CHAPTER XVII.

JOSEPH.

IF it is pleasant, in particular instances, to observe Divine Providence justifying its own procedure, by relieving and vindicating oppressed innocence, or by precipitating prosperous guilt from its lofty seat; what must be the satisfaction and delight of beholding the whole plan of Providence unfolded; every mystery explained, and all the ways of God to men completely vindicated!

A very considerable part of our distress, arises from hastiness and impatience of spirit. We are for rushing to the end at once; we will not afford our Maker and Ruler leisure to open his designs, to illustrate his own meaning. We would have the work of Heaven performed in our own way; we have settled the whole order of things in our own mind; and all is wrong that ignorance, fretfulness, and presumption, are pleased to dislike. Cloudy, rainy weather is much less agreeable than serenity; yet it requires but a moment's reflection to be convinced,

that continual sunshine would be the reverse of a blessing to mankind.

The alternate succession of day and night, of fair weather and rain, has not greater beauty and utility in the world of nature, than are to be seen in the shades of adversity, and the sun beams of prosperity, which successively appear on the face of the moral world.

If there is a passage in history, which, more than another, encourages us patiently and submissively to wait for the end, to follow and submit to the conduct of Providence, it is the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob. He who foresaw the dangers and temptations to which Joseph would be exposed, in future, by his extraordinary elevation, prepared him for it, by long exercise in the school of affliction.

Thus he deals with his children. He strengthens them in patience and humility; and does not expose them to temptation till they are duly prepared for it. Who does not rejoice to see the same person who diligently and humanely served the gaoler, humbly yet attentively conducting the affairs of a mighty empire, as a minister of state? on which this observation may be founded, that the fear of God, is the best security for a man's good behaviour in every situation. And that he is

not to be trusted in any thing, who has not conscience in every thing.

Egypt gloried that she was not, like other countries, dependant on the clouds of heaven for the fertility of her soil, and the exuberance of her crops; but that she derived her rich harvests from the flux and reflux of her own river. In vain, however, had the Nile arisen to the desired height during seven years of uncommon plenteousness, had not the prophetic foresight of Joseph, laid up a foundation for the time to come.

We are now brought to the years of a famine, so great that it extended over all the face of the earth; and all countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy corn. But when his ten brethren present themselves before him, who is quite unknown to them, though they stand well known and confessed to him; when he learns that his tender father is still in the land of the living, that his dearest brother, his own mother's son is also alive with him, and in health. What must his emotions have been! We can believe that the sovereignty of Egypt, would not yield him a satisfaction so sincere. But the singularity of the situation in which Joseph now stood, suggested, no doubt, the experiment he makes upon the temper and character of his brothers. Treated as spies, roughly spoken to, their most solemn

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protestations disregarded, put in prison, and bound; their treatment of Joseph rushes upon their memory, in all its guilt and horror; and they mutually upbraid, and reproach each other with their barbarity," saying one to another; We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore also his blood is required.”

Perhaps never before, were they brought to so close consideration of their crime. Joseph gives them an opportunity of wiping away their guilt by the self accusation, the penitence and sorrow which are brought over them on this occasion. Hearing himself mentioned with so much tenderness and regret, by persons once so cruel, the pretended Egyptian, in spite of himself, becomes a real Israelite. The tears steal into his eyes; and, to prevent a premature discovery, he is obliged to retire, to recompose himself.

The sight of his own brother becomes an obe ject so near his heart, that on his returning and renewing the conversation, he assumes the Lord of Egypt, sets nine at liberty, binds Simeon before their eyes, and commits him to close confinement, as a hostage for their coming again, together with Benjamin their brother. On their

return with him, it appears Joseph could not suppress excessive kindness and hospitality; though he afterwards meditated a scheme to put their attachment to their father, and to their brother, to the test.

When they were admitted into the presence of the lord of Egypt, they prostrated themselves to the earth before him. On this it may be remarked, in vain do men set themselves to counteract the decrees of Heaven; the dream of the sheaves making obeisance to his sheaf, is now accomplished. But when the cup was found in Benjamin's sack, they all offer themselves to be. come Joseph's servants.

The expostulation of Judah on this occasion, possesses uncommon grace and tenderness, and penetrates the heart of Joseph. The affectionate manner in which his father was mentioned, the unfeigned earnestness expressed to save him from the impending blow; the generosity of the offer to put himself in Benjamin's place, to purchase a father's comfort, and a brother's release at the price of his own liberty; all this satisfics him that time, affliction, and a sense of duty, had introduced another and a happier spirit into the family.

Then Joseph could not any longer refrain himself, and he cried: Cause every man to go out