II.

SERM. that which was neceffary for prefent confumption, to be exported to foreign countries, but very wifely and providentially kept it at home.

Jofeph was certainly entituled, for fuch falutary advice, to all the favour and protection which the king could poffibly beftow on him. Accordingly we find, that Pharaoh confidered his merit, and rewarded it. And he faid unto Jofeph, Forafmuch as God hath fhewed thee all this, there is none fo difcreet and wife as thou art. Thou shalt be over my house, and only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Jofeph's hand, and arrayed him in veftures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. And be made him to ride in the fecond chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Behold,

II.

Behold, then, this favourite of the SERM. Almighty, not only released from a ftate of ignominy and contempt, but advanced to the highest rank; fecond in honour and dignity to the exalted prince of a noble and extenfive kingdom; the guardian and protector of a whole people. We fhall find, as we advance in the history, that pleasures still greater than any which power and fplendor can bestow were referved for him. In the mean time, from what we have already heard, we have reafon to conclude, that the gracious Providence of God worketh every day, and every hour, unfeen perhaps and unacknowledged, for the defence and preservation of the righteous. Never let the good and virtuous mind fink under the burthen of prefent affliction, for God will always make it the foundation of future happinefs. If, like Jofeph, we refift evil, it will flee from us. If we confide in the Most

SERM. Most High, he will never leave nor för

II.

fake us, but will, with the affliction,

make a way for us to escape from the gloomy abodes of grief, fhame, and forrow, to the manfions of honour, pleafure, and felicity.