The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-06-20
Plain Tales From the Bible
Continued from page two.)

again and of all this was the worst 'He
was there in prison. But even in prison,
where was added punishment to slavery
burden, he found influences and opportuni-
ties that once more brought to him pros
perlty. The affairs of the prison were
committed to his hands until all that was
done there che was the doer of it,
Several years passed and Joseph remained
in prison. We know he attended to the bet
ter part of his environment by the help he
gave the Kings butler and baker. 1t was
a good deed and brought like results.
Through it he appeared before Pharaoh and
rendered the ruler of all Egypt service no
other could give. AS reward and recog-
milton of worth Pharaoh put his own ring
on Joseph's hand and gave him wealth,
position and power. The King told him
that according to his word would the peo-
pie be ruled; "only in the throne will be
greater than thou
What romance is there that can surpass
in thrill and splendor the adventures of
Joseph? None! And his power and fame
and wealth were secured through the atten-
ton he gave to the better part of his en-
vironment. Remember that 1t is fasci-
mating to picture Joseph in his new environ
ment. Did he visit punishment on his
former master and mistress, do you think?
No, not that. l would picture him appoint
ing the captain of the guard to higher
command and according to the wife all the
courtesy lady might expect.
His brothers, who had sold him into slav-
cry, came before him seeking aid Did he
spurn themf No. He seemed harsh with
them but it was only to conceal his love
and yearning until the proper time came
for making himself known to them. And
from the scene in which he revealed himself
to them comes to us the purpose and ideal
of Joseph's life. ''Be not grieved, nor
angry with yourselves, that you sold me-
he told them. What a wonderful world
this would be if each of US would tend to
that part of our environment that would
give such an outlook on life! If we would
but see and learn as Joseph did that cit was
not you that sent me hither.''
Some one is sure to say it was because
''the Lord was with Joseph that he pros
pered. No, not because He was with him
but because Joseph lived according to His
rules of life-this was why he prospered.
God is omnipresent, with everyone, con-
stantly. This cannot be of benefit to US
unless we lend ourselves to His influence
unless we tend to the best in whatever en-
vironment we may be placed. We do not
receive any good thing as gift or any
evil thing as a punishment; these come to
us as rewards for the living we have given.
There is no environment but contains
good. Any one who has doubts about this
may find in himself the proof that will dis
pei them. Take your own life today; how
ever hard and troubled it may be-; whatever
the privations and limitations it presents:
there is one thing no power. even Gods, can
influence and that is your thoughts with the
desires and purposes harbored there. These
may be directed toward the beauty the
world offers; toward the wisdom and learn
ing stored in books; toward the lessons
other lives around US can teach. Reading,
study, music, science, work, pure thoughts
and worthy desires-unnumbered things
there are that will open the doors to tangi-
BILE, living parts of our environment to
which we may give ourselves. And the
result will be spiritual and mental growth
that will make such attentive ones veritable
masters of destiny.
In our attention we ever must keep In
mind the fact that positions of affluence
have in their environments that which is
evil. Whatever circle claims our lives we
need to look around and select the good
that is there and tend to that. This inevi-
tably brings us to that state of being that
is most desired by men, that was enjoyed by
Joseph and that is an epitome of his thoughts
and acts: che was a prosperous man.