But the civilization of Egypt is too extensive a subject to be entered upon in this connection.  I hope to treat it more at length in subsequent volumes.  I can only say now that in some things the Egyptians were never surpassed.  Their architecture, as seen in the pyramids and the ruins of temples, was marvellous; while their industrial arts would not be disdained even in the 19th century.

Over this fertile, favored, and civilized nation Joseph reigned,—­with delegated power indeed, but with power that was absolute,—­when his starving brothers came to Egypt to buy corn, for the famine extended probably over western Asia.  He is to be viewed, not as a prophet, or preacher, or reformer, or even a warrior like Moses, but as a merely executive ruler.  As the son-in-law of the high-priest of Hieropolis, and delegated governor of the land, in the highest favor with the King, and himself a priest, it is probable that Joseph was initiated into the esoteric wisdom of the priesthood.  He was undoubtedly stern, resolute, and inflexible in his relations with men, as great executive chieftains necessarily must be, whatever their private sympathies and friendships.  To all appearance he was a born Egyptian, as he spoke the language of Egypt, had adopted its habits, and was clothed with the insignia of Egyptian power.

So that when the sons of Jacob, who during the years of famine in Canaan had come down to Egypt to buy corn, were ushered into his presence, and bowed down to him, as had been predicted, he was harsh to them, although at once recognizing them.  “Whence come ye?” he said roughly to them.  They replied, “From the land of Canaan to buy corn,” “Nay,” continued he, “ye are spies.”  “Not so, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.  We are all one man’s sons; we are true men; thy servants are not spies.”  “Nay,” he said, “to see the nakedness of the land are ye come,”—­for famine also prevailed in Egypt, and its governor naturally would not wish its weakness to be known, for fear of a hostile invasion.  They replied, “Thy servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.”  But Joseph still persisted that they were spies, and put them in prison for three days; after which he demanded as the condition of their release that the younger brother should also appear before him.  “If ye be true men,” said he, “let one of your brothers be bound in the house of your prison, while you carry corn for the famine of your house; but bring your youngest brother unto me, and ye shall not die.”  There was apparently no alternative but to perish, or to bring Benjamin into Egypt; and the sons of Jacob were compelled to accept the condition.