Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

December 18, 1879
The Great Controversy Between Christ
and His Angels and Satan and His Angels
Chapter 15--Jacob and Joseph
Of the twelve sons of Jacob, the one for whom he had special love was
Joseph; for he was the son of his beloved wife Rachel, and one of the
children of his old age. He was a son of remarkable beauty. His oldest sons
had arrived at manhood, and had developed unhappy traits of character.
There was continual strife among the eleven; they were neither just nor
benevolent toward each other. The envy and jealousy which were cherished
by the several mothers making the family relation very unhappy, were
instilled by word and example into the minds and hearts of the children, who
grew up revengeful, jealous, and uncontrollable. They would not endure
provocation, for they had too long cherished hatred and revenge. These evils
will ever be found to be the result of polygamy. Each of the mothers is
envious and jealous lest her own children shall not receive due attention from
the father; and again they experience bitterness and discontent whenever they
are made to feel that another is preferred before them. Children who grow up
together surrounded by such elements are most likely to indulge in
resentment for every supposed slight, and revenge for any imaginary wrongs.
There is that in polygamy which dries up human affection, and tempts to the
loosening of ties which should be held sacred.
Jacob's life was made very bitter by the conduct of his sons. Joseph had
another spirit; he was cheerful and happy, and possessed great love for his
father whose heart was bound up in his child. This preference for Joseph was
unwisely manifested, and called out the revengeful disposition of his other
sons. When Joseph saw the wicked course pursued by his brethren he
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