And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and of all his servants. The servants were pleased with the proposal, which was more than could be expected for they might have said, "Is a stranger, a Hebrew, to be honoured more than the favourites of the king's court?"

And Pharaoh said, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? This is a proof that Pharaoh was a wise and considerate king; that he could see into Joseph's character, and chose such a man in preference to others: but God's hand must be seen here; though Joseph had much to fear from that fickleness which is too much the character of man, yet in respect of Joseph, Pharaoh was not permitted to change.

The Christian is here taught to depend on God alone: and in doing this, he becomes the most independent being in the world. He has nothing to do with times and seasons-nothing to do with creatures-nothing to do with consequences and events-all these he leaves to God, and trusts only in him.

Can we find such a one as this is? Joseph's character had been vilified and obscured; Chap. xxix. but time shall show every man's charaeter. All shall one day know, that true wisdom, and true religion, are the same thing. "We fools counted his life madness." Oh, that the man who is asking, "Who will shew me any good?" who is looking first to this vain object, and then to that, would put up an earnest prayer to God, "Lift up the light of thy countenance upon me." He would soon find he wanted no other good; and that the way to gain all, is to give up all for God. "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, is understanding." Such a one will say with Joseph, when temptation presents itself, though never so secretly,

"How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" This is solid wisdom.

Joseph had God always in remembrance: He was his one object in prison and in preferment, in affliction and in prosperity. This is to be blessed indeed; and to be truly honourable. Whenever you see a man cleaving to God with full purpose of heart, say-He is a blessed man!

And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children. Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. GEN. xlii. 36.

From this history we may see how providence may be mis-interpreted even by a godly man; he often frets where he might rejoice, and complains where he should trust; and is apt to pronounce hastily upon what he should first consider deeply and humbly; hence he is liable to despondency.

Let us enquire, how we may be preserved from these painful fears. First, we must examine upon what footing we stand; for if things are really against us, we ought to take care of deception; and whether they are against us, or for us, depends upon this, "Say ye to the righteous, it shall be well with him." Though Joseph is not, though Simeon is not, and though Benjamin may be taken away,-though bonds and afflictions await,-yet" All things shall work together for good to them who love God." Say ye to the righteous, well. But say not so to the wicked man: for it is cruel; you will deceive him. Tell him on the contrary, that how

ever he is increased in goods, in honour, &c., All things Has he great riches? "How hardly

are against him. shall a rich man enter into the kingdom of heaven?" Is he a genius? that induces flattery. Has he understanding? that produces proud reasonings. All these things are against him: for they make him forget God. There is indeed one thing for him, namely, that he has a day of grace granted that he may hear the word of life; but this he forgets, neglects, or trifles with and if he goes on thus, even these things will be against him.

It is otherwise with those who have chosen Jacob's God; who have fled for refuge to him. God is to the believer not merely his Creator, but his God in covenant.

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If you have been remiss-if you have wandered out of the way, then these things ought to be considered; for God may be making use of chastisements for this very end, to make you consider your ways. But still there is no ground for despondency: for his loving-kindness is not taken away. He will make these very afflictions to forward your spiritual growth: they shall humble and purify and all will be well at last. There is peace with God, to be obtained through Christ, by all who 'with hearty repentance and true faith turn to him.'

We should every day learn to correct the errors of sense by faith. We should learn never to draw hasty conclusions from present appearances, but hear what God has declared. Jacob should have called to mind that God had said to him, "I will surely do thee good." He should have remembered the time when things were as much against him as now, namely, when Esau went out to meet him with four hundred men. He should have looked back on his own prayer, (Gen. xxxii. 9—12.) He should have rested in the same manner as heretofore

on the promise, "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." And he might have added, If thou art pleased not to deliver in this instance, yet in some way or other, that I know not of, Thou wilt accomplish the promise, "I will surely do thee good."

Let the believer weigh the promises, and pray that he may hold fast by the word, and say, by the help of God, "I will not let thee go." God has not indeed. assured me that my house shall be so with God as I wish it to be-so as it should be-but, "He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure, and this is all my salvation and all my desire." If we judge of providences by sense, we must be for ever making mistakes. In the end, Providence will explain itself; and in the interval, faith must rest on God's word: hold fast by that, and keep a watchful eye upon whatever would loosen your hold. Let sense be kept within its own province, and let faith speak, which says, God's word shall never fail. Guard against desponding thoughts. Melancholy is a dangerous disease. "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." Isa. 1. 10.

And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. EXODUS ii. 2.

Remark first, the time of Moses' appearing, namely, when the church was in its deepest distress. We see by verses 23 and 24, that God heard the prayer of the

Israelites, as he always does the cry of the afflicted and destitute. Whatever men are doing in the Church, God is never unmindful of it; nor is the Church ever forgotten by him when it comes to its darkest hour, the dawn begins to break. This should teach us that when our distress is peculiar and deep, we are then nearest relief.

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Remark, secondly, the faith of the parents. Scripture is the best explanation of Scripture. The xith chapter of Hebrews shows us, that the parents of Moses exercised faith upon a promise. They hid him, seeing he was a goodly child." They had the promise of a deliverer, and perhaps thought that this infant might be designed for some great end: God commends their conduct. To have an eye directed to him in opposition to the world, is well pleasing in his sight.

A man that understands the promises of God, will be so far from neglecting the use of means, that he will be the more careful in their observance.

We should learn from this passage, to hide our children as much as possible from mischief; and when they are called out from under our wing, it will further teach us how to usher them into the world by faith and prayer, that when they go from under our protection, they may go under the protection of God. Are you a parent, and do you wish to make your children fond of the world, and the world fond of them? If you are an enlightened parent, you will rather cry that the eyes of your children may be opened,-that although they may be poor and of mean capacity, yet that they may be rich in faith: put up this prayer for them, "Father of Glory, open the eyes of their understanding! take them under thy protection; make them the children of thy special providence!" See the particular providence of God with