Course 1, Chapter 26: The Messiah promised and prefigured — Seventh figure of the Messiah — Joseph. (A. C. 1729-1689.)

1. Did the patriarchs possess great wealth?

The patriarchs possessed great wealth, which consisted chiefly of flocks and herds. They did not build houses; they dwelt in tents, and changed their places of dwelling according to the pastures. God thus wished to teach us that the life oi' man here below is but a painful journey.

2. What were the principal virtues of the patriarchs?

The principal virtues of the patriarchs were faith, which made them constantly sigh after a better country; charity for their neighbor, which made them extend a generous hospitality to strangers; and lastly, temperance and sobriety, which secured to them a long life, exempt from infirmities.

3. How many sons had the patriarch Jacob?

The patriarch Jacob had twelve sons, who are the fathers of the twelve tribes. The most celebrated is Joseph, who was one of the most beautiful figures of the Messiah. 1 st. Joseph was the well beloved son of Jacob, his father; our Lord is also the well beloved son of God, his father. Joseph was mal-treated and sold by his brethren to strange merchants; our Lord was mal-treated by the Jews, his brethren, betrayed by Judas, and delivered up to the Romans, who put him to death. 2d. Joseph is condemned for a crime of which he is innocent; our Lord is condemned for crimes of which he is innocent. Joseph is found in prison with two criminals; he announces to one his pardon and to the other his punishment; our Lord is placed on the cross, between two malefactors; he promises heaven to one, and leaves the other to his perdition. 3d. Joseph passes from his prison to the throne itself of Pharao; our Lord passes from the cross to the throne itself of God, his father. Joseph is obeyed by strangers, before he is obeyed by his own brethren; our Lord is obeyed by infidel nations before he is obeyed by the Jews. Joseph saved his brethren from death when they came to him; our Lord will save the Jews from error when they will have embraced Christianity.

86 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.