Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams.-Pharaoh makes him governor of Egypt.-Jóseph's new name.His marriage.-A regard to truth and duty the surest way of securing the confidence of others.

AFTER Pharaoh had related his dreams to Joseph, the latter replied; "The dream of Pharaoh is one; God hath showed Pharaoh what he is about to do."

Both the seven good kine, and the seven good ears of grain, represented seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt. During this period the earth would bring forth every thing in rich abundance, and much more than would be necessary for all the people, and for the animals which they kept.

The devouring of the seven good kine by the seven poor ones, and of the seven full ears by the seven withered ones, denoted that the seven years of plenty would be succeeded by seven others of famine; that the earth, during this period, would yield little or nothing; that the want of food would be very grievous; and that whatever could be spared from the abundance of the preceding seven years, would all be consumed during those of famine.

Joseph then added, that the foretelling of these events by two similar dreams, was to show that God would certainly bring it all to pass, and in a short of time.

space

In concluding, Joseph advised Pharaoh to ap point officers who should have authority throughout the whole country, to take one fifth part of the crops during the seven plenteous years, and lay it up in store-houses in the different cities. Then, during the seven years of famine, there would be a

supply for the people, and they would not perish with hunger.

This advice of Joseph was much approved by the king, and by those who assisted him in carrying on his government; and he observed that he thought a better man to conduct the whole business could not be found than Joseph-in whom, said he, the Spirit of God is.

“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art. Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt."

After saying this, Pharaoh took off the beautiful and costly ring which he wore, and put it on Joseph's finger, and had him clad in garments of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. All this was to show the great authority which the king conferred upon Joseph, and the respect with which he was to be treated.

He also ordered Joseph to ride in the second chariot, next his own, and they cried before him, Bow the knee; and he was made ruler over all the land of Egypt, with authority of a very absolute kind, and second only to that of the king.

name.

In addition to this, Pharaoh gave Joseph a new This was an ancient custom among the eastern nations, when the kings chose any one, and especially a foreigner, to be high in office and honor. The name which was thus given to Joseph, was Zaphnath-paaneah.

There is a difference of opinion with regard to the meaning of this name. Some think that it means, a revealer of secrets, and that it was given to Joseph on account of the great wisdom which he discovered in the interpretation of the dreams, and of his spirit of prophecy in foretelling future

events.

Others think that it was an Egyptian word, meaning, Savior of the world, a high-sounding title, (such as eastern nations are very fond of using,) to shew the great good which a man of Joseph's character would do to the whole nation.

Pharaoh also provided him a wife from a very distinguished family. Her name was Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest, or prince, of On, which was a famous city in Egypt, over which, and the adjoining country, it is probable he was the ruler.

In this elevation of Joseph to such great authority and honor, it is worthy of particular notice that Pharaoh approved of him, because the Spirit of

God was in him; and that he considered his advice so discreet and wise, because God had instructed him.

Pharaoh knew, indeed, little, or nothing, of the true God in whom Joseph believed; but he saw something very striking in the character and conduct of this young Hebrew. He heard Joseph say, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. He respected Joseph for this, and felt the greatest confidence in him.

Remember that nothing gains the respect and confidence of others, and even of the most wicked men, so surely as a strict regard to truth, and to the obligations which we owe to God.

Let those with whom you have any thing to do, see that you fear God, and intend to look to him for instruction and guidance in the discharge of your duty; and the more your real character is known, the more you will gain that regard and esteem which will be uniform and lasting.

Others will be willing to trust you in the various concerns of life.

And though you may never be called to stations of great authority and honor, as Joseph was, it will be worth a great deal to you, and a source of the highest inward satisfaction, to have this esteem and confidence of your fellow-men, in the humblest