ΤΟ BOOK I. Jacob entertains his Family with the History of his own Life and that of his Fathers-Joseph's private Reflections upon it-His first Dream-His Brethren's Envy on account of it-Judah's and Simeon's different Reflections upon Joseph's Dream -Reuben endeavours to remove their Jealousy-Belphegor's Resolutions to blow the Flame-Simeon's Dream inspired by that Devil-Joseph's second Dream-His Brethren's Resolution to murder him -The Patriarch's Care about his Sons-Joseph sent to enquire after their Welfare-A Canaanite finds him, and invites him to his Tent, where he tarries till Morning, and dreams an alarming Dream-He departs for Dothan-His Brethren consult about putting him to Death-Reuben interposeth, is exposed to Danger from their Resentment, and is upbraided with defiling his Father's Bed-Joseph intercedes for his Life in vain— Recites his last alarming Dream in order to move their Pity-Reuben dissembles with a View to divert his Brethren's Purpose, and persuades them to cast him into a Pit-Joseph's Prayer in the Pit -Abel the Protomartyr appears to him, comforts and instructs him. BOOK I. IT was at the end of autumn, when the bounties of Providence were safely gathered in, that venerable Jacob entertained his convened family with the history of his own life, and the lives of his father Isaac, and Abraham his grandfather. A story so full of interesting incidents, related in a manner truly pathetic, sometimes excited the friendly tear, and at others the cheerful smile, upon the countenances of his audience. None was more affected than pious Joseph, who seemed earnestly to catch every syllable in the narration; little Benjamin, indeed, marking the emotions of his brethren's hearts by their countenances, gave undoubted tokens of filial piety, |