Genesis 13:8

II.. PATRIARCH'S GREATNESS OF SOUL.

8. Let there be no strife,. pray thee, between thee and me.

Had Abraham been less noble and magnanimous, there was an excellent opportunity for. bloody conflict and. permanent alienation between the two families; the strife had already begun; the rude herdsmen were ready to assert the interests of their masters by weapons; but Abraham instantly takes the initiative to maintain the peace. His example is worthy of imitation by all men of peace in every age. If all would exhibit the same spirit quarrels would cease. "The father of the faithful appealed to Lot in language that might well extend beyond the strife of herdsmen and shepherds, to the strife of pastors and teachers in many. church and nation."-- Stanley. He who is the superior, who has the right, has the promises and the advantages every way, can well afford to take the initiative in securing peace. The earnest importunity of Abraham is remarkable.

For we be brethren.

Abraham was Lot's kinsman; they were both Chaldeans in. strange land. They were not only of the same blood and family, but of the same religion. Even the fact that they were brothers, in the sense of nationality, was. strong motive to friendship in. strange country, occupied by unscrupulous tribes, and it was. still higher reason that they were religious brethren. Would that all Christians would see in the fact that "they were brethren". prohibition of strife!