Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-12-15

Sdlu. Anu 1 AN eoinB 10 TAKE Booo
care OF IT," he added. as he folded II
carefully and laid It on the top Of the
last sheaf he had bound. Joseph
worked with the rest all the remainder
Of the day, and when at night they all
lay down to sleep he was almost too
tired to sleep. He had worked hard,
hoping TO win the commentator of
his brothers. but there had been moth
ing but surly words and cold, for
bidding looks In response to his CHEEKY
sallies and vigorous efforts. And as
he lay awake, watching the stars over
head, he felt detected and troubled.
Why should his brothers treat him
SO? He wondered. as he looked up
ward, IL God knew and cared. And
then the thought came to him. as he
noticed that each star had Its place
and flashed forth its light gladly and
freely. that IL must be so on earth.
and that each person had his place to
I'LL and must do his best. The thought
comforted him and he fell to studying
what plans God had for him In the
coming years, for he had reached that
period in life when the young life re-
responds eagerly to the hope and as
pirations of the future. Thus occupied
In mind, he fell asleep, and in his
dreams IL seemed that the sheaves OF
the field began marching about and
that suddenly all fell PROSTATE to the
ground before one of the sheaves that
came and stood at his side and which
he recognized as his sheaf for upon
its top rested the beautiful coat OF
many colors. So vivid was the vision
that he awoke with a start and in
jumping up his feet caught in his
blanket and he fell across his brother
Reuben, lying next to him. With a
loud exclamation of surprise and an
ger, which aroused all the rest, the lat
ter leaped to his feet and, Selling Jo-
seph, demanded to know what was
the matter. With much confusion and
embarrassment Joseph related his
dream, and the angry words of scorn
which were cast at him as he finished
frightened him.
You blasphemer you," fiercely cried
Judah, shalt thou indeed reign over
us? or shalt thou indeed have domin-
ion over us? Lie down there and let
us hear no more of your wild dreams"
But again as he fell into troubled
sleep he dreamed yet again and
thought that the sun and moon and
IL stars stepped down from the dis
tant heavens and bowed themselves
before him. What could it mean?
The thought of self was forgotten
in the larger thought of Gods pur-
poses and plans. and so next morning
when his brothers in malicious hatred
bickered and abused him because Of
his dream, and asked with a sheer II
he had any more dreams to tell them,
he frankly related his second vision.
1T is nothing but the blasphemy of
a wicked heart" declared Judah.
Father ought to know this. Such
wicked pretensions ought to be pun
ished"
longer" fiercely exclaimed Dan, as
they started homeward, nor Haunt
the insinuations OF his so-called
dreams In our faces"
YES" broke in Cad, as he thought
Of his own evil ways, and imputed
/ evil to others, as is the manner OF the
wicked, hes not as good as he would
like to have others think he is. and
he is always spying on u.s."
! In this temper they appeared before
their father, whom they found seated
before his tent, with Joseph at his
feet. The latter's face was flushed
and the father was so earnestly talk
/ ing with him that he did not observe
the presence of the brothers. who had
come up behind him, until Joseph
rose TO give them welcome, no sign
OF resentment appearing in his man
ner, as he greeted them with: Peace
be to thee
Utterly ignoring his salutation, but
bowling respectfully before their IA
Their, who had risen hastily to receive
them, they at once broke forth in their
complaint against their brother.
Yea, know" responded Jacob
after he had listened patiently to their
story, Joseph himself hath told me of
his dreams"
And should we suffer such pre-
tense? Should we allow this mere
stripping to exalt himself above his
father and brethren" demanded
Judah, who acted as spokesman.
Nay" responded the father. quick
ly, II have but just been rebuking him
for the vain imaginations of his heart"
But, father, have only told thee
and my brothers what has come to me
in my dreams" Joseph interposed.
earnestly.
"Tush, tush. my son" he replied.
sharply. Shall and thy mother and
thy brethren indeed come to bow
down ourselves to thee to the earth? ?"
II know not as to that. but ! can
but tell thee the truth" stoutly main
tanned the boy, looking frankly into
the faces of his father and brothers.
He ought TO be punished for his
impudence." muttered one of the boys
and the rest by nod OF head and venge.
full looks signified how heartily they
acquiesced in that view.
"The boy is evidently sincere"
quickly responded the father, unwill-
ing to entertain for an instant the