Golden Text-"Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him."-Proverbs xxvi. 27. NOTES.-The whole drift of this proverb is this-that deceit always brings its own punishment. A boy tries to overreach his class-fellow-he himself falls into the snare he laid for the other. Take the picture of a stone-you roll it up so that it may cause your brother to offend-to stumble; but it rolls down again, and crushes yourself. Honesty is always the best policy. Lesson 55.-January 20. JOSEPH IN CAPTIVITY.-Genesis xl. 1-23. Explain how Joseph was thrown into prison on a false charge, and that, accordingly, there was no shame in his being there. Nay, rather it was a glory to him, for he was put in prison because he refused to sin against God. We ought to submit to any treatment, however unjust, rather than be guilty of sin. Read 1 Peter iv. 14-16. Read also the words of Jesus, (Mat. v. 10-12.) Covet this persecution, for it is a proof that you are on the Lord's side. Read also John vii. 7. Joseph was nowise cast down. See the reason in chapter xxxix. 21. He had the Lord with him, and might well be happy. Compare the case of Paul and Silas, (Acts xvi. 23.) "Strong walls do not a prison make, Note now Joseph's companions, (ver. 1-4.) Two of Pharaoh's officers. Why they were imprisoned, we do not know; but we know quite well one purpose their imprisonment was meant to serve. Read verse 4. Joseph had charge of them. This was the link in the chain that led to Joseph's advancement, and to his being a saviour to his father's house. See how wonderfully God can bring about His purposes. What a strange history is this of Joseph! How often the current of life turns on what we might call an accident! His being sent to Egypt depended upon the apparently accidental passing by of the Ishmaelites. His being brought before Pharaoh depended upon his meeting Pharaoh's butler in prison. But there was no accident. There is no such thing in the way God leads His own. He knows the end from the beginning, and arranges all. So is it now. What we know not now, we shall know hereafter. Many a little winding and crook in the lot we may be unable to explain, until we get behind the veil. Lesson-and it is a most important one-commit all thy ways unto God, and He shall direct thy steps. Go over now the story in verses 5-19. It requires no explanation. But note these points: (a.) Joseph's consideration for the two prisoners. He saw them sad, (ver. 6.) A rough jailor would have taken no notice of this. He would have left them alone. Not so Joseph. He had a warm sympathetic heart, and he was touched at the sight of their sorrow, and immediately inquired the cause. Lesson-let us seek to find out the cause of human sorrow, and labour to remove it. Many a heart will be open in sorrow that might be shut in prosperity. (b.) Joseph seeks to comfort them, or, at least, to remove the cause of their sadness, (ver. 8;) and in this note his piety. He gives honour to God. He may be able to interpret their dreams, but if so, it will be by the power God gives him. Lesson-"Them that honour me I will honour." Joseph is a notable example of this truth. But it is as true now as it was then. No boy or girl ever honoured God but, in His own time and way, God honoured that boy or girl. There can be no doubt of this. What an encouragement to do the right! (c.) Read verses 14, 15. See how he says nothing about his brethren-not one word to shew that he had been sold. What a generous soul! He never casts up. Learn this spirit. Remember the remark of James, that love covers the multitude of sins, throws a veil over them, does not gloat over them, but tenderly hides them out of sight. This was the very spirit of Jesus, "Father, forgive them." He casts our sins into the depths of the sea, and remembers them no more. It is a fine feature in a boy when he shews a desire to hide, rather than blab another's failings or misconduct. Read, finally, verses 20-23, shewing how the interpretation of Joseph came true, and how his hopes were again disappointed, (ver. 23.) The butler was ungrateful. He forgot Joseph. He was too full of himself to think of any one else. This is always a mean and despicable spirit. Remember the words of the Apostle, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others," (Phil. ii. 4.) Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 55.-Psalm xxxvii. 23, 24. Subject to be proved-God never Forgets His People. Golden Text-"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."-Psalm xxxvii. 23, 24. He is in NOTES.-Picture-a man going through an unknown wilderness; he goes wrong at every step. But one who knows every part of the wilderness comes and takes him by the hand, and leads him safely through. Or this-a man is crossing a moor, full of dangerous pits, and all covered with snow. great danger; but one who knows the path comes and walks before him-he follows in his track, and is safe. He may fall, but his friend is there to uphold him-to lift him up. So with the good man. The Lord arranges his path, every step, and he is safe. Illustrate by case of Joseph. His path_seemed crooked enough at times-in the pit, sold to the Ishmaelites, a slave in Egypt, a prisoner in the common prison-yet the Lord was with him; and he came out at the end of the long weary way safe, and a conqueror. So with all who love God. He leads them by the hand. Lesson 56.-January 27. JOSEPH BEFORE PHARAOH-Genesis xli. 1-36. The narrative of Joseph's life in Egypt affords a striking illustration of the manner in which Divine Providence overrules the events of history, and renders them instrumental in promoting God's glory and the prosperity of His people. The history of the Church and the nations can only be read aright in the light of Divine Providence. Verses 1-8.-Joseph had been, for two years at least, a prisoner on a false accusation against his purity and integrity of character. When we are assailed by temptations of any sort let us recall the memorable exclamation of Joseph"Shall I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Pharaoh dreamed that he stood by "the river"-the Nile-flowing through the rainless territory of Egypt, and by whose waters alone its arid plains are irrigated. The Preacher (Eccles. v. 7) speaks to all human experience when he affirms that "in the multitude of dreams" there are "divers vanities." In the Old and New Testaments there are repeated instances, like the present, of Divine intimations being made through dreams; but there is not the smallest ground for supposing that in subsequent times dreams have ever been so employed in the Providence of God. Nothing is more senseless than the habit of some people of relating their dreams, unless it be the superstition of those who believe in them. Pharaoh awoke impressed with a persuasion that his two dreams had the same significance; but "his spirit was troubled" to find out what that might be. The Divine origin and purpose of these dreams is pointedly referred to by Joseph in the 25th, 28th, and 32nd verses. Verses 9-13.-These verses recapitulate the incidents narrated in the previous chapter, in reverting to which notice Joseph's touching entreaty addressed to the butler, asserting his own innocency, and asking the butler's friendly intervention, (xl. 13-15.) Joseph's request was of no avail; forgotten by the butler, he continued long in prison, till relief came in God's appointed time and way. Had it come sooner, through the interposition of the butler, Joseph, on escaping, might have returned to the country whence he came, and thus he and his father's house would have missed the blessing which awaited him and them. While using all proper means for escaping from pains and perplexities, let us wait patiently on the Lord for the fulfilment of His gracious designs concerning us. Verses 14-24.-Joseph is suddenly transferred from the prison to the palace. He disavows any wisdom inherent in himself whereby he could interpret the dream of Pharaoh, and appears before the king as a witness for God, (ver. 16.) Notice how the king intensifies the force of his description in narrating his dream to Joseph, by comparing verses 19 and 21 with verses 3 and 4. (The description is amplified, not by the historian, but by the narrator of the dream, the king himself; and this might be pointed out to advanced scholars as an internal evidence of the truthfulness and authenticity of the history.) Verses 25-32.-Joseph spoke in the simplicity of his heart, doubtless, also, under a sense of the guidance of God, and without any idea of his meriting any preferment which might be in store for him. It is important to mark how faithfully and explicitly he bore his testimony for God throughout his interpretation,—a testimony not lost upon the Egyptian monarch, as appesrs from verses 38, 39; and the impression thus produced must have been deepened in the king's mind by the speedy fulfilment of the prediction conveyed in his two-fold dream. Learn from this turning-point in the history of Joseph 1. That God watches over the interests of His people. 2. That He has the hearts of all men in His hand-the king's and his chief butler's alike. 3. That He is the Ruler among the nations, King of kings, and Lord of lords, directing all events. 4. That He is the God of the seasons, providing out of the treasures of His beneficence for the wants of every living creature, filling our mouths with food and our hearts with gladness. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 56.-Proverbs xxii. 29. Subject to be proved-God never forgets His People. Golden Text-"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men."-Proverbs xxii. 29. NOTES.-This proverb may be illustrated by hundreds of examples from our history. Benjamin Franklin, the printer's boy, ambassador of America to France-George Stephenson, the collier lad; and many others. The hand of the diligent maketh rich. Apply it to children-the diligent child becomes the best scholar. The diligent apprentice will be the first to become foreman. spiritual things it holds true also. He makes most progress who is most diligent. Everywhere diligence carries the day. Lesson 57.-February 3. JOSEPH AS RULER.-Genesis xli. 37-57. In I. Joseph's Advice to the King, (ver. 33-36.)—Notice first the context. Joseph had just interpreted Pharaoh's dream, intimating the approach of seven years of plenty, to be followed by seven years of famine. To provide against the famine, he advises the king to appoint an officer to gather up one-fifth part of the crop during the years of plenty, and lay it by in store against the years of famine. Note the character of such a man. He should be discreet and wise he was to have a heavy charge; he was to be set over the whole land of Egypt; and he would require discretion and wisdom to do his work well, and to store the corn in convenient and suitable localities. When the early Church chose deacons, they required them to be men of wisdom. We should always put wise men in responsible places; otherwise we cannot expect God's blessing, for He works by means. This wisdom God can give. He gave it to Solomon when he asked it, and he has promised it to all, (Jas. i. 5;) and He gives in no stinted measure; He gives liberally. He is the giving God. Learn, hence, where to seek wisdom to guide you in all your plans and ways. II. The King's Resolve, (ver. 37-46.)-Pharaoh was pleased with Joseph's proposal. He saw that Joseph had the Spirit of God,-that he had the wisdom which is from above; and so he resolves to name him as the officer to attend to this matter. Notice the position Joseph attained. He was over Pharaoh's house. His word was law. He was king in everything but name. As a sign of his authority, Pharaoh gave him his signet ring, by which all public deeds were ratified. (Read Esther iii. 7-12, to learn the importance of the ring.) He had royal robes given him, and a chain as a badge of office. He rode in the second chariot; and he received the customary salutations of royalty. He received a new name, and was allied in marriage with one of the princesses of Egypt. Now, notice carefully that all these honours were heaped upon the poor Hebrew boy who, a few years before, had been sold as a slave in the slave market of Egypt. He is now virtually king of Egypt. How comes this ? The answer is clear: God did it. Joseph trusted God, feared God, refused to sin against God, and so God looks after him. He always honours those who honour Him. Joseph did so, and now he has his reward. God will do so to us if we act like Joseph. He may not advance us to honour; He may not give us a name or riches; but He will honour us. His word is pledged for that, and we may trust Him. Put two boys in similar situations. If one is God-fearing, honest, and industrious, he will succeed. If the other is the opposite, he will fail. All experience proves this. There is a God who judgeth in the earth. Let us always seek the wisdom which is from above, and we may then go on our way, confident that God will direct our steps. III. Joseph's Behaviour, (ver. 47-57.)-He was in a slippery place, more so, perhaps, than when he was poor and despised. He had power; there was danger he might abuse it. He was exalted; there was danger he might become proud, and forget God. He did neither. He did the work appointed him faithfully, and we read of no grumbling against him. None of the nobles plotted against the upstart. He merely gathered the superfluous crops, and laid them up in storehouses. He did not become proud and forget God; for when children were born to him he had a distinct reference to God in the names he gave them. He attributed all his glory to God. Nothing will so much help to keep a man humble, as the conviction constantly before his mind that he owes all to God, and that God has given him whatever he possesses. The proud are those who forget this. Notice, lastly, how Joseph's foresight received its reward. The famine came, a grievous famine, lasting for seven years; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. Learn never to squander any of God's blessings. You have strength, do not waste it; a time will come when you will need it. You have good wages, lay up for a rainy day. Remember the poor prodigal. He squandered all, and when the famine arose he began to be in sore want. Many do this in our day-squander in drink and vice, and when the famine comes they are in want. Use God's gifts without abusing them. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 57-Philippians ii. 9-10. Subject to be proved-We should Waste Nothing. Golden Text-"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." -Philippians ii. 9-10. NOTES.-Humility-lowliness-always come before honour. Illustrate by case of Joseph. But so was it with Jesus. He humbled himself-first by coming from heaven to earth, and then, when on earth, by submitting to death. What a humiliation-from heaven to the grave! But look at the other sidethe exaltation from the grave to the throne of the universe-a name that is above every name with heaven, and earth, and hell, bowing the knee to Him. Whoever wishes to be high in God's kingdom must first be low. "Zaccheus, come down." This is the law: whoever humbleth himself shall be exalted. The Teacher's Quiver; OR, ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE LESSONS. LESSON 53.-JOSEPH HATED OF HIS BRETHREN.-Genesis xxxvii. 1-22. 99. We should not indulge Envy, (verses 11, 18-20.)-Joseph's brothers envied him. Their envy led to hatred; their hatred led to conspiracy to take their brother's life. It was at the instigation of envy that Cain slew his brother. It was under the influence of envy that Saul for years sought to take the life of David. It was Ahab's envy that led to the murder of Naboth. It was through envy that the chief priests and scribes delivered up Jesus to Pilate in order that He might be crucified. Let us, therefore, guard our feelings. "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders," &c. 100. Children should Obey their Parents, (verses 13-17.)-When the Rev. Richard Cecil was but a little boy, his father had occasion to go to the India House, and took his son with him. While the father was transacting business the little fellow was dismissed, and told to wait for his father at one of the doors. His father, on finishing his business, went out by another door, and entirely forgot his son. In the evening his mother, missing the child, asked where he was; on which his father, suddenly recollecting that he had directed him to wait at a certain door, said, "You may depend upon it he is still waiting where I appointed him.” He immediately returned to the India House, and found his dear boy on the very spot he had ordered him to remain. The boy had been told by his father to wait, and felt that that was enough for him. LESSON 54.-JOSEPH SOLD AS A SLAVE.-Genesis xxxvii. 23-36. 101. One Sin leads to another, (verses 23-32.)-When thieves go to rob a house, if they cannot force the doors, or find entrance anywhere for themselves, they sometimes take little boys with them, whom they put in at the windows. These are no sooner in than they unbolt the doors, and let in the whole company of thieves. Satan works in the same way. When he wishes to find entrance into the soul for greater sins, he insinuates some little one, which soon opens the doors of the eyes, and of the ears, and of the heart, and admits the whole tribe. At first Joseph's brothers only envied him. Then they hated him; then they conspired to murder him; then they sold him as a slave; told a cruel lie to their father; and kept up the imposition for many long years. "Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" 102. To Promote our Well-being, that which we most Love is sometimes taken away, (verses 34, 35.)-When a sheep has gone astray, and the shepherd has difficulty in inducing it to return, he sometimes seizes its lamb, and carries it off in the direction he wishes the mother to take; and the sheep, so wayward before, |