22 LOT TOOK HIS CHOICE.

been growing richer. It took so many tents for them all,
they were crowded too closely, their flocks were so large
there was not pasture-room, nor wells to give water to all
their cattle.
 The herdsmen quarrelled about it, and the other peo-
ple who lived in that country knew how the servants dis-
puted at the wells and in the fields. That was why
Abraham said: Let there be no strife between us." He
knew a better way than to quarrel. See how he held out
his hand as he said, Let us separate. If you want to go
to the left, I will take the right; if you choose the right,
I will go to the left."
 Did Lot say, "' 0 uncle, you are too kind, vou are old-
er and must have your choice "
 No, indeed; Lot looked to the east and saw a beauti-
ful and fertile plain, with its green fields well watered like
a smiling garden. There was a city near by where the
people were very wicked, but Lot thought more how his
cattle would fatten than of the company for his family.
Lot took his choice. He was pleased with the plain and
took it all, and pitched his tent toward Sodom, the wicked
city. Abraham let God choose for him, for He came and
told him where to live.
 God so often talked with Abraham that he is called
the friend of God. Where God chose he went and pitched
his tent; and built an altar to God-as he always did
wherever he lived even for a little while.