JOSEPH.

THE history of Joseph, which is recorded in the 37th and following chapters of the Book of Genesis, is one of the most interesting pieces of biography in the sacred volume. It comprises a variety of tender and affecting circumstances, which afford matter for reflections useful for the conduct of almost every part and stage of a man's life.— Reader! "search the Scriptures" is a sacred injunction. Be it thy wisdom to comply with it. Devote the leisure of thy next Sabbath to the study of the history of the patriarch Joseph-Thou wilt find it "good to the use of edifying!"

The incidents in the history of Joseph are too numerous to be here separately dwelt upon; let us, however, make a few general observations.

In whatever point of view we consider him,

we find him amiable and excellent, and highly worthy of our imitation.

He is constantly spoken of in Scripture as a person of the strictest fidelity in every trust committed to him; of the most exemplary chastity and honour; of the most fixed reverence for God, in the midst of the corruptions of an idolatrous court and kingdom; of the noblest resolution and fortitude; of unwearied industry and diligence, of the most generous compassion and forgiveness of spirit. Of his father and his family he is represented as the stay and support. In adversity we behold him humble and patient, in the height of prosperity liberal and moderate; faithful as a servant, dutiful as a son, affectionate as a brother, just and generous as a ruler; in a word, a man of the most exemplary piety and virtue". Such was Joseph. Reader! it will profit thee nothing to study the word of God if thou dost not apply its sacred lessons to thy own case, character, and circumstances. Say to thyself," Joseph was eminent for piety and virtue-am I pious and virtuous?" Examine accurately, search deeply, and let the standard by which thou triest thyself be

น See Dodd's Bible.

"the law and the testimony," the revealed will of God. Pause,—and enquire,-how stands it between God and thy soul?

There are two particular circumstances in the history of Joseph, by attending to which we may derive much benefit. First his stedfast resistance of the temptation to which he was exposed. "How," said he, "can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Temptation, trial, is the lot of man, and many a time it is hard to stand in the evil day; indeed, he alone will stand securely, who knows how liable he is to fall, and who supplicates, Lord! strengthen and sustain me! When exposed to temptation to depart from the good and the right way-let us say with Joseph, "How shall I do this, and sin AGAINST God?" Though present pleasures may arise from indulgence; yet let us remember that it is against God that sin is committed, against his nature and dominion, against his love and his design: and that persuasion may not overcome us, nor secrecy encourage us, let us strive to have our minds habitually possessed with a sense of our obligations

Gen. xxxix. 9.

to God, and with an abiding conviction that his eye is upon us. There is no surer guard against temptation than this wakeful persuasion, Thou God seest me!

Let us note, lastly, from the history of Joseph, how afflictive dispensations work together for the benefit of the faithful servants of the Most High.

The lowest stage of misfortune to which Joseph was reduced, proved the immediate step by which he rose to honour. He was raised from the prison into which Potiphar had cast him, to eminent dignity in Pharaoh's court". How wisely has providence ordered the condition of human life, concealing from us the knowledge of things to come! This condition, in a state liable to constant changes, is full of advantage. Were it otherwise, if a man could certainly say, in his flourishing circumstances, that he should never be moved, he would probably be lifted up with pride, and give way to every kind of extravagance and folly; but the uncertainty of the highest stations, and the variety of unforeseen events that may reverse fortune, checks the insolence of prosperity,

y Gen. xli. 39.

suppresses vain imaginations, and is a perpetual incentive to frugality, moderation, and other social duties. On the other hand, were a man sure that his miseries were without remedy, and that his difficulties could never be overcome, the gloomy prospect would dispirit him, enfeeble his resolution, indispose him for the duties of religion, and a due discharge of the common offices of life. But, as we are allowed to see only the past and the present, the most afflicted may support themselves with the hope of better times to come. Deliverances, both from temporal and spiritual distresses, often come at an unexpected hour; and the Christian, the believing, praying, practical Christian, may, in all seasons, " in patience possess his soul," firmly relying on God; all whose dealings are conducted by invariable rules of wisdom and goodness, and directing his views forward to that world of perfect peace to which he is hastening, and from which sorrow, pain, and death shall be for ever banished.