t
they must be endowed with intellect equal to the Almighty, to enable
them to know and perceive that which He decides upon. But if God has
not permitted us to understand all his ways, still, wherever we can
trace the finger of God, we can always perceive that everything is
directed by an all-wise and beneficent hand; and that, although the
causes appear simple, the effects produced are extraordinary and
wonderful. We shall observe this as we talk over the history of the
Jews, in the Bible. But, I repeat, that we must study the whole of the
Bible with faith, and not be continually asking ourselves, `Why was this
done?' If you will turn to the ninth chapter of the Epistle to the
Romans, you will see what the Apostle Paul says on the subject: `Nay
but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?' Shall the thing
formed say to him that formed it, `Why hast thou made me thus?' Do you
now understand in what spirit the Bible should be read?"

"Yes, I do. We must read it as the Word of God, and believe all that we
read in it."

"Exactly. Now we will proceed. After Adam's fall, the earth became so
wicked that God destroyed it, leaving but Noah and his family to
re-people it; and as soon as this was done, the Almighty prepared for
his original intention for the future salvation of men. He selected
Abraham, who was a good man, and who had faith, to be the father of a
nation chosen for His own people--that was the Jewish nation. He told
him that his seed should multiply as the stars in the heavens, and that
all the nations of the earth should be blessed in him; that is, that
from his descendants should Christ be born, who should be the salvation
of men. Abraham's great grandchildren were brought into Egypt, to live
apart in the land of Goshen. You have read the history of Joseph and
his brethren?"

"Oh yes; I know that well."

"Well, the Almighty wished the Jews should be a nation apart from
others, and for that purpose he brought them into Egypt. But observe,
Frank, by what simple and natural causes this was effected. It was by a
dream of Joseph's, which, when he told them of it, irritated his
brothers against him; they sold him as a slave, and he was sent into
Egypt. There, having explained the dream of Pharaoh, he was made a
ruler over Egypt, and saved that country from the famine which was in
every other land. His brothers come down to buy corn, and he recognises
them. He sends for his father and all