The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-10-19
JOSEPH EXAL TED.
(Gen. xii: 3S-40.)

CONNECTIoN.-Phara butler, of whose dream we studied last week. was restored to his office. Tut he forgot Joseph, who had interpreted the dream, and who therefore remained in prison. Two whole years passed, during which the young Hebrew performed his little round of lties. But God did not forget him. Then Pharaoh had dream which troubled him, and he sought in vain to the wise men to know its meaning. It was then that the butler recall sd the kindness and service of Joseph and men uoned him with special commendation to the king Joseph was called into the presence of Pharaoh, and the dream was explained. The jean cattle seen in the vi- cattle a time of plenty. and it was ad- vised that during the good years officers should be engaged to gather up the sur plus grain in storehQuses to be pre- bers of the court were entirely satisfied with this explanation. Recognition-(Verses s and 39) It is not difficult to find men for the humber stations of life where little ability Is re- luired. Indeed. many strive Tor post ions that may be easily filled. But when some delicate task is to be under
 taken, demanding more talent, the selec- don of the person must be made with great care. Who shall supervise this in- dustrial matter in Egypt so as to provide for the people? That question caused some discussion, and at length Joseph was recognized as the proper person for
 
 .eached this conclusion after consulting with his advisers, and that afterward he made known the decision to Joseph. The basis of the choice was the young mans men, and his superiority in this regard was plainly referred to one circumstance the spirit of God was in him Numb. xvii. lS) heather monarch thus rec ognized what is the burden of all Scrip ture that the Divine indwelling makes ms5 rqb,r tr9ly gIeat. ggp Iob xxxii; S2 fl, There is one advantage in an absolute monarchy-measures may be quickly exc cuted. It was 4not necessary for Joseph against some other candidate. resorting to various expedients to secure an cleo ton. As soon as the kings council de- termined his qualifications he was ap- pointed. Probably an hour did not. pass between the interpretation of the dream and the words that gave him position. Pharaoh spoke directly to him in terms was set over all the land of Egypt, kind of vicegerent. Dan: vi. 3) He was also made the ruler of the kings house, OPsalm cv, 21,) and according to his word should the people be governed. There was to be no power above that of Joseph except the power Of Pharaoh. The the Hebrew was promoted to place next to the throne. In single day he went from the prison call to the highest posi- 'fn aoNoRverses N vI 9 ng and S9'eFSs 4 Every place of responsibility has it's appurten- ances the proofs of the dignity and the Instruments of usefulness of the occll- pant These may not be denied without wronging him who holds the place. And so Joseph was duly invested with that which belonged to his exalted station. On his hand was placed the royal ring used in sealing public documents. (Esther iii, 12) He was arrayed in Ves- lures of fine linen, the apparel of officers of high rank, and a gold chain. express eive of wealth, was hung about his neck, (Dan. V, 29.) as an adornment and dis tinction. The second chariot, the first being reserved for Pharaoh, was offered for his use. Indeed, all this was done lt once. And as he went forth in this Jtate from the palace couriers preceded him and cried Dow the knee" and the populace humbled themselves as he pass ed. So was the young man honored, then but thirty years of age all because God was with him to give him a sound mind.
 AUTHORITY.-(Verse Al In the 10th and fist verses the exalted position of Joseph is indicated. ruler over all the land and people of Egypt. By impli- cation that carried with 1t whatever au- and direct statement was deemed to be appropriate, and here 1t is. He is invest ed with the most absolute control over the entire population, so that no man should lift a hand or foot in all the land without him. He Is thus made the master of every soul. His law is su- preme. His word is final and universal, from which there should be no appeal The conveyance of this authority was in a most interesting and affecting way 'I am Pharaoh said the king, declaring