Genesis 47

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XLVII.—Let me never be ashamed of my relations, however low they be in station, if they be honest: nor let me ever be an idler, an inactive person, either in church or state. Activity and ingenuity in my profession are the way to preferment. What though man’s days be shortened, and filled up with troubles, yet my life on earth, whether perplexed or prosperous, is but a pilgrimage to the better country above. In the meanwhile let me highly esteem, as a blessing, the prayers of such as fear God: and, if he put me into power, let my care be to do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith. Let mercy, as well as equity, run through all my conduct. But go where I will, and enjoy what I may, let me keep sight of the promises, and of the everlasting abodes: and, though for a while I content myself with this world as a lodging, let my care, my hope, be to go to the heavenly Canaan at my death, and be with Christ, which is far better. Even here also let me behold him presenting an elect world of his brethren before the great King, the Lord of hosts, and preparing mansions for them.—behold him as giving out of his unbounded stores all the necessary blessings of time and eternity, not for our money, our cattle, our land, our persons, but freely, according to the exceeding riches of his grace; and by his oath confirming the promises of our present peace and everlasting happiness!