commends that another tenth be purchased at the current price, which, in such abundant seasons, must have been small. Do we approve the prudence of Joseph, in providing for future evils? Let us imitate it by making provision for that period, which will surely arrive to many of us before seven years are passed, when all the enjoyments and supports of life shall fail; when we must perish, unless we have "laid up treasure in heaven;" unless we have laboured, "not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto everlasting life."

The advice of Joseph was approved by Pharaoh and his counsellors. It was acknowledged that the wisdom displayed by him showed that he was animated by a divine spirit, and he himself was chosen to carry his own plans into execution. "And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a man as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art." What vicissitudes do we constantly perceive in the world! He who was lately treated as the basest criminal, is now loaded with eulogiums. Thus, Jesus was one day esteemed the Prophet of the Lord, and the next a confederate with Beelzebub. Fear not reproach, believer; it shall be followed by honour. Like Joseph, when assailed by ignominy, commit your cause to God. Like Joseph, when assailed more dangerously by commendation, be humble. He never deserved praise, whose heart is elated at hearing it.

Joseph was elevated to a dignity inferior only to that of Pharaoh, and empowered to transact all affairs of government. Instead of the fetters which bound him, he receives Pharaoh's ring. This was a

sign of honour and authority, as is shown from the presentation of it by Ahasuerus to Mordecai; and in profane history, by Alexander to Perdiccas. Instead of his prison-clothes, he was dressed in the fine linen, or byssus of Egypt, which was worn only by the great; and a chain of gold put upon his neck. He rides in the most splendid carriage of state, except that of the king; while it is proclaimed before him, "Bow the knee!" Instead of the confinement of a prison, into which the light of day was scarcely admitted, he traverses Egypt at his pleasure. Instead of being regarded with pity and contempt, he is the object of the public respect and love. Pharaoh conferred upon him the name of Zaphnath-paaneah. The imposition of new names was common among the ancients, in token of high esteem, and to designate the character of the persons who received them, or to serve as a memorial of important events. Thus, Abraham and Jacob received new and characteristic names from the Lord; Daniel and the three Hebrew youths, from the king of Babylon; and Simon and the sons of Zebedee, from the Redeemer. The honourable apellation now given to Joseph, signifies, if we derive it from the Hebrew, the revealer of secrets; and if from the Egyptian, the saviour of the people.

In a world full of changes, why should we set our affections upon the things of earth? Every thing below is fluctuating and uncertain. To-day, we may be rich, honoured, beloved; to-morrow, in the depth of poverty and humiliation. And on the contrary, to-morrow the darkness which now surrounds the children of sorrow may be scattered; and their garments of sackcloth, like those of Mordecai, be changed for robes of state; and their prison, like that of Joseph, be

succeeded by a palace. Ye who are poor, despised, and disconsolate, though you cannot hope for such a reverse as that of Joseph, in your outward affairs, -yet the Lord speaks to you of a change infinitely more glorious, which he invites you to accept. Far less did Joseph, in his lowest abasement, differ from Joseph in his greatest elevation,-than he who is in vassalage to Satan, enfettered by the chains of sin, polluted by guilt, and bound over to the dungeon of eternal despair, differs from him who enjoys the liberty of the sons of God, whose fetters are broken by the Spirit of grace, whose soul is adorned with holiness, and who is freed from all condemnation. Seek, ardently seek, this elevation. Go to him who gives liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison-doors to them that are bound;" who gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Though, like the prodigal, you be bowed down with misery, and perishing with hunger, he will feed you with the bread of life; he will "clothe you with the garments of salvation, and cover you with the robes of righteousness;" he will "put a ring on your finger," give you the tokens of his adopting love. He will confer upon you infinitely higher honour than imperial Pharaoh could ever bestow.

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Sudden elevation generally intoxicates the mind. It had not this effect upon Joseph. We find in him the same fidelity and prudence in the high post which he now held, as we have admired in him when he was in Potiphar's house and in the prison. Instead of spending his time in ease and festivity, in licentious mirth and sensual indulgences, in the giddy round of dissipation, or in forming plans of revenge against those who had so deeply injured him, we

find him actively and laboriously engaged in plans for the public benefit, and faithfully discharging the important trust reposed in him. That sense of the invisible presence of God, which had formerly preserved him from temptation, was still fresh upon his conscience. Gratitude for the kindness of Potiphar had formerly been shown in his conduct; gratitude for the greater kindness of Pharaoh now stimulates him to unremitted exertions.

He was not, however, insensible to the pleasures of domestic life. He was united in marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, the priest or prince (for the original word signifies either) of On, better known in after after ages by the name of Heliopolis. He was blessed with two sons, to whom he gave names expressive of his gratitude to God for his favours, and who both became heads of distinct tribes in Israel. He was peculiarly formed to enjoy the still and serene pleasures of domestic life; but he did not permit them to interfere with his public duties.

According to the prediction of God, for seven successive years, there was an unexampled fertility in Egypt. They were probably spent by the majority in riot and dissipation; for the impenitent turn even the mercies and gifts of God into sources of misery and causes of their perdition. Some, more prudent persons, probably prepared for the time of need. But the land must have perished, had not Joseph built store-houses in every part, in which he received the fifth of the produce. Then he could look forward with confidence to the approaching judgments. knowing that in the midst of them the people would be preserved, and would bless him as their benefactor.

The years of distress commenced. The threaten

ings of God will ever be as surely accomplished as his promises. When the private stores were exhausted, "the Egyptians cried unto Pharaoh for bread." To whom could they go but to him, who had in his store-houses enough and to spare? To whom, in our distresses, shall we go, but to Him who is the Fountain of all good, who giveth liberally, and can supply all our needs from the exhaustless source of his all-sufficiency?

Pharaoh directed them to Joseph, who opened the store-houses and sold them food. That he did not oppress them, is evident from the declarations which they themselves afterwards made. My brethren, you would have accused of folly that man who would have perished with hunger, rather than have applied to Joseph for relief. As much as the soul is more valuable than the body, of so much greater folly are they guilty, who suffer it everlastingly to perish, rather than go to that Redeemer who has the bread of eternal life, and who offers it "without money and without price."

For five years, the corn was thus purchased by the Egyptians. At the expiration of this period, no money was left in the hands of the common people, and little in the possession of the affluent. How the poor were sustained at this time, we are not informed in so brief a narration. There can, however, be little doubt, from the character of Joseph, and the very intent of his advancement, that he supplied their necessities. The money received from others, enriched not himself or his children, but was faithfully deposited in the royal treasury. When their money was exhausted, he gave them corn in exchange for their cattle. In this he did not take advantage of their necessities, but acted both with prudence and gene