And now Joseph

This was FORGIVENESS. had found, not Benjamin alone, for the hearts of all his brothers were turned to him-whom before they had hated and sold-he had eleven brothers now with hearts warm with love for him.

Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times; but until seventy times seven. -MATT. xviii. 21, 22.

XIX. JOSEPH AND HIS FATHER.

AND it was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come; and it pleased Pharaoh well; and it pleased Pharaoh's servants. Joseph had borne the yoke of affliction in his youth; he had humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, and now God's hand exalted him; he had been hated and forsaken, and no man cared for his soul; but now we see him the redeemed of the Lord, sought out and not forsaken. The nation and kingdom that would not come to Joseph, must now be utterly wasted; and those that had afflicted him, came bending unto him; and all that had despised him, bowed themselves down at the soles of his feet. God had brought him into favour with all men. The king had raised him above all his servants yet they love him; they did not

envy the stranger, taken from the dungeon, and set over them; it pleased them well when they heard that his brethren were come. When God giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? Those who hated him before, had felt their own sin, and his forgiveness, and they would love him now. He had seen Benjamin, and he would soon see the face of his beloved father Israel, and dwell with all he loved on earth, until God should take them, one by one, to Heaven. Joseph had sought first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness, and now all these things were added unto him. Blessed be the Lord, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant!

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "Say unto your brethren, This do ye: lade your beasts, and go, get you into the land of Canaan; and take your father, and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt. Now thou art commanded, this do ye: take you waggons out of the land of Egypt, for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come."