thods of the judgment and the grace of God.

_THE OPPRESSION._

i. 7-22.

At the beginning of the history of Israel we find a prosperous race. It
was indeed their growing importance, and chiefly their vast numerical
increase, which excited the jealousy of their rulers, at the very time
when a change of dynasty removed the sense of obligation. It is a sound
lesson in political as well as personal godliness that prosperity itself
is dangerous, and needs special protection from on high.

Is it merely by chance again that we find in this first of histories
examples of the folly of relying upon political connections? As the
chief butler remembered not Joseph, nor did he succeed in escaping from
prison by securing influence at court, so is the influence of Joseph
himself now become vain, although he was the father of Pharaoh and lord
of all his house. His romantic history, his fidelity in temptation, and
the services by which he had at once cemented the royal power and saved
the people, could not keep his memory alive. The hollow wraith of dying
fame died wholly. There arose a new king over Egypt who knew not Joseph.

Such is the value of the highest and purest earthly fame, and such the
gratitude of the world to its benefactors. The nation which Joseph
rescued from starvation is passive in Pharaoh's hands, and persecutes
Israel at his bidding.

And when the actual deliverer arose, his rank and influence were only
entanglements through which he had to break.

Meanwhile, except among a few women, obedient to the woman's heart, we
find no trace of independent action, no revolt of conscience against the
absolute behest of the sovereign, until selfishness replaces virtue, and
despair wrings the cry from his servants, Knowest thou not yet that
Egypt is destroyed?

Now, in Genesis we saw the fate of families, blessed in their father
Abraham, or cursed for the offence of Ham. For a family is a real
entity, and its members, like those of one body, rejoice and suffer
together. But the same is true of nations, and here we have reached the
national stage in the education of the world. Here is exhibited to us,
therefore, a nation suffering with its monarch to the uttermost, until
the cry of the maidservant behind the mill is as wild and bitter as the
cry of Pharaoh upon his throne. It is indeed the eternal curse of
despotism that unlimited calamity may be drawn down upon millions by the
caprice of one most unhappy man, himself