ABRAHAM.
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By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.—Hebrews, xi. 8, 9, 10.
Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.—Romans, iv. 3.
Him God the Most High, vouchsafed To call by vision, from his father’s house, His kindred, and false gods, into a land Which he did show him, and from him did raise A mighty nation; and upon him shower His benedictions so, that in his seed All nations shall be blest; he straight obeyed, Not knowing to what land, yet firm believed: He left his gods, his friends, and native soil, Ur of Chaldea, passing now the ford To Haran; after him a cumbrous train Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude, Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth To God, who called him, in a land unknown. Milton.
Like Abraham ascending up the hill To sacrifice, his servants left below, That he might act the great Commander’s will Without impeach to his obedient blow: Even so the soul, remote from earthly things, Should mount salvation’s shelter,—mercy’s wings. Robert Southwell.
Though round him numerous tribes, Sworn foes to Heaven’s dread Ruler, pitch their tents, No wayward doubts or coward fears appal The Patriarch’s soul. By the bright hope sustained, That in his seed all nations should be blest, Calm and unmoved the delegated seer Submissive bends to the Eternal Will. Samuel Hayes.