have told you, that you are shepherds, that your trade hath been to feed cattle from your youth even until now, both we and also our fathers. A grazier is a very good business in this country, but it was not thought so in Egypt. I wish you to dwell here, and the king when he hears this, will give you a grant of the land of Goshen. For every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. This is counted a mean employment, and those that follow it are despised, as unfit for any other employment. See how careful Joseph is to preserve his bretliren from the snares to which they are exposed. He could have employed them under himself in the corn trade, he could have procured for them a place in the Court of Pharaoh, or in the Army, but this would have made them proud perhaps, and high minded. It would have caused the envy of the Egyptians also, and they might not be fitted for the station in which they were, and thus they would injure him, and disgrace themselves.

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PHARAOH'S QUESTION & JACOB'S ANSWER

GEN. 47. 8, 9.-And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty yearsz few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers, in the days of their pilgrimage.

J OSEPH having settled every thing with respect to his father and his brethren, and told them what they were to say, when they were sent for into the king's presence, goes to court; and takes five of his brethren, the most handsome of them all, to introduce them to Pharaoh, both out of respect to Pharaoh, affection for his brethren, and to obtain for them a residence or settlement in the land of Goshen. He mentioned to the king that they were come unto that part of his dominions called Goshen, with their flocks and herds. Goshen was a very pleasant country, this was the most fruitful part of all Egypt, especially for

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for pasturage, and therefore the most suitable dwelling place for those who had so many cattle. It was situated to the North-east of Egypt, and for the most part eastward of the Nile. The young men appearing in the presence of Pharaoh, he asked them what their business was. Joseph appears to have known that it would be the first thing that he would inquire after. It was a very proper question for him to ask. He took it for granted that they were not brought up in idleness, therefore must be of some occupation, and perhaps one that might be useful to him or his people. Besides, this was not a time for idle people to come to Egypt. It was a time of famine, therefore if they will not work, they must not expect to have bread when it is so scarce; but Pharaoh appears to have asked the question that he might promote them to honor. However they answered they were shepherds, and to this they added, that they were not come to live constantly in the land of Egypt, but merely to sojourn; that is to stay for a certain time in the country with their flocks and herds, which were almost starved because of the severity of the famine, and the scarcity

of grass in the land of Canaan. They concluded by requesting the king to allow them to dwell in the land of Canaan. Pharaoh then turning himself to his favorite counsellor Joseph, thus addressed him:

"Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee: The land of Egypt is before thee: in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen, (seeing that they prefer it) let them dwell." This was an instance of Pharaoh's gratitude to Joseph, who had been such a blessing to him and his kingdom, therefore he was kind to his relations for his sake. He left Joseph to make them happy in their own way: and if there were any men of activity, or extraordinary in their business, make them rulers over my cattle, let them have the care and management of my flocks. Pharaoh enquired for active men; men of business; men of diligence and industry, like Joseph; these were the men he would prefer. "Seest thou a man diligent in his business, says Solomon, he shall stand before kings." If they are ingenious or industrious, if they excel, they shall be the chief

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shepherds of my flocks. Having obtained what he desired for his brethren, he now introduces his aged and venerable father to the king, by way of respect.

I. JACOB PRESENTED TO THE KING OF EGYPT.

When he presented his brethren, they stood before the king, they were young, and it would have been very disrespectful if they had sat in the presence of Pharaoh; but Jacob, in honor of his years and compassion to his infirmities, is placed on a seat before Pharaoh. The good old man beheld Pharaoh sitting in his Royal robes. The sight of a Prince, who had shewn such kindness to himself and family in the time of their distress, calls forth the most lively sensations of gratitude. He saFutes the Monarch with respect, and pronounces a blessing on him. How affecting the sight, to behold a venerable good old man, with grey hairs, and a long beard, lifting up his hand to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the true and living God. Jacob had as a Prince had power with God, and prevailed when he wrestled with the An