hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee." These were heavy tidings for the poor Baker. No wonder he looked so sad, perhaps his conscience told him he was guilty, and had nothing but death to expect. Joseph could not give a good interpretation to a bad dream; he must be faithful and tell the truth. The bake-meats being eaten by the birds and not brought to Pharaoh, was an unfavorable sign. The Baker received from Joseph a warning that he must die. Joseph could also tell how to prepare himself for death, by seeking that mercy and forgiveness at the hands of God, which he would seek for in vain at the hands of Pharaoh.

V. The remarkable FULFILMENT of these DREAMS, according to the interpretation, which Joseph had given.

"And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birth day, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief Butler and of the chief Baker among his servants. And he restored the chief Butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's

Land:

hand: but he hanged the chief Baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them." Whether they had a trial given them, or whether their fate was determined by the command of Pharaoh, we know not. You will be ready to inquire whether the Butler did speak to the King in behalf of poor Joseph, whom he had left in prison; you shall hear. “ Yet did not the chief Butler remember Joseph, but forgat him." Where was his gratitude for Joseph's kindness? Where was his pity, his bowels of mercy for the poor innocent young Hebrew, who was not guilty of the crime laid to his charge? Where was his regard to justice or truth? If he made any promise to Joseph, he had brok→ en his promise. What is man! Such is the friendship of the world and those who put their trust in creatures, instead of placing their confidence in God, will certainly be disappointed. VI.

CATECHETICAL QUESTIONS.

1. Where did Pharaoh put the Butler and the Baker? "And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound."

2. What answer did they make to Joseph when he said to them, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? "And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it."

3. Who was it that interpreted their dreams? Joseph.

4. What was the interpretation of these dreams? That the chief Butler should be restored to his butlership, and the Baker hanged

on a tree.

5. How long was it to be before this should come to pass? Three days.

6. On what day did the fulfilment of these dreams take place? On Pharaoh's birth-day.

7. What did Pharaoh do on that day? He made a feast unto all his servants.

8. What induced the Baker to tell his dream? "When the chief baker saw that the interpretation (of the Butler's dream) was good."

9. What request did Joseph make to the Butler? 66 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee,

unto

unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house."

10. Did the chief Butler think on Joseph ? No. "Yet did not the chief Butler remember Joseph, but forgat him."

VII.

PRACTICAL ADDRESS.

To God all hearts are open; before him no secrets are hid. He knoweth all things, past, present, and to come. It was God that made the Butler and Baker dream these dreams, and by this means they were made sad. God has many ways to afflict the wicked. “Even in laughter, says Solomon, the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness." How kind and affectionate was the inquiry of Joseph. Wherefore look ye so sadly to-day? What is the matter? Tell me your sorrows, and I will pity you, sympathize with you, and endeavor to comfort your hearts and then your minds. This kind, affectionate and sympathizing disposition must have made Joseph greatly beloved by all who were in the prison. Joseph was their keeper, and how mild and kind did he behave to them. We ought to concern ourselves with the troubles of others: we

should

no

should inquire the reason of their sorrows. How delightful it is to see children kind to each other, to hear them tenderly, inquire the reason why their brother or their sister is in tears. You may often be able to give those who weep some comfort, by kindly asking the reason of their grief. When a poor boy has reason to weep, because he has no friend in the world; he has no father, no mother, brother, no sister near to comfort him; go then to that poor weeping orphan and try to comfort him. Think how you should like others to speak to you, if you were in his place, and go and speak in the same manner to him. Joseph foretold the deliverance and restora tion of the chief Butler, but he did not foresee his own. So we may sometimes be able to give that comfort to others which we ourselves may stand in need of at a future time. Joseph gave all the glory of his knowledge and wisdom to God, by saying that interpreta tions belonged to him. So should you, my dear children, give God thanks for all the knowledge and instruction which you obtain at school, at home, or at the house of God. See how Joseph spoke concerning the cruel

manner