XXIII.
Abraham and Loth lived in these dwellings and had1890
abundance of prosperity, ruled over their heritage, until
they could not enjoy plenty together any longer in that
land and keep the possessions of both there, but the
worthy warriors had to seek broader seats elsewhere.1895
There were often dissensions among the followers of the
steadfast heroes, quarrels among the herdsmen. Then
the blessed Abraham, mindful of their honor, began to
speak fairly to Loth:1900
"I am thy father's born brother, thou art my nephew;
quarrels shall not wax great between us, nor anger
grow: may God forbid that! But we are blood-re-
lations: between us shall nothing be except, most fit-1905
tingly, long-enduring love. Now bethink thee, Loth,
that about our borders dwell mighty men, powerful
peoples with lords and vassals, the Cananite and Feretite
nations, with energetic warriors: their landed property1910
will not make any more room for us. Therefore shall
we remove our differences from this place and seek
broader dwelling-places for ourselves: I speak what is
best for us both, son of Aron, a true saying. I leave1915
the choice to thee, dear friend. Ponder with thyself
and consider in thy heart in which direction thou wilt
take thy departure, go forth with thy herds: now I have
yielded thee the choice!"
Then Loth left him to seek land by the Iordan, fertile1920
country: it was refreshed with waters and enriched with
fruits, bright with rivers, and like to the earthly par-
adise of God, until God the Saviour because of men's1925
sins gave Sodoma and Gomorra to destruction, to the
dark flames. So the son of Aron chose his dwelling-
place there, a settlement in the city of Sodoma, and
brought[24] thither all his possessions, rings and private1930
property from Bethlem, goods, and wrought gold. For
many years thereafter he dwelt by the Iordan: fair
dwelling-places were there, but vicious men also, hateful
to the Lord. The people of Sodoma were bold in sin,1935
shameful in their deeds: they brought upon themselves
eternal woe. Loth would never adopt the customs of
the country, but he always eschewed the habits of this
people, [their] evil and sin, even though he had to live1940
in their land, and kept himself pure, virtuous, and pa-
tient, even in this nation, just as if—mindful of [his
Lord's] teaching—he did not know what these people
were doing.
Abraham dwelt by the habitations of the Cananites:1945
the King of the Angels, Lord of mankind, held him under
his protection, with abundance of good things and
worldly treasures, love and joy; therefore the races of1950
men, children of baptism, sing his praise widely under
the clouds. Pious and prudent, he freely obeyed the
Lord in his land as long as he enjoyed the heritage:
never need a defenceless human being ever become in
any way a terrified and fearful man before the Lord,1955
if he will always, until his departure from life, thank
Him heedfully in speech and in heart, by word and deed,
with wise mind after every favor.[25]