Genesis 39

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXIX.—What need we have of humble hearts—for who knows how low and debased God may make our lot on earth? —But the advantage of God’s presence and favour is in every condition chiefly to be desired. If he be with us, we shall be well wherever we are. His blessing makes rich and honoured; and without it all our labours are in vain. Godly and faithful servants are an inestimable treasure; and such as are wise will not fail to esteem and prefer them. Providential smiles are often but inlets to fearful and strong temptations, or to grievous and lasting distresses. But to what horrid lengths in the most shameful wickedness will such go as have once broken through the natural restraints of common modesty—abandoned themselves, they can use the most shameless endeavours to draw others into sin. A fiery furnace is less to be feared than a beautiful abandoned woman. Flight is the only preservative from violent temptations to uncleanness; and surely it is better to hazard our life than to wound our conscience. But, in such most en-naring temptations, a deep sense of the evil of sin, as offensive to God and injurious to man, is the only thing that will effectually prevent compliance.—But how hard to obtain protection from a lying tongue! The best of men have been accused of the most atrocious crimes. And there is a great readiness in men to believe an evil report, especially against the professors of religion.—Here the most improbable story gains easy credit. How often guilt is honoured, and innocence oppressed and punished! Yet let me not be weary in well-doing, or in resisting unto blood, striving against sin; for the bitterest sufferings with a good conscience, are to be preferred to all the pleasures of sin. Though persecutors should be deaf to my plea, there is one JEHOVAH, who seeth and judgeth. In his time he will vindicate my character, and plead my cause. No prison can exclude his presence. He will certainly give me my reward in heaven, and perhaps part of it in a prison, where I shall be more out of the reach of temptation, and on the nearest way to my eternal, if not also my temporal, preferments. If God be with me, who can be against me? —Meanwhile, let me, in Joseph, behold how Jesus was delused and exalted! —How he was in all points tempted by devils and men like as we are, yet without sin!—How he was persecuted without a cause! And how upheld of God, as the man in whom his soul delighted, till, for the sufferings of death, exalted at his own right hand in glory! REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI.—Mark, my soul, in what slippery phagreat men stand; and how sudden may be their fall into destruction; the removal from a palace to a prison; nay, to a gibbet! It is much safer, as as sweeter, to be the servants of Christ than of the loftiest monarchs on Strangely, but in wisdom, are the links of Providence connected. God easily wound the stoutest spirits, and make their imagination subservient the ends of his glory, and the advancement of his people. But distresses often in the hearts of sinners, which themselves only know; and in sovereignty God sometimes renders his people more clear, with respect to future lot of others on earth, than with respect to their own. It is a even in a prison, to have one to compassionate our case: and communicati our griefs to godly men is a ready way to obtain solution of our doubts, and recover comfort in our afflictions. It is prudent to conceal the infirmity of our friends, even while we plead our own innocence; and, in exculpating ourselves, we cannot be too careful to avoid reflecting upon those who have injured us. What great events are often connected with the transaction of a moment: and often the eulngrumment of the wicked is at hand, when that of the choicest saints lies at a great distance. Worldly advancements render men strangely thoughtless. No favour, or even gratitude of men, especially of great ones, can be safely depended on. Let me therefore always trust in the Lord, and be in his fear all the day long. But, turn aside, my soul.—Behold the man who is God’s Fellow, in prison and in judgment, on account of his persevering integrity and holiness!—Behold how the imaginations of Caiaphas the high priest, the stiffness of Pilate the Roman governor, with respect to the inscription on the cross, and even the dream of his wife, concur to promote his honour! Behold him on the cross moved with deep compassion towards even his enemies, and crowning one of his fellow-sufferers with eternal life, while he consigns the other to eternal death! But, O JERROVAH, forbid that I should ever forget the love and compassion of this adorable Jesus, but record his mercies in my heart for eternal remembrance. N