his mother had commanded him to do: for we are all (says he)
brethren one to another; but our mother esteems an alliance with
your family more than she does one with the families of the
country; so I look upon yourself and God to be the supporters of
my travels, and think myself safe in my present circumstances."

7. Now Laban promised to treat him with great humanity, both on
account of his ancestors, and particularly for the sake of his
mother, towards whom, he said, he would show his kindness, even
though she were absent, by taking care of him; for he assured him
he would make him the head shepherd of his flock, and give him
authority sufficient for that purpose; and when he should have a
mind to return to his parents, he would send him back with
presents, and this in as honorable a manner as the nearness of
their relation should require. This Jacob heard gladly; and said
he would willingly, and with pleasure, undergo any sort of pains
while he tarried with him, but desired Rachel to wife, as the
reward of those pains, who was not only on other accounts
esteemed by him, but also because she was the means of his coming
to him; for he said he was forced by the love of the damsel to
make this proposal. Laban was well pleased with this agreement,
and consented to give the damsel to him, as not desirous to meet
with any better son-in-law; and said he would do this, if he
would stay with him some time, for he was not willing to send his
daughter to be among the Canaanites, for he repented of the
alliance he had made already by marrying his sister there. And
when Jacob had given his consent to this, he agreed to stay seven
years; for so many years he had resolved to serve his
father-in-law, that, having given a specimen of his virtue, it
might be better known what sort of a man he was. And Jacob,