New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-26
J0SEPH'S CORN CORNER.
Il BIBLE CLASS TOPIC.
4 Good Business Stroke, Says
j. ID. Rockefeller, Jr.

John D. Rockefeller. jr, vigorously defended
Joseph's policy I'm establishing corner" in
corn In his talk before his Bible class at the
Fifth Avenue Baptist Church yesterday. He
said that Joseph's conduct I'm taking advantage
of the peoples pressing need by demanding their
lands In exchange for his corn during the seven
years famine TO be criticised. but.
the contrary, worthy of high praise.
For the last three Sundays Mr.. Rockefeller
has been delivering a series of talks the
story of Joseph. Members of the class
pressed the opinion that he would skip this
corner chapter in Joseph's career and take up
Il less embarrassing subject
Il dread tho unseemly newspapey comment
that will ensue if Mr.. Rockefeller makes even
the briefest mention of that chapter in Joseph's s
life" said member before the meeting be-
gan. TIE way Of the newspapers are
making fun of everything that good young man
says is disgraceful I and other members of the
class sincerely hope that leader will not talk
about Josephs transaction, for fear of the
unmerited ridicuIe that would result
When Mr.. Rockefeller began his talk yester-
day. however. he announced that he had chosen
for his theme that very subject, and said:
Some people are disposed to criticise Joseph
because he would not give the famished people
of Egypt his corn unless they gave him their
lands in exchange Now. l have studied this
part OF JOSeph'S life very carefully, and | cam
not see anything about mis- conduct to criticise.
Joseph foresaw that seven years Of famine were
to follow the seven years of plenty He set
about laying up ample store of corn. In this
he showed commendable thrift and business
smartness. Most people are not sensible enough
to put something by for a rainy day. Then.
again, many are not able to do 1t.
When the famine came those who were with
out corn went TO Joseph the thrifty. He de-
manded their lands in exchange for his corn.
IL was perfectly justihahle business trausac-
ton What would you have expected him to do :?
You wouldn't have expected him TO give away
his for nothing, would you? No ruler has
ever given his people free food in time of famine
Joseph could not be expected to do that.
A member of the class suggested that Joseph
was only acting for Pharaoh. and that it was
his duty to get good terms as he could for his
master.
Mr.. Rockefeller shook his head at the sug-
gestiOn Il don't think that that fact would
make any difference" he said. 1T was Jo-
sephs policy. and he alone must be held re-
sponsible." Continuing he said:
But look you upon what liberal terms Joseph
from them altogether. He allowed them to oc-
cupy the lands even after they had traded them
for his corn. They simply paid him rent and
became tenants instead OF landlords Surely
that was generous We find that the people
were thoroughly satisfied with the bargain and
had nothing but praise for Joseph after the
famine had passed.
Referring 10 Joseph's magnaninious treat
ment of his brothers. Mr. Rockefeller said:
Just think now bitter Joseph might have felt
toward his cruel brothers. but low nobly he
returned good for evil There very few
men who could do that Could you or forgive
wrong done 10 us? We ought to try 10 do IT..
We ought to think that perhaps some time we
shall do wrong to others. Let us. then. for
| give those who do us harm. so that others may
| forgive when do them harm.
The attendance at yesterdays meeting was
in of he
! previous Sunday. Tho class is rapidly growing.
| Mr.. Rockefeller has an ambition to make 1t the
| biggest Bible class in the city Last week he
attended meeting OF the membership COM
| mittee and discussed plans for getting new
| members. Although IT is called the young
mems Bible class there are many gray haired
| men among its members