We don't excuse Laban's dishonesty, but we will not hesitate to learn from the custom he quoted as his excuse. There are some things which must be taken in order—if we would win the second, we must secure the first. The second may be more lovely in our eyes, but the rule of the heavenly country must stand: the elder must be married first.

For instance, many desire the beautiful and well-favored Rachel of joy and peace in believing, but they must first be wedded to the tender-eyed Leah of repentance. Everyone falls in love with happiness! Many would cheerfully serve twice seven years to enjoy it. But according to the rule of the Lord's kingdom, the Leah of real holiness must be beloved of our soul before the Rachel of true happiness can be attained.

Heaven stands not first but second, and only by persevering to the end can we win a portion in it. The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn. We must follow our Lord in his humiliation, or we shall never rest with him in glory.

My soul, what say you? Are you so vain as to hope to break through heaven's rule? Do you hope for reward without labor, or honor without toil? Dismiss the idle expectation! Be content to take the ill-favored things for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which will recompense you for all.

In such a spirit, laboring and suffering, you will find bitter things grow sweet, and hard things easy. Like Jacob, your years of service will seem unto you but a few days for the love you have to Jesus. And when the dear hour of the wedding feast shall come, all your toils shall be as though they had never been—an hour with Jesus will make up for ages of pain and labor.

Jesus, to win yourself so fair, Your cross I will with gladness bear: Since so the rules of heaven ordain, The first I'll wed the next to gain.