_Joseph_ THE HISTORY OF JOSEPH Joseph’s is one of the most interesting histories in the world. He has the strange power of uniting our hearts to him, as to a well-beloved friend. He had “the genius to be loved greatly,” because he had the genius to love greatly, and his genius still lives in thes... [ Continue Reading ]
_Israel loved Joseph more than all his children_ PARTIALITY IN THE FAMILY I. IT WAS NATURAL. 1. On account of a kindred spirit. 2. On account of pleasant associations. II. UNCONCEALED. 1. It was revealed for the comfort of Joseph. 2. It was manifested in such a manner that the other children... [ Continue Reading ]
_They hated him_ LESSONS 1. Choice respects to any, from parents, above all others, usually make such favourites to be envied. 2. Flesh and blood usually hate that which grace affects and loves. 3. Sin, and envy specially, put men out of a capacity of doing duty to relations. 4. Where hearts a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Joseph dreamed a dream_ THE DREAMS OF JOSEPH Destined superiority to brethren and parents is the one grand idea that comes out in the strange visions of the night recorded here. 1. This idea was evidently a Divine communication. 2. This idea was expressed at different periods and in different s... [ Continue Reading ]
_His brethren went to feed their father’s flock_ JOSEPH LEAVES HIS FATHER TO SEEK HIS BRETHREN Do you discover in this any type of the Redeemer? Does it remind you of one who left a far better home, and descended from the bosom of a far more illustrious father, to travel through this wilderness wo... [ Continue Reading ]
_They conspired against him to slay him_ THE CONSPIRACY TO MURDER JOSEPH I. AN EXAMPLE OF THE RAPIDLY DOWNWARD COURSE OF EVIL. II. AN EXAMPLE. OF THE BOLD DARING OF SINNERS. III. AN EXAMPLE OF GUILT INCURRED EVEN WHERE PURPOSE HAS NOT RIPENED INTO ACT. IV. AN EXAMPLE OF DEGREES OF GUILTINESS EV... [ Continue Reading ]
_We will say, some evil beast hath devoured him_ PLOTTINGS OF INIQUITY This text is no part of revelation. It is a premeditated falsehood, agreed to and told by Joseph’s brothers, to account for his absence. I. THAT WICKED MEN DARE NOT TRUST EACH OTHER TO EXPLAIN THINGS, BUT MUST AGREE TO FALSIF... [ Continue Reading ]
_A company of Ishmaelites_ LESSONS 1. Providence can make eyes to see, and such objects to be presented, which may occasion diversion of evil plots against the saints. 2. God orders travellers, and trades, and journies, to serve His own ends to His servants. 3. Accidental events to men are sett... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver; and they brought Joseph into Egypt_ JOSEPH SOLD INTO EGYPT I. A FAMILY FEUD THE FOUNDATION OF A NATIONAL CALAMITY. Bondage for four hundred years. II. A DESPISED CLASS BECOMES THE INSTRUMENT OF GOD’S PROVIDENCES AND JUDGMENTS. Ishmaelit... [ Continue Reading ]
_Reuben returned_ LESSONS 1. Under the wise providence of God, helpers may come too late to so save oppressed. 2. Creatures as they intend, so may they do their utmost to save, when God will not have it so. 3. The pit, under God’s disposal, giveth up to sale, when it is intended unto freedom.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Without doubt_ WITHOUT DOUBT While in relation to some things men doubt where they ought to trust, with other matters they will feel quite certain, though they have good cause for questioning. Consider the habit of taking certain notions “without doubt,” as it is illustrated in the case of Jacob... [ Continue Reading ]
_He refused to be comforted_ REAL AND UNREAL CONSOLATIONS Earth is so full of sorrows, and its sorrows are so various, and its cry for their healing so piteous and so importunate, that no man who lives can always stop his ears, if he can even steel his heart, against the demand for his sympathy an... [ Continue Reading ]