Genesis 41

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XLI.—Certain, though slow, is the execution of God’s purposes of favour to his people; and by the most insignificant, or even extravagant means, he often accomplishes them. But when patience hath had her perfect work, God can easily furnish the means of his favourites’ deliverance: and, when his time of delivering his people comes, he causes men to remember and to do their duty towards them; and effectually to accomplish his purpose. How amiable and excellent, when great gifts and great graces are adorned with the deepest humility, referring all the glory to God, and behaving modestly towards men! But changeable and perishing are all earthly enjoyments, especially desirable ones. Let me then use them with caution, and lay up in heaven a better and enduring substance, for it is infinitely necessary to provide without delay against future, against everlasting wants: in the meanwhile we must esteem it an undeserved mercy that God hath set prosperity and adversity, plenty and famine, debasement and glory, the one against the other. How glorious the character, in which extensive knowledge, firm friendship, active diligence, unshaken fidelity, forgetfulness of injuries received, and hearty acknowledgment of God in all things, are remarkably connected! Happy the nation, the management of which is interested to such persons!—But chiefly rejoice, my soul, that Jesus was taken from prison and from judgment, and hath all power given to him, in heaven and on earth, in order to bestow blessings on perishing sinners! Rejoice that God hath made him to forget his labour, and made him fruitful in the land of his affliction! He seeth his seed, the travail of his soul, and is satisfied. And what a mercy is it that all nations have access to him, not to buy with money, but to receive all the blessings of time and eternity from him without money and without price!