SCRIPTURE BIOGRAPHY.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 3, 1 March 1855, Page 45

SCRIPTURE BIOGRAPHY.

JOSEPH. Joseph was the eleventh son of the patriarch Jacob, and was born in the year A. M. 2259. He was tenderly beloved by his father, who as a token of his marked regard " made him a coat of many colours." This fondness o£ Jacob, together with Joseph,s disclosure of the improper conduct of his brethren, excited their jealousy, and they awaited an opportunity to punish or destroy him. The young favourite, it would appear, was not in the habit of tending the flocks with the elder members of Jacob's family; he remained under the parental roof in company with his brother Benjamin. At the age of 17, he was sent by his father to Shechem to enquire after the health of his brethren, and to learn the state of the flocks and herds.

While yet far distant, he was observed, and a consultation was held as to whether or not they should kill him. Thus it will he seen that sin, —that venemous serpent which we conceal in our bosoms, robs us of every humane and tender feeling, and severs in a moment, that eternal tie which binds brother to brother, and father to son. Reuben succeeded in deterring them from committing the atrocious deed, and Joseph, at his suggestion, was thrown into a pit; but during his temporary absence Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. On the arrival of these wandering merchants in Egypt, Joseph was again sold as a slave, and became the property of " Potiphar, an officer of Pharoah's and captain of the guard." Through the misrepresentation of his master's' wife, Joseph was thrown into prison ; but he was happier there than many a monarch on his throne, for the sacred historian assures us, that " the Lord was with Joseph," and all who are favored with the smile of the Almighty cannot help being happy,—cannot help feeling that they possess those substantial joys, which man can neither give nor take away. At the age of 30, Joseph was taken from his dungeon by Pharaoh, who arrayed him in princely vestments, put his own gold ring on his hand, and " made him ruler over all the land of Egypt." Here again we see, that those who adhere to their Christian principles are rewarded even in this world, for thousands like Joseph, have experienced! that "Godliness is profitable unto all things,having the promise of the life which now is, and of that which is come." In consequence of a great famine, the children of Jacob went down to Egypt for the purpose of buying food for their families. On the occasion of their second visit to procure more food, Joseph! ordered their sacks to be filled and his silver cup to be concealed in the youngest brother's. The little cempany of Hebrews had not proceeded far! on their way homeward, when they were overtaken by the steward of Joseph's house who charged them with robbery. The men avowed their innocency, and immediately unladed their asseS, when to their great astonishment and alarm "the cup was found in Benjamin's sack." i

On their return to the city, Joseph made himself known to them, and sent them away with waggons to convey his father to the Egyptian territory. The meeting of Jacob with his sod Joseph was of a most affecting character; they fell on each others necks "and wept a good while" and Jacob said " now let me die since I have seen thy face." Joseph expired at the age of 110 honoured and beloved by all, and his body was embalmed, according to the custom ef the Egyptians.