (3) Unselfish service always brings a
blessed reward. (4) God's blessing and guidance are not confined to
Israel but are extended to other nations also. (5) A noble ambition,
courage, unselfishness and childlike faith in God's leadership make
men valuable to others in every age and walk of life. (6) A man or
nation without spiritual ideal and bent on physical enjoyment will
soon become degenerate as did Esau. (7) Even a fugitive, fleeing from
his own crimes, is followed by the divine love and in his saddest
moments and amidst his most discouraging surrounding circumstances is
given glorious revelations. (8) In the divine providence our
misfortunes of life often develop our nobler impulses of heart. (9)
Unjust adversity cannot destroy a man of faith and integrity of
character, if only he manifest a cheerful and h