which, if fed, or nourished by heavenly instruction, could be made serviceable in acquiring higher degrees both of purity and wisdom; and that part of the flock of Laban, described as speckled and spotted cattle, Jacob separated from the rest and took for his hire. He took every one that had some white in it. (ver. 35.) Now as the good natural affections—innocent and gentle—are the flock of Laban, so by the speckled and spotted are denoted such affections somewhat mixed and mingled with what is evil and false. Speckled and spotted, denoting quality, arise from the two opposite colours of black and white; black, in Scripture, denoting what is false from evil, and white, truth from goodness: thus, what is speckled or marked with black and white points, is the good wherewith evil is mixed; and spotted, truth, somewhat mingled with what is false. These were taken under the care of Jacob, the Patriarch, to be improved and increased. Those that receive nourishment and instruction in heavenly things, become strong, and are Jacob's; but those that do not receive, remain weak and feeble; "so the feeble were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's." (ver. 42.)
It would indeed be well for every man to examine his own heart—to inspect his affections, motives, and desires; for probably he may find a few speckled and spotted among his own flock. Let these be given up to the care of Jacob, the Patriarch, and teacher of truth from the Lord, so shall the flock, under Jacob, mightily increase. Laban also shall be blessed; the church of God in the soul of man shall be possessed of truth, and the Lord's heritage shall no longer be as a "speckled bird." (Jer. xii. 9.)
