C. GREEN by C. Green

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 23, 1875

C. GREEN

By C. Green

Gratitude.

Of the few redeeming qualities possessed by the human heart, perhaps there is none in which so many excellent traits are blended, and which is more to be admired, than that of gratitude. Many claim it to be a natural trait; that is, if it is not in the heart, it cannot be drawn forth by favors, kind acts, nor by the force of circumstances. Their reasoning seems plausible; for sympathy and timely aid bestowed upon the unenlightened savage have called forth this virtue in as great a degree as when conferred on those possessing the advantages of a much higher intelligence.

Favors bestowed upon the grateful are not soon forgotten. The words, “Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend forsake not,” were written for those who are prone to forget favors, and need precept upon precept to keep in lively exercise what emotions of gratitude they have. But there are persons who have a heart to appreciate a good deed, whether it be a kind act, a sympathizing word, or a salutary reproof. By such, favors are not only highly valued, but are also remembered during a lifetime.

While this virtue may be called suddenly into exercise, it may be as lasting as the relations connected with it. By this we are reminded of a circumstance connected with Joseph’s brethren, at the time he made himself known to them. He sought in various ways to bring to their minds the heinous sin of which they had been guilty in selling him into slavery. The arrest of Benjamin, the accusation that he had stolen the cup, and the decision that he, and he alone, should be retained, while the others were suffered to return to their homes, caused them to feel sensibly their past wrongs.

Judah realized their true condition, while Benjamin felt its force more directly upon himself. As the youngest son, he had become since the loss of Joseph, the favorite child of an aged father, and no doubt he had often heard his parent mourn and lament the supposed death of the son of his old age. How would his absence be endured by his bereaved father? Turning from this view of his situation, he saw himself doomed to a life of slavery—no more to greet his friends, nor to enjoy their society nor the pleasures of home. He saw himself the victim of a contrived plot, convicted by strong, though circumstantial, evidence. We may imagine that scene better than it can be described.

Joseph, though apparently severe, was no less affected, than his brethren. No doubt he watched with anxiety the sorrowful countenances of each, and awaited with interest the result of his stratagem. Judah now ventured his plea. Briefly, but clearly, he gave the history of his father’s family, alluding to the loss of Joseph, its effect upon his father’s mind, Jacob’s reluctance to let Benjamin go, and his own surety for the lad’s return. He now, to clear himself and save his father from the loss of his favorite son, offered himself to take Benjamin’s place.

This conduct proved to Joseph the deep repentance wrought in the hearts of his brethren, and his course is written for our instruction if ever placed in like circumstances; but we are left to conjecture how Judah’s offer affected Benjamin. Gratitude must have filled his heart, and the knowledge that he had so noble a brother could not always have been kept within his own breast. He no doubt rehearsed the incident of the stolen cup to his children, in connection with the account of Joseph’s making himself known, but Judah’s plea and offering received due respect and attention each time the story was told. Neither was it forgotten in after generations. If for a time the memory was suffered to become dim, it was revived again in all its freshness and beauty. Once the crown lay between the two tribes. A long and bloody war showed the power of the contestants; but when Benjamin yielded, he gave all, and never withdrew his allegiance as did the other tribes, but remained true and loyal to Judah, so long as they remained a nation and a distinct people.

C. GREEN

Battle Creek, Mich.