the everlasting kingdom of his Redeemer; leaving behind him an example of all the relative duties of life, and all the holy affections of the heart, and a specimen of that unshaken integrity and firm reliance upon God, which never fail the possessor in leading him out of much tribulation into the kingdom of God. And his virtues and his faith will continue a theme of instruction and delight, and unqualified admiration, until "the last syllable of recorded time!" Thus, my brethren, have we finished our review of this interesting story, into which I have endeavoured to blend as much useful instruction as possible, and I trust it hath not been in vain. And while the remembrance of all that befell the brethren, with their fears, and difficulties, and sorrows, warns you to shun the road of wickedness, let the exalted character of Joseph be your encouragement and your guide in the paths of virtue and religion. But, in quitting the subject, let us never lose sight of a principal object, for which the Spirit of God hath recorded the history of this patriarch-to lead us to Jesus Christ, whom he resembled as nearly as the imperfection of human nature can, and of whom he was one of the most eminent types. Let us, my dear brethren, in the contemplation of this interesting and affecting history, turn our eyes to the meek and blessed Son of God, and establish our faith in His mercy, and forgiveness, and support. Joseph, it is true, was only a reflection of his master, but he was a true one. When we hear of his being sold by his brethren, let it remind us of Him who was sold into the hands of his enemies, and learn to shun the first advances of those passions, which lead to such wickedness; lest we sell Him again, and put Him to an open shame. When we hear of his being tempted in the house of Potiphar, let it remind us of Him, who was led up by the spirit to be tempted of the devil,* that in mercy he might be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; and while it inspires us with gratitude, let us rejoice in the victory He obtained over the tempter-the great adversary of our souls. When we hear of his unjust imprisonment, let it remind us of Him who suffered for us, the just for the unjust, and who was imprisoned awhile in the grave; and let us endeavour to bury all our sins in the same tomb. When we hear of his deliverance and promotion in the kingdom of Egypt, let it remind us of Him who, through death, destroyed him that had the power of death, and who burst from the prison-house of the grave, and is exalted to the right hand of power in the kingdom * Math. iv. 1. + Heb. iv. 15. § Heb. ii. 14. of God,* and let us set our affections on things above. When we hear of his dispensing food to the famished people, let it remind us of Him who hath given to us the bread of life, and let us be careful to eat thereof that we way live for ever. When we read of his ready forgiveness of those who had offended him, let it remind us of Him, who hath offered remission of sins to all who, with true penitent hearts, and lively faith, acknowledge their transgressions, and come unto him; and while it inspires our hope, and elicits our thankfulness, let it admonish us that His pardon is conditional, and that we must forgive in order to be forgiven. And, finally, let the interview between Joseph and his father remind us that we all have a Father in Heaven, to whom the holy and unblemished Joseph hath been called, to * Mark xvi. 19. + John vi. 48, 50. Math. xi. 28, 29. |