and man-stealers, and oppressors will meet their merited retributions.

The 4th subject of consideration is-God's design in this case of Joseph, and in other similar cases which illustrate his wisdom, and goodness, and afford many instructive, and important lessons.

The designs of men, and the design of God are often widely different. So Joseph told his brethren: "as for you, ye thought evil against me; but, God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." The results which God designed, and accomplished by Joseph are various, and deserve special notice.

The first which naturally occurs to our thoughts, is, the illustration, and vindication of Joseph's character, and his merited elevation to authority, and honor. In all this the purpose, and operation of God are signally manifest. The cause of his imprisonment-the dreams of his fellow prisoners, their faithful interpretation-the dreams of Pharaoh with their correct solution, and explanation are all proofs of his integrity, and evidences of his intimate communion with God, and of the special favor, and eminent good will which God entertained for him. The honor, and authority with which he was invested were second only to the king of Egypt.. Gen. 41: 38, 44.-" And Pharaoh said unto his servants-Can we find such an one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph: For-asmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet, and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto JosephSee I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had and they cried before him, bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph-I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand, or foot in all the land of Egypt." We involun

tarily exclaim-Is this the son of Jacob? Is this he who was a servant in the house of Potiphar? Is this he who as a culprit was consigned to prison? Lo! what hath God wrought!

Another design which God accomplished by Joseph, was the preservation of his father's family from the calamitous effects of famine.

Even Canaan now, in common with other lands, was suffering by the want of bread, and Jacob's family felt the sore visitation. Now when Jacob knew that there was corn in Egypt; he said unto his sons, why do we look one upon another? and he said, Behold! I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence, that we may live, and not die." They went, and were supplied from the stores which providence by Joseph had provided for this time of grievous need. To an affectionate son, and to a brother who had a heart to pity, and love unkind brothers-what intense pleasure did such an opportunity give to afford relief, and comfort! What various, and irrepressible emotions agitated his heart on seeing again his brethren, hearing that his father yet lived, and from all the tender recollections which this occasion would call up. Even to have saved his father's house from anguish and death by starvation would to his kind and generous spirit, have been an ample satisfaction for all the wrongs which he had endured. But, he had the joy of having them restored to his intimate society and communion, and of experiencing the embrace of a father whom he dearly loved, and to whom he was eminently dear; and moreover, of administering liberally to their comfort and all their wants. But, an overruling providence designed Joseph the honor, and pleasure of being a benefactor on a much more extended scale. The millions of Egypt, and surrounding countries found a supply from the well replenished granaries of Egypt. His mission to Egypt was eminently "to save much people alive." "All countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all the lands." What reason is there to recognise the foresight and benignity of the Father of mercies in the years of abundance, and in the divinely directed treasuring

up of that abundance for the years of sterility, and want! How honored was Joseph in being made the almoner of that divine provision, and bounty! How exquisite, and godlike the pleasure which he experienced in the relief of so many suffering, and famishing fellowmen! To his pious, and generous spirit the second, or even the first honors of a throne could yield no equal satisfaction, nor confer distinction of such intrinsic value, and meritorious estimation. Our country, and eminently some of our most compassionate, and most liberal citizens have won deserved honor from, and secured a deep, immoveable, and affectionate lodgement in the hearts of an Irish population to whose urgent wants they kindly ministered. To Joseph, almost individually, and exclusively, Egypt, and surrounding nations were indebted for their supplies, and had reason to regard him as their special benefactor, and the instrument which providence employed to save them alive. How mean compared with this are the homage, and the fame which worldly conquerors have won! How contemptible, compared with this triumph of mercy, and beneficence, are kingly glories, and all the honors gained in bloody strifes, and the desolating scenes of war!

But there was another result designed, and accomplished by God in this case of Joseph, more important in itself, more valued by God, and more desirable to the piety of Joseph. The God of Israel was made known, honored, and magnified. In all that was done, his counsel, and agency were prominent. What Egypt's gods, and wise men could not foresee nor explain, was revealed by the God of Joseph. He announced the impending evil, and prescribed the means of its prevention, or mitigation. Him alone Joseph recognised as the revealer of secrets, and the giver of all wisdom. Pharaoh admitted this fact-in saying unto his servants, "Can we find such an one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? To the acknowledged servant, and worshipper of that God he confided the government of his kingdom, and entrusted the direction of all the eventful scenes of the coming years of plenty, and of famine. Did not God thus assert, and vindicate his own unrivalled glory as Jehovah omniscient,

and almighty? He alone was consulted. The gods of Egypt had no participation, nor recognition. They were treated as they deserved; as dumb idols, without knowledge to direct, or power to help. What holy joy, and exultation must these facts have ministered to the pious soul of Joseph! What glorious testimonies were these to the God of Israel! These results, as

they respect the exaltation of Joseph, the preservation of his father's family, of Egypt, and of the other nations, reveal the designs of God in this remarkable case, and illustrate his wisdom, goodness, and all-controlling dominion, and afford many instructive and important practical lessons.

Our subject has already led us to refer to the slave trade, and to slavery. I will now only further remark,—that the reasons for which divine providence has permitted these, and all the evils which they have produced, are not yet fully disclosed. I believe, however, that their development has commenced; and that with other purposes to be accomplished, it is one of the means by which he designs to bring about the regeneration of Africa-its evangelization and conversion to christianity, and its civilization, and political advancement. That much crime, and cruelty are found in these preceding, and it may be preparatory, scenes does not prove that those happy results cannot follow. The betrayal, and crucifixion of Christ, involved a paramount series of crime; yet, they led the way to most propitious consequences. The treacherous, and cruel exile of Joseph from his father's house, and his being sold for a servant were crimes of peculiar atrocity; but God permitted, and overruled them for his own glory, and the great good of many. And many similar examples have been found in the mysterious, but wise and holy dispensations of him who is wise in counsel, and mighty in working; righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works; whose way, as respects our knowledge, is in the sea, and his footsteps in the deep waters. As to one of the means of accomplishment, I cannot doubt but colonization is an assigned, and heaven directed expedient. It has already been prosperons, and successful beyond the fondest anticipation, and even beyond what would have been recog

238

JOSEPH, THE SON OF JACOB, SOLD FOR A SERVANT.

nised as a reasonable hope. Into this interesting subject I cannot now enter-perhaps I may consider it more fully in the next discourse.

INFERENCES.

1. The sovereign, wise, benevolent, and all controlling dominion of God over all created things, is a subject transcendently sublime, and interesting. "He sitteth upon the circle of the heavens; and with intuitive, and perfect knowledge discerns all things:-controls every creature: directs, and orders every event:-To his eyes the thoughts, inclinations, and purposes of all intelligent creatures" are naked, and open, and subject to his absolute, and easy control. It follows

2d. That the purposes of God will be surely and fully accomplished notwithstanding all apparent difficulties, and all attempts to frustrate them.

3d. It also follows-That all they are secure, and will be happy, who trust in God, approve of his government, seek his guidance, and in designs, and purposes harmonize with him whose "counsel will stand, and who does all his pleasure. We may also learn from this subject

4th. That trials may be expected, but that God will make them work for good to those who acknowledge, and confide in him.

5th. The character, sufferings, and exaltation of Joseph may easily, and profitably lead our thoughts to the humiliation, sufferings, and exaltation of the Son of God, and their results.