Page:The Story of Joseph and His Brethren.djvu/57

54 his object without them. But Joseph was a wise man, and as he knew the use of affliction, he might see the benefit his brethren would derive from undergoing trials. And no doubt they were benefited by them, and prepared the better to appreciate and to profit by the reconciliation which Joseph had in view.

When Judah had ended his address, Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him, and he cried—"Cause every man to go out from me." When they stood alone before him, Joseph made himself known to his brethren, and he wept aloud. And he said unto his brethren—"I am Joseph." What must have been the feelings of his brethren on hearing this extraordinary announcement! The effect upon them is well expressed in the sacred text—"His brethren could not answer him, for they were troubled (or rather terrified) at his presence." Amazement, shame, and terror were no doubt mingled in the general emotion which his words produced, and so powerfully were they moved that they were speechless. What a relief to their troubled consciences was this discovery calculated to