Let us cleave then to His blessing, and consider what are the means [124] of possessing it. Let us think [125] over the things which have taken place from the beginning. For what reason was our father Abraham blessed? was it not because he wrought righteousness and truth through faith? [126] Isaac, with perfect confidence, as if knowing what was to happen, [127] cheerfully yielded himself as a sacrifice. [128] Jacob, through reason [129] of his brother, went forth with humility from his own land, and came to Laban and served him; and there was given to him the sceptre of the twelve tribes of Israel.

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Footnotes:

[124] Literally, "what are the ways of His blessing."

[125] Literally, "unroll."

[126] Comp. James 2:21.

[127] Some translate, "knowing what was to come."

[128] Genesis 22.p>[129] So Jacobson: Wotton reads, "fleeing from his brother."