Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Jacob Adopts Joseph's Sons
Another matter demanded attention--the sons of Joseph were to
be formally instated among the children of Israel. Joseph, coming
for a last meeting with his father, brought Ephraim and Manasseh
with him. Through their mother, these youths were connected with
the highest order of the Egyptian priesthood, and the position of
their father opened to them the paths to wealth and distinction, if
they chose to connect themselves with the Egyptians. It was Joseph's
desire, however, that they would unite with their own people. He
showed his faith in the covenant promise, renouncing in behalf of
his sons all the honors that the court of Egypt offered, for a place
among the despised shepherd tribes who had been entrusted with the
oracles of God.
Said Jacob, "Your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were
born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are
mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine." They were to be
adopted as his own and to become the heads of separate tribes.
As they came nearer, the patriarch embraced and kissed them,
solemnly laying his hands on their heads in blessing. Then he
prayed, "God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
the God who has fed me all my life long to this day, the Angel who
has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads." There was no
complaint about the evil days in the past. He no longer regarded its
trials and sorrows as things against him. His memory recalled only
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