t12papocrypha
Testament of Benjamin 5
Benjamin teaches that a genuinely good mind produces a radiating effect: the wicked soften, the covetous redistribute, and even unclean spirits and beasts withdraw in the presence of holiness. The holy man neither retaliates nor defends himself when betrayed; he prays and endures the humbling. Benjamin then anchors the entire pattern in Joseph — sold, imprisoned, humbled for a season, then raised up far more glorious than before. The Joseph-of-Egypt master type is named explicitly: rejection and unjust suffering are not the end of the story but the appointed preparation for the elevation that follows.
1
If ye have a good mind, my children, then will both wicked men be at peace with you, and the profligate will reverence you and turn unto good; and the covetous shall not only cease from their inordinate desire, but shall even give the fruits of their covetousness to them that are afflicted. If ye do well, even the unclean spirits shall flee from you; yea, the very beasts shall flee from you in dread. For where the reverence for good works is present unto the mind, darkness fleeth away from him. For if any one is injurious to a holy man, he repenteth; for the holy man showeth pity on his reviler, and holdeth his peace. And if any one betray a righteous soul, and the righteous man, though praying, be humbled for a little while, yet not long after he appeareth far more glorious, even as was Joseph my brother.
