loss of his flocks and herds, and of his gold and silver, would have been trifling. We little know, when our affections are placed upon earthly comforts, the pangs they may cause before all is over. Jacob loved Joseph; but he was sold into Egypt. David loved Absalom; but he became a rebel, and died in disgrace.

The submission of Abraham teaches us, that it is both our wisdom and our interest to submit to the will of God in severe trials. The creature was never intended to be our chief good. At most it is but a subordinate good. We are in the hands of God, to whom we should leave all our concerns. When he has the rule over us, and chooses for us, all is well; and submission to his will brings peace and joy in the most calamitous events.

It appears evident by this account, that God, who gives the choicest blessings, may take his gifts away. We are but stewards, and our Lord may do what he will with his own. When Job had lost both his wealth and his children, he said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job i, 21. The Lord prepared a gourd to cover the head of Jonah; but a worm smote the gourd, and it withered. Thus all our comforts may be taken away; but let us still rejoice in the Lord, and bless the God of our salvation. We may infer from this account, that dark duties are no objections to clear promises. Whether we can see or not, God will fulfil his word. Abraham judged so, and thought that God could even raise his son from the dead, to accomplish his promises. We may have darkness, and no light; but God is all light, and his mysterious ways work the end designed, to the astonishment of short-sighted mortals.

Many promises are made to pious men, and we see in this account, that God will be faithful to his word, though we cannot comprehend how his faithfulness will appear. His promises have never failed, and never will fail. Heaven and earth shall pass away; "but the word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Pet. i, 25. If any promise has not been fulfilled, it was conditional, and the condition upon which it was made had been neglected; so that it was man that failed, and not a faithful God.

In reading this account, we see the propriety of studying Scripture characters. Good characters are recorded for our imitation; and those which have been bad, are recorded for our warning. Let us improve both to the best of purposes. No doubt this solemn transaction is recorded for our instruction. For, though we may not be called to offer up our children, yet, in painful duties, we are called to imitate the temper and conduct of Abraham, in offering up his son.

Here we also learn, that man, whose life is forfeited to justice, is spared through a sacrifice. Many have considered Isaac as a type of Christ, and in some respects he certainly was; but it is probable, that, in this important transaction, he represented men in general, whose life has been forfeited by sin, and may be demanded by the justice of God, whenever he sees fit. The ram caught in the thicket, and which was actually sacrificed, was a type of Christ. The ram suffered in the place of Isaac; and Christ suffered in the place of man. The ram was pro

vided to make a typical atonement, and Christ was provided to make a real atonement. But how could Isaac, whose life was spared, be a type of Jesus, who died on the cross? Had God delivered Jesus from the cross, there would have been a resemblance. Isaac was not appointed to die for men; but Jesus tasted death for every man. He gave up the ghost on Calvary, the very mount, as is supposed, where the typical animal was offered up. May we be saved, both here and hereafter, through his all-sufficient sacrifice! Amen.

SERMON XIX.

JOSEPH SOLD INTO EGYPT.

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: But God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt: And he made him governor over Egypt, and all his house. Acts vii, 9, 10.

THE history of Joseph is both entertaining and instructive; and that man who can read it through without a tear, can scarcely be said to possess the common feelings of humanity. Joseph has been considered as a type of Jesus; and it is impossible to read his history, without perceiving a striking resemblance in many important particulars; but the history of Joseph should be read, principally, as an astonishing display of that Divine providence, which presides over the affairs of men.

Our text will lead us to consider several important events in this history, and it may be divided into two parts: First, the conduct of the patriarchs towards Joseph; and, Secondly, the conduct of God towards him.

I. THE CONDUCT OF THE PATRIARCHS TOWARDS JOSEPH.

The word Patriarch signifies a father; and the sons of Jacob were so called, because they were the fathers of the tribes of Israel. Nine of them only were concerned in the horrid transaction which we are about to examine; for Benjamin was absent, and Reuben did not consent, having formed a plan for his brother's deliverance. "And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit, in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again." Gen. xxxvii, 22.

The patriarchs envied Joseph. Envy is that uneasiness which a man feels at the prosperity and happiness of another; and it is one of the most tormenting passions to which human nature can be subject It perpetually corrodes and tears the heart, by turning the happiness of others into a source of misery: And it wastes the life, and destroys the comfort of that man, who suffers it to take root in his heart.

One cause of envy in the patriarchs was the fond partiality of Joseph's father. "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: And he made him a coat of many colours." Gen. xxxvii, 3. That coat cost Joseph many a bitter sigh. Parents should carefully guard against blind partiality; and if they feel partial to one child, on account of some promising appearances, they should not distinguish him by a coat of many colours, lest, by exposing him to envy, they cause him to suffer as Joseph did.

Another cause of their envy was, the dreams of Joseph. Those dreams were evidently of the Lord, who foresaw his future greatness, and made it known in this remarkable way. Joseph dreamed that he was to receive homage both from his father and his brethren: And when he related his dreams, "his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying." Gen. xxxvii, 11. Out of scorn and contempt, the patriarchs called him the dreamer. "Behold this dreamer cometh. Come now, therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil beast hath devoured him: And we shall see what will become of his dreams." Gen. xxxvii, 19, 20.

Influenced by this diabolical passion, they sold Joseph into Egypt. They had intended to have murdered him, and no doubt would have done so but for the interference of Reuben and Judah. Judah, at first, was disposed to kill him, but a fair opportunity just then offering itself, to dispose of him without shedding blood, he said, "What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.' ." Gen. xxxvii, 26, 27. To buy and sell innocent human beings is a horrid crime! Prisoners taken in war have often been sold for slaves; but here brothers, under the influence of envy, sell a brother. Surely their envy was like that of the devil, who is ever restless and miserable in beholding the happiness of men. O, let us guard against this hellish principle, and carefully cultivate a spirit of benevolence and good-will, even towards our enemies! One crime frequently begets another, and when a man falls into sin, it is difficult to say where it may end. When the patriarchs had sold Joseph, to satisfy their cruel envy, they were under the necessity of inventing a lie to conceal their crime. The bloody coat was presented to Jacob, who wept, and lamented the loss of his son, supposing him to have been torn by some beast of prey. He knew the coat again, and said, "It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days." Gen. xxxvii, 33, 34. Thus they deceived their aged father; but God, who had beheld their vile conduct, could not be deceived.

II. THE CONDUCT of God TOWARDS JOSEPH.

Joseph was sold, but God was with him. It is probable that Joseph feared God before this event happened; and if so, he had the consolations of religion, when all other consolations failed. He was removed far from his pious father; but the God of his father was with him. Dis

tance of place often interrupts paternal kindness; but the kindness of God, our father, may be enjoyed in every place. Joseph was banished from his brethren, and from every domestic comfort; but he could not be banished from his God. How pleasing is the thought, that the God whom we serve is not a local being, but a God who fills heaven and earth! He is with us, though we do not see his form; and we enjoy his presence, though invisible. All good men have God with them wherever they go. He watches over them both by day and by night, and condescends to be their guardian and their faithful friend. While God is with us, we cannot want; While he is with us, we need not fear. He is far better than earthly parents, and more to be desired than either wealth or friends. No doubt Joseph worshipped the God of Jacob; and Jacob's God was with him, to accept and bless that worship. He was nigh when Joseph prayed; and he noticed the praises and thanksgivings of his servant.

God delivered Joseph out of all his afflictions. He had many painful afflictions in Egypt. He was tempted by a lewd woman, who, when her vile wishes could not be accomplished, blasted his character by lies and falsehood. He was cast into a dungeon. "But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison." Gen. xxxix, 21. There Joseph interpreted the dreams of the chief butler and the chief baker, his fellowprisoners. Pharaoh "restored the chief bulter to his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him." Gen. xl, 21-23. Afflictions attend good men wherever they go; but God delivers them. He delivered Joseph not once only, but always. He delivered him out of all his afflictions. He had lost his father; but he lived to see him again. He had been hated by his brethren; but the day came when they loved and honoured him. He had been disgraced; but great honour followed his disgrace. He had been forgotten; but God caused him to be remembered. He had been in a prison; but was advanced next to the throne of Pharaoh. What wonderful changes! What astonishing deliverances! The God of Joseph "gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt." Pharaoh dreamed, but neither he nor his wise men could interpret. The report of Pharaoh's dreams brought Joseph to the recollection of the chief butler, and he was sent for by the king. Pharaoh's dreams, like those of Joseph, were of God; and God gave Joseph wisdom to interpret, and the interpretation gave him favour in the sight of Pharaoh. Thus all Joseph's honours were of God, who, when he pleases, can raise his servants high in the esteem of earthly monarchs.

"Pharaoh" influenced by the God of Joseph, "made him governor over the land of Egypt, and all his house." It is not often necessary for good men to be exalted in this world; but when God sees fit, how easy it is for him to exalt them! God makes men great, that they may be useful. In this instance, Joseph was exalted for the good of others; he was blessed, that he might be made a blessing. In that high station

Joseph, as an instrument, saved the lives of the Egyptians. During seven years of plenty, he laid up sufficient stores of food for seven years of famine. Let the prudent foresight of Joseph teach us to lay up “in store for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that we may lay hold on eternal life!" 1 Tim. vi, 19. On this plan, we shall sit loose to the world, and hasten to a better country.

Joseph, in his exalted station, was made an instrument of saving his own family. The famine reached Canaan, and was felt by good old Jacob. The brethren of Joseph came down to buy corn, and they were amply supplied. It was on one of those journeys that the prophetic dreams of Joseph were fulfilled; for his brethren "bowed themselves to him to the earth." Gen. xliii, 26. Jacob also came down into Egypt, and was richly provided for in the land of Goshen. "Joseph nourished his father and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families." Gen. xlvii, 12. It is very observable, that God often uses means to accomplish his purposes which are very unlikely to men. Here we see a poor despised Hebrew raised to high honour and power, that he might save a great nation, and a chosen family. A poor slave, a degraded prisoner, raised next to the throne of Pharaoh! Happy is the land which hath such a governor! All things prosper when wisdom and piety are found in the rulers of a nation. Happy the parent who hath such a son! Happy the brethren who have such a brother! And happy, thrice happy are we, who have the lovely Jesus for our Saviour!

To conclude: Let us learn to rejoice in the prosperity of other men, and to crush the spirit of envy in the bud. Let us also rejoice in the presence of God. It is no matter where we pitch our tents, whether in Canaan, in Egypt, or in the wilderness, if God be with us. There is a gracious God, who over-rules bad purposes for good ends. Those who are near to us may design our ruin; but all the designs of God are to bless and save our souls. Innocency and uprightness shall finally triumph; and sin, however artfully concealed, will be brought to light, and in the end, without repentance, will disgrace and destroy the sinner. God still governs the world. Jesus still cares for men. The Jews sought to destroy Jesus; but God highly exalted him at his own right hand, where he ever lives to bless his people. "When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; and what he saith to you, do." Gen. xli, 55. Thus let us go to the blessed Jesus, and what he saith unto us, let us do with cheerfulness. Then, being fed with that bread which came down from heaven, we shall live for ever! Amen.