age? I make bold to say that neither the poverty of the lower orders, nor the heartlessness of the wealthy classes, but the want of faith and confidence in God, is the principal cause of the evils of the present day; nay, more, amid the evils which surround us, it is itself the most terrible evil of all.
Yet Providence ceases not to watch over us; a thousand examples both in daily life and in history prove this in an incontrovertible manner. But one of the most beautiful and forcible examples to be found in all time is related in the Book of books, in the pages of Holy Scripture.
5. Let us call to mind the fate of Joseph, when he was in Egypt. Who could appear more unfortunate than he was, when, though perfectly innocent, he was sold by his own brothers, dragged away from home, falsely accused of a most disgraceful crime, and on this account cast into prison! But Providence watched over him! He left the dungeon in order to ascend a throne, than which only a regal throne could rank higher. Thus his misfortune brought about his good fortune, and not his alone, but that of his country, his beloved father, and his brethren. Certainly the providence of God manifested itself in this instance in no ordinary manner, and caused all things to work together for good. In order that he might be governor of Egypt, it was necessary that Joseph should be a slave, be loaded with fetters, and thrown into the prison where criminals condemned to death were confined.
6. Wherefore St. Jerome says: "What we consider to be misfortune, is in reality a blessing." And St. Chrysostom is right when he
