general conversation, the chief butler recollected his singular dream, and the exact interpretation which had been given of it by Joseph. It was therefore a fit opportunity now to atone for the neglect of his promise, and, at the same time, to ingratiate himself in the favour of his master. He accordingly informed the king of the singular talents of the young man with whom he had been a fellow-prisoner; in consequence of which Joseph was sent for in all haste, and brought into the royal presence.

If we have had reason to admire Joseph hitherto as a son, as a servant, and as a compassionate underkeeper in prison, we need not be ashamed of him now that he stands before the king of Egypt.

The shepherd youth speaks with modest diffidence, yet in the most dignified language. When the king tells him that he had been informed of his skill in the interpretation of dreams, Joseph's answer is, "It is not in me; GOD shall give Pharaoh an answer or peace."

The pious humility of an aged saint is impressive and beautiful, but the humble and devout declaration of Joseph is still more so; because he stood at that moment in a circle of the most elevated characters, all fixed in attention upon him, and it was made to a mighty monarch, who did not acknowledge the true GOD.

When the king, had related his dreams, which were one in effect, Joseph interpreted them, adding, that as they predicted seven years of plenty and as many of famine, the necessary steps should be taken to preserve the empire from the effects of scarcity.

The explanation was so natural as to impress the minds of all who heard it with conviction. Pharaoh, struck with admiration of the modesty and wisdom of this wonderful young man, immediately formed the resolution of being guided by his counsels; and Joseph, who, a few hours ago was a prisoner, became now the prime minister of Egypt.

Thus have we attended the Hebrew youth from

his father's abode in Hebron, to the sheep-folds in Dothan; have seen him cast into a pit by his perfidious brethren, saved through the avarice of Judah, and sold into the hands of traders; bought as a slave by Potiphar, and raised to the office of steward in his household, but, by the lust and revenge of a wicked woman, precipitated from that station into a dungeon; left there for some years in obscurity, and all at once brought forth and placed on the right hand of a throne.-How mysterious are the ways of Divine Wisdom, and how admirable is the whole series when viewed in connexion, and yet how intricate appears each distinct scene of this wonderful drama!

Take a link from the providential chain, and the whole will be in confusion. A great portion of it is suffering; but was not this necessary to prepare Joseph for that elevation to which he was now arrived?

The school of adversity is that in which the mind is best prepared for prosperity; being calculated to render a man humble and discreet, dutiful and religious.

Joseph experienced the treachery of brethren, the violence of female licentiousness, and the ingratitude of courtiers he had been a shepherd, a slave, an upper servant, and a prisoner; he became, therefore, well acquainted with human nature, and knowing the instability of all earthly good, he was prepared to fill this elevated station with humility and propriety.

We behold Joseph by the hand of GoD exalted to the right hand of a mighty sovereign, and possessing power over all Egypt. He is married to a princess, arrayed in robes of state, having a chain of gold about his neck, and as he rides in the second chariot, the people shout before him, "Bow the knee, and see the father of the king." Pharaoh gave Joseph the name of Zaphnath-Paaneah, which, according to some, signifies saviour of the world, but

others, with more reason, interpret it the "revealer of secrets."

Joseph's wife was daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, which has led some injudicious critics to condemn his conduct in forming an idolatrous alliance; but as the Scripture throws no blame upon him, there is every reason to believe that, so far from Joseph having acted wrong, he did what was right, and brought his wife at least, if not her whole family, over to the worship of the true GOD.

Though Joseph was thus advanced to wealth and honour, he did not indulge in luxurious ease; but still conducted himself as a faithful and diligent servant. He went through all the land during the seven years of plenty, and established granaries, in which he laid up stores of corn against the approaching scarcity. That season came, according to his prediction; and Egypt saw, indeed, that the blessing of the Lord was with Joseph; for she was not only able to supply her own people, but those of the neighbouring countries, in this time of grievous famine

And now, after the long period of thirteen years, we are brought once more to Jacob's melancholy abode in Hebron.

The blood-stained garment of Joseph was, doubtless, often contemplated with sighs and tears. But even this sorrow now gave way to another visitation, which had a tendency to overwhelm all other distresses, the want of bread.

Jacob had wealth in abundance, but that could not procure the necessaries of life in this dreadful scarcity. Hearing that there was corn in Egypt, he commanded his sons to take with them money, and go thither to buy food. They accordingly set out on this journey, and, on their arrival in Egypt, found that all applications for the purchase of corn were to be made to the governor; before whom they appeared, and bowed themselves with their faces to the earth.

Thus the first dream which they had ridiculed so much, and endeavoured to frustrate, was accomplished. The change occasioned by years, dress, and situation, prevented them from knowing Joseph; but he immediately recognized them.

With much sternness of manner, and harshness of expression, he interrogated his brethren upon their country, and on their real object in visiting Egypt. Their answer was, to buy food; but Joseph persisted in charging them with bad designs, and with being no better than spies. He even caused them to be confined three days; and when they were brought before him again, he treated them in the same rough style, insomuch that thev began to think it a judg ment upon them for their unnatural behaviour; and under this impression they vented upon one another keen reproaches for their barbarity to Joseph. "We are verily guilty," said they, "concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul when he besought us, and we would not hear: therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake not I unto you, saying, do not sin against the child, and ye would not hear? Therefore behold also his blood is requited."

It was gratifying to the benevolent heart of Joseph to perceive that they were not entirely dead to moral feeling, and that they had at last a genuine sorrow for their injustice and cruelty. He was melted at the scene, and turned aside from them and wept. The tears of Joseph were the pure drops of affection and brotherly kindness, in which no small portion of joy was mingled, at finding that his brethren were alive and repentant.

On recovering his composure he conversed with them again upon their real intentions of coming into Egypt; and, to prove their sincerity, he proceeded to bind Simeon, and committed him to prison, as a hostage for their return with Benjamin.

They were then sent away with a supply of corn, and every man's money was secretly put into his

sack's mouth by the order of Joseph. This circum stance was not discovered till they were got far on their journey, and, when the money was found in each sack, they were all seized with new fear and astonishment. Their consciences again began to operate, and that which had really a favourable appearance was interpreted by them into a judgment for their sins.

After some time the brethren of Joseph returned with heavy hearts into Egypt, bringing their younger brother with them. On their arrival, Joseph caused them to be taken to his own house; and when the public duty of his station was ended, he hastened home," And he said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake, is he yet alive? And they answered, Thy servant, our father, is in good health, he is yet alive and they bowed down their heads and made obeisance."

Joseph with eager eye looked round the circle for his brother Benjamin; and when he saw him, the tide of fraternal affection rushed strongly upon his heart, and he said, "Is this your younger brother of whom he spake unto me? And he said, GoD be gracious unto thee, my son." His feelings began to be too much agitated, but it was not yet time to make the important discovery which he had meditated. Joseph, therefore, withdrew to a private apartment, there to give vent to his sensibility.

What delightful tears were those of this generous man in that moment of retirement! His father alive and in health, his beloved brother Benjamin under his roof, and his other brethren brought to a sense of shame for their evil conduct; to all which was added the delightful consideration, that he had it in his power to save his family alive.

A splendid entertainment being set out, the Hebrews were placed at a table by themselves, while Joseph sat alone, and the Egyptians were seated at another, because their religious scruples kept them from eating with the people of other countries.