Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-11

so many times deceived him that they
were unworthy of confidence? Joseph
appeared to anticipate such thoughts and
feelings, and adopted methods of identi-
fcation which might be effective in the
old home. First. he referred to his He
brew speech. which all might hear and
when wine w0aid , be particularly impressive
great affection for Benjamin, whom he
singled out from the company as his
only full brother, and wept over him.
Third, he kissed all his brethren and
wept with them and conversed with
them on matters of common interest. All
this tended to remove every doubt from
every mind.
ANXIETY AWAKENED oversees is
to 49,. Many years passed away after
the scene just described Jacob and his
household entered Egypt and received
the utmost kindness from Joseph, the
son and ruler. Death came at length
back to Canaan for burial And when
he was laid away in the cave of Mach
pelah. purchased by Abraham. these
sses u became apprehensive that Jo-
fathers command. In presenting the
recall their deeds toward him and he
might punish them. They therefore sent
thelr wrongdoing. and asking it on the
Fathers command. In presenting the
petition they fell down and worshiped.
fulfilling the prediction contained in the
dream years before (Gen. xxxvii:7S.
While in this PROSTATE position they de-
clared themselves to be but slaves
ready hi,,s to- to yield to the will and order of
as they spake Joseph wept. doubtless re-
calling the events of other years
PROMISE RETURNED oversees TO- 10.
2D. With great magnanimity Joseph
promptly removed the fears of the men
VINO sought forgiveness. He plainly prom
ised 70 continue the kindness show in his
as he had done since the time they came
to him. And this promise he confirmed by
many words Of comfort, not recorded here,
such as one truehearted brother might
speak to another. He did not, however,
pass over in silence the cruel act shown
by these men. He desired that they should
correctly consider their doings, and that as
result they should be duly penitent. Re-
amrm1ng what he said before that God had
oVerruled to accomplish his wise purpose, a
fact to be kept ever in mind yet he boldly
charged them with an evil intent They
were guilty, but God had been gracious
NO preacher was ever more faithful with
ms audience or more loyal to God
CLOSING THOUGHTS-We learn by
this passage: i. That they who do wrong
are sure to be brought into Judgment The
years may pass, but some time the offense
Will be known. .. That the consciousness
OF wrongdoing awakens fear and appre-
hension No one can be at rest in the
presence of one against whom there has
been SHINING. 8. That there may stand
between us and the one whom we had In.
jured third party by whom we are pro-
tected against punishment, and the removal
of that third party leaves US exposed and
anxious. .. There is nothing more beau
tiful than a forgiving spirit, and especially
when pardon has been properly sought 5.
Forgiveness does not blot out all the conse-
quences OF wrongdoing-it merely lifts the
censure and restores to favor But there
are effects of sin that cannot be removed
q. How surprising 1t is that our wrong
doing may be woven in with Gods purpose
and made In some mysterious way helpful
to Him IN the working out of His plans
But for this the sin OF man might over
whelm all in common and present disas-
ter.