Hence, it is more important to ponder the practical consequences which flow out of the truth of our being gathered to a risen and glorified Head in the heavens. If Christ were on earth, we should be gathered to him here; but, inasmuch as he is hidden in the heavens, the Church takes her character from his position there. Hence, Christ could say, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world;" and again, "For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John xvii. 16, 19.) So, also, in 1 Peter, we read, "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious; ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (Chap. ii. 4, 5.) If we are gathered to Christ we must be gathered to him _as_ he is, and _where_ he is; and the more the Spirit of God leads our souls into the understanding of this, the more clearly we shall see the character of walk that becomes us. Joseph's bride was united to him, not in the pit or the dungeon, but in the dignity and glory of his position in Egypt; and, in her case, we can have no difficulty in perceiving the vast difference between the two positions. But farther we read, "And unto Joseph were born two sons, _before the years of famine came_." There was a time of trouble coming; but previous thereto the fruit of his union appeared. The children whom God had given him were called into existence previous to this time of trial. So will it be in reference to the Church. All the members thereof will be called out, the whole body will be completed and gathered to the Head in heaven, previous to "the great tribulation" which shall come upon all the earth. We shall now turn for a little to Joseph's interview with his brethren, in which we shall find some points of resemblance to Israel's history in the latter day. During the period that Joseph was hidden from the view of his brethren, these latter were called to pass through deep and searching trial,--through intensely painful exercises of conscience. One of these exercises is poured out in the following words: "And they said one to another, _We are verily guilty_ concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and _we would not hear_; therefore _is this distress come upon us_. And Reuben answered them, saying. Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also, _his blood is required_." (Chap. xlii. 21, 22.)