The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1876-12-20


e prets their motions to predict his futur
greatness. In the Simplicity of h.
> gentle, generous heart he relates hi
eaLl On this account, and also frof
the fact that his many childish virtue
had won large share OF parental affection
he became the object Of his brothers hate
: Envy, that poisonous breath of til
Old serpent, which, like a wild sirocco
, "lther; and destroys the fairest virtue
OF the human heart, maddened thei
brains and fired their blood. His be iutj
iul coat-the loving expression of a faith
ers fond heart-was to them a thorn an,
a sting. They mediate his destruction
but when in their grasp better counse
prevailed, and be is sold to Arabian
merchantmen on their way to Egypt
Now to all human foresight Joseph /
lost to father, family and country
Among the teemIng thousands Of Egyp
ne VIII live and die as other slaves,
'unwept, unhonored and unsung.
/ Never again will aged father catch The
sound Of his returning footballs, aud
lavish upon MIN the affections of his noble
heart. In loneliness and tears, and with
a broken spirit he will go down to the
grave mourning the untimely fate Of his
favored boy. But God has ordered 9th.
/ erwse, and ellis thoughts are higher
| than our thoughts and His ways than
oar ways"-Joseph is sold to an Egyptian
nobema n. He makes a faithful, obedi-
ent slave. But soon he is a victim Of
touest SANDER and fluids home in a
telon's cell. Poor boy! no sooner had
he won his masters heart and life began
to wear more roseate hue, he sinks
into deeper depths Of humiliation and
sorrow. Again We loose all hope that
his boyish dream will find fulfllment.
The prison key has forever locked out all
prospect and opportunity for earthly
success and preferment. From his ctl
and irons of wretchedness and disgrace
he will be east into the welcomed grave.
But again the scene changes. He stands
before Pharaoh, interprets his wonderful
dream, Is exalted 10 be prime minister of
the vast kingdom, saves the land from
grlev0us famine, and is henceforth Sc
cCrely enthr0ned il the affections of a
grateful king and nation. And from all
this, let US learn that we are each the
object OF providentaI care. God has a
purpose and plan in every life. Your
dents Of J05eph's, but each may emulate
his virtues and subserve the purposes of
God
ID Again, l see in Joseph an example
Of fiiat affection and obedience. Joseph
was model son. Wealth, exalted posi-
ton, age and varied experience had no
effect upon his flial heart, but to inten-
silly his ardent affection. In Judean
home and on Egyptian throne he was
alike dutiful and kind. The boy who
in tenderchiIdhood looked with reverence
upon his aged father, loves him as ten
derby and ministers to him as gently and
obeys him as lovingly, though grown to
manhoods prime and encumbered with
load of care The first question, after
making himself known to his brethren,
was, "Doth my father yet live?" That
noble, hlial heart still yearned for his
fathers warm embrace and smile of love.
Speedily all things were made ready for
Jacobs removal. And when the father
came, how beautiful and affecting the
scene of their reunion The hot, gushing
tears raE down his cheeks as he hung
upon The aged mans neck, and gave him
many q fond kiss cf welcome. The
changes and trials and sad separation of
years are all forgotten in that long,
loving embrace. He cares for him with
the tenderness of mother. Every
want is eagerly supplied, and at last,
when he cane to die, he smOOhthed his
restless pillow, dewed h.s Geld brow with
sorrows bitter tears and warmed the
pallid lips with loves last, fond, farewell
kiss. Let me exhort you to emulate
this example. 1t is worthy of faithful
and unwearied initiation. Few of us
have ever improved Gu Joseph's filial
virtues Indeed my young friends,
though sad to say, there is among US
manifest impotence of parental restraint.
There is no premium, among the young,
on loving respect for family authority.
Implicit obedience IL the wishes OF
parents is considered unmanly. Many
dutiful boy has been shamed into SHINING
against fIial integrity by that old thread
bare taunt, Hes tied to mammals
apron-string." 4 growing spirit of
independence is characteristic Of our
modern society. Boys too soon outgrow
their childish reverence for family govern
mept. How often do we hear young
men speak of their father as ''the old
man. and of mother rs the old woman !
You may not intend it, bat those are
expressions of disrespect. Father Is too
bonored 4 name that he should be called
1tbc old man." Mother is too sweet and
loving and divine a word, and Ter rela-
ton too sacred and pure that any one
should profaue it by saying ''the old no
man / honor the young man who
speaks tenderly of his parents, whose
reverence and love only Increase as
father grows to feeble age and mothers
fair brow IS wrinkled with many care.
They may not have enjoyed the same
advantages that their industry and
economy gave him. theiE language Is
simple and often incorrect. But ne
honors them with proud heart and pure
affection. This fond relation, death
itself cannot sever; fer on the other
shore and in a fairer cline, PareIt and
child dwell together, without fear OF
enhancement. Some favored child OF
song has voiced this thought in words OF
beauty and tenderness, and would God Ii
expressed the strong, Undying passion OF
each heart in this vast congregation IL
is the PRAYER of seraph for an earthly
parent
Il. Lords from thy throne of glory here,
Nv heart turns fQndly 10 another;
q. Lord our God, the Con- forter,
Com fort. comfort my S1ceet ntotheri
Many SORROWS has Thou seht her
Meeklv has she drained the cup,
And the jewels Thou has lent her,
Unrepiniug yielded up
Comfort, comfort my street. mother
Earth is growing lonely round her,
Friend and lover has Thou taken,
Let her not. though woes surround her'
Peel herself by Thee forSaken;
Let her think when faint and weary,
We are waiting foI her here;