The Young Lady's Counsellor by Daniel Wise

40 THE YOUNG LADY'S COUNSELLOR
kept every heart strong, and excluded a.Jl appreliensnn
of serious suffering, alike from the proud pa.dcea
of Pharaoh and the mud hovel of the peasant.
Famine reigned in the land, yet peace dwelt in the
hearts of the people.
Whence arose this astonishing national repos3 m
the midst of so menacing an evil ? Beholf' the
'nimense stores of food with which the vast granaries
'^f the land are groaning ! And, at the head of the
fifovernment, behold the inspired man whose prophetic
wisdom foretold the event, — whose forecast prepared
these almost boundless supplies, and whose wisdom
presides over their distribution !
These facts explain
the great enigma of so much calmness amid so
much that was formidable ! The people knew their
inability to cope with the sterility of nature, but
their reliance on the predictions and ability of Joseph
was so strong they could not fear. Famine might
rage,— they were helpless to resist it; out Joseph had
provided an ample supply for their wants, and they
rejoiced in a happy conscicasnoss of security from
starvation and death.