unto my lord, and let the lad go up with his brethren, for how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my fa ther."

Judah had been entrusted with Benjamin. perhaps he was more affectionate than the rest. He thought it his duty to offer to remain a slave instead of Benjamin, and therefore he comes forward and speaks for his brother. He pleads in Benjamin's behalf. It was indeed an arduous task to plead with a judge after he had pronounced sentence. How simple and pathetic are the words of the 20th verse. How beautiful, how tender, how kind and forcible is Judah's speech. He reminds the judge that Benjamin had been brought at his request, and that they dare not appear without him; that it was very hard for Jacob to part with him; that his father's life depended on his return; that he had become surety for him, and could not go back without him, and therefore he offered himself to remain a slave in perpetual bondage instead of Benjamin. With what feeling must Joseph listen to this

speech, especially when he knew that Benja min was innocent, surely all will say of Judah, "Thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise." We shall tell you what effect this had on Joseph's mind in the next Lecture. III. CATECHETICAL QUESTIONS.

1. What orders did Joseph give to his steward? To fill their sacks with corn, aş much as they could carry, and to put their money in the sack's mouth, and his silver cup in the sack of the youngest, which was Benjamin.

2. What did the steward accuse them of? Of stealing the silver cup, thereby returning evil for good.

3. Did they deny the charge and declare themselves innocent? Yes, they said, God forbid, that thy servants should do this thing.

4. What sentence did they pass on themselves?" With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die and we also will be my lord's servants."

5. What sentence did the steward pass on them? "He with whom it is found shall be my servant, and ye shall be blameless."

6. With whom was the cup found?" And the cup was found in Benjamin's sack."

7. When they came to Joseph's house what did they do? They fell before him on the ground.

8. What did Judah say to Joseph?" What shall we say unto my lord? What shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants, Behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found."

9. What answer did Joseph make to Judah? "And he said, God forbid that I should do so; but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; as for you, get you up in father." peace unto your

10. Who interceded for Benjamin? Ju

dah.

IV.

PRACTICAL ADDRESS.

When you see Joseph's brethren all travel ling home together so happily, are you not reminded how happy you are sometimes when returning from school to your father's house? Some painful thought darts across your mind of something you have said or done, that makes you feel sorrowful. Take heed of re. warding

K 7

warding evil for good. Never be ungrateful. "Keep your hands from picking and stealing." Do not return to your parent's house laden with things not your own: you may tell them they were given you, but your own conscience accuses you; you know that they were not obtained by honest means. See what it is to be an Advocate. Whenever you plead for your brother or sister, follow Judah's example, first conciliate and endeavour to soften the anger of those befor: whom you plead. Beg that you may be permitted to tell your story. Ask for pity, for mercy, for pardon, engage to become surety for the good behaviour of your brother or sister for the future, especially if it is the first offence. Let your petition be humble, impressive, kind and general. Always display the most tender regard for your parents, and the most sincere affection for your brothers and sisters. If innocent, God will interpose in your behalf, in some way or other. If guilty, submit to your punishment, and pray that God would bless it for the good of your soul.

LECTURE

LECTURE XLVII.

JOSEPH MAKING HIMSELF KNOWN TO HIS

BRETHREN.

GEN. 45. 3. 4. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph: doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him: for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

YOU have heard how Judah pleaded for Benjamin, and offered to remain a slave for life instead of him. This affecting speech and generous proposal quite overcame Joseph. He could not restrain his tears, he 'could not conceal his feelings any longer, he commands that all except his brethren should leave the room. He then wept so loud that the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. After he had relieved his mind by a flood of tears, he tells

them