The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-02
THE sUNDAY-sCHoOL LESSON.
Nov. 3, 1901; Death of Joseph
Genesis 4, 1926.
In his prophetic ode, older than the Had by
700 years, Jacob describes Joseph
"A fruitful bOugh.

In his prophetic ode, older than the Had by
"A fruitful bOugh.
fruitful bough by fountain,
Whose branches the WALL
Thrift, beauty, fruitfulness traits of
Josephs admirable character He is a lovely
ideal. model for ambitious youths of
successive generations in all lands.
Josephs accession to supreme power and i'm
mense wealth unprecedentedly sudden yet
with masterful self-possession he kept his equi-
librium. He maintained the state which was
becoming to his imperial position, accommodated
himself to the etiquette CT court, but his head
never turned by his surprising good for
tune. He recognized himself as the instrument
Of a woodworking Providence His oft-re-
peated God meant it for good the clew
to the secret of his superb bearing. He had
consciously come to this office of trust and power
that he might be the almoner of mercy to the
pershing preseryer of life. All nations were
beginning to be blessed in Abraham's seed. the
material being the pledge of the spiritual yet
10 come. JOsephs filial pety is among
the most lustrous traits Of his amiable charac-
ter. He sent means for his fathers comfortable
conveyance to Egypt. He went up in state, not
incOgnito to meet him. In a transport of joy
he threw his about him, and wept upon
his neck a good while. He was not ashamed
to go into Pharaoh's presence and say: My
at presenting the trembling old rustic at the
blazing court of Heliopolis; and that, too, al
though his occupation was for political rea-
sons, peculiarly obnoxious in Egypt He set
tied him in that land of verdure,' Goshen
When news came that his father was sick he
instantly laid aside his portfolio of state. and
thoughtfully taking his two sons with him. hur-
ried to the bedside He listened with awe and
committed to memory Jacobs song. in
which the destiny of his own and his brothers
descendants set forth. When the spirit
took its flight, Joseph fell upon his fathers
face and wept upon him and kissed him lie
attended to the obsequies with marked fidelity
embalming the body, and mourning forty days
princely period. He obtained a firman and
led the most picturesque funeral cOrtege into
Canaan that country ever saw. thus observing
infinitely his fathers dying request, however
great the inconvenience. Joseph is the
ideal brother well the exemplary son. The
unnatural bearing of Joseph's brothers toward
him is finely depicted in Jacobs lyric. They
the archers who had grieved him. and shot
at him. and hated him. But when the wheel Of
fortune threw them his feet. when by the
slightest sign he might have rid himself for
ever Of their uncanny company. he tested them
quickened their cOmpunctions true; but finding
them penitent, he forgave them promptly and
unreservedly. In the most delicate and re-
fined manner he sought TO save them from be-
ing swallowed up of overmuch sorrow by di-
recting their attention to the happy providen-
tial outcome of their evil deed. He was not
ashamed to confess them before Egypts throne
saying: My brethren are come" He named
to Pharaoh for office the five most likely to
stand the civi1-service examination. He never
lisped a syllable Of reminder Of the literal full
fllment of his dream though sheaves and stars
were doing him homage. When on
Jacobs death, mediator between the Offend
and the offended removed. conscience
made towards Of the brothers, and their old
fear famed up again with all its original in
tensity. Joseph might we'll have shown pique
at their offensive lack OF confidence in him He
did not On the contrary. ne was touched to
pity at their Iemorse. which after nearly forty
years was still gnawing at their hearts Joseph
wept. He assured them he had no disposition
70 usurp the prerogative OF Him who says
Vengeance is mine and pointed them again
to the beneficial outcome of their unbrotherly
deed He babe them fear not assuring them
he would nourish them. He comforted and
spoke kindly TO them such forgiveness Of
the injurious and murderous is unsurpassed ex-
cept by Him who cried from his cross. Father
forgive them Josephs faith shines
with incandeseent luster. In a polythestic en-
vironment he kept himself and his sons mono
thestie. He believed in the promise made by
God TO his father. literally He had lived eighty
years in Egypt. but still counted Canaan home
He would rather have the humhest grave by
Jordan thvn t.n~ly e'r.-rleuFn az The Niie