CHAPTER XXIV.

Pharaoh and his household glad to see that the brethren of Joseph are come.-Pharaoh tells Joseph to invite his father and all his family to come to Egypt.-Joseph furnishes them with things necessary for their removal.— His parting advice to them.-Peace-making.

It was not long before the king of Egypt and all his household heard of the strange things which had taken place, and that the men who had come from Canaan to buy grain were the brethren of Joseph; and that his venerable father was still living.

They were all, both Pharaoh and those who were about him, exceedingly pleased to hear it. And to show his strong personal friendship for Joseph, and the deep interest that he felt in the welfare of Jacob and the whole family, Pharaoh requested Joseph to give this very kind invitation to his brethren.

Say unto thy brethren," said he, "this do ye; lade your beasts and go, get you unto 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, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.

"Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt, for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. Also regard not your stuff," (the furniture, and the various implements and tools that you have, and all things of that description.)

The brethren of Joseph were overjoyed at this kindness of Pharaoh, and prepared to follow his directions.

They were furnished with wagons by Joseph, as Pharaoh had commanded, and also with abundance of provisions for the journey. Joseph gave them, beside all this, a supply of clothing.

It was customary for rich men, at that time, to present garments to those whom they intended to treat with peculiar respect and friendship. They usually kept a large wardrobe, or collection of garments of different kinds and sizes, so that they could make these presents whenever they chose, without any delay or difficulty.

Joseph, in this way, meant to let all the Egyptians see with how much respect he wished to treat

his brethren, and what an affectionate regard he had for them.

He gave each of them changes of raiment, or

more than one suit; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.

He sent also, by his brethren, a present to his aged parent-ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten others laden with grain and bread and nuts, for his father to use on his journey from Canaan to Egypt.

After all the preparations were made, the sons of Jacob took leave of their brother, and set out for Hebron.

His parting advice was what they, doubtless, needed. See, said he, that ye fall not out by the way.

There was some danger, as Joseph thought, of their doing this. They might begin to find fault with each other. Some might charge others with being the first who had proposed to take revenge on Joseph for his offensive dreams. Reuben and Judah might endeavor to free themselves from all guilt in the matter, and cast the severest reproaches upon the rest.

They might be envious of Benjamin, who had been treated with such distinguished regard by Joseph, and who had received a present so much more valuable than any, or all, of their's. They might not treat him with kindness, and thus pre

pare the way for giving trouble to their father on their return home.

They might dispute, not only about what had happened, but about their future plans; how they should carry their property to Egypt, and how each should retain and have the management of what particularly belonged to him.

Joseph knew their dispositions, and how much they needed a word of caution; and he thought, that, under the peculiar circumstances in which they were placed, it would probably be regarded, and do them good.

"Blessed are the peace-makers," said our Savior, "for they shall be called the children of God."

My young friends, in this respect, imitate the example of Joseph. Do, each one of you, be a peacemaker. Be at peace among your brothers and sisters, and among your companions, at all times. Do all you can to prevent disputing and quarreling, and to lead all to love each other, and to do each other good.

CHAPTER XXV.

His sons, on their arrival, tell their father that Joseph is alive.-Jacob's joy.—They all set out for Egypt -They stop at Beer-sheba.-An interesting spot, and why?— God's promise to Jacob.-Their arrival in Egypt.

ONCE more the sons of Jacob were on their way to Canaan. What strange news they would have to tell to their father and kindred; and with what mingled emotions of joy and shame they would relate the account of Joseph's prosperity, and at the same time expose their former cruelty and falsehood!

At length they came to Hebron; and the deepest anxiety was felt on the part of Jacob and his family to know the result of their late visit, to see if Simeon was released, and if Benjamin was in safety.

They soon made it known to their father that Joseph was yet alive, and that he was governor over all the land of Egypt.

This was too unexpected, and too astonishing for Jacob, at first, to receive as truth. He did not, he could not believe what appeared to him like the returning of his son from the dead; and his heart fainted within him.