2. It disposes us to a ready forgiveness of those who injure us —
[It does not incline us to palliate their faults, as if they were mere unconscious instruments impelled by the force of Him who made use of them ; (for in all that they do, they act as freely as if God bare no part at all in their actions :) but it inclines us to pity, to forgive, and pray for them, as slaves to their own passions, enemies to their own welfare, and real, though unwitting, benefactors to our souls. This effect is strongly exemplified in our text : Joseph saw the hand of God overruling the designs of his brethren ; and from that consi- deration, he not only readily forgave them, but entreated them "not to be grieved or angry with themselves;" since, what- ever had been their intentions, God had made use of their counsels for the accomplishment of his own gracious purposes : yea, thrice does he repeat this idea as a ground whereon he
d Isai. x. 4 — G. e Isai. x. 12, 1G. < Isai. x. 21 — 27.
would have them satisfied with the dispensation, as he himself also wasg. We have also a similar effect mentioned in the history of David. Shimei, in the hour of David's adversity, loaded him with execrations; and Abishai, eager to avenge the insult offered to his master, desired permission to go and kill him : but David forbade it, saying, " Let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David : let him alone, and let him curse ; for the Lord hath bidden him : it may be that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this dayh." Thus shall we also mortify all vindictive feelings, when once we discern that our enemies are agents for Him : we shall say with Stephen and our blessed Lord ; " Lay not this sin to their charge:" " Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do."]
3. It fills us with an admiration of the divine wisdom —
[It is impossible to trace all the parts of this history, and not adore the wisdom, whereby the various incidents in Joseph's life were made to concur to the production of one great event, the preservation of Jacob and all his family. If we contem- plate the still greater diversity of circumstances, whereby Jesus was made to fulfil the Scriptures, and to effect the redemption of the world ; or the astonishingly mysterious designs of God relating to the excision of the Jews, as the means of engrafting the Gentiles into their stock ; and the restoration of the Jews, as the means of bringing in all the fuhiess of the Gentiles ; I say, if we contemplate these things, we are necessitated to exclaim with the Apostle, " O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out1!" In like manner, the more we are habituated to trace the mercies of God in our own personal experience, and the numberless instances wherein he has made " the wrath of men" and devils " to praise him," the more heartily shall we join in the adoring language of Moses, " Who is like unto Thee among the gods ? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wondersk?"]
In prosecuting this subject, we cannot but be struck with the following reflections —
1. How happy is the Christian in this world!
[Those that know not God, have no refuge to flee unto ; no consolation under the trials they endure, no security against the evils they dread. But the true Christian is persuaded,
g ver. 5—8. * 2 Sam. xvi. 5 — 12.
iRom. xi. 33. k Exod. xv. 11.
57.] Jacob's resolution to visit josepii. 291
that, though he navigates a tempestuous ocean, he has an all- wise, almighty Pilot at the helm : and " therefore he will not fear though the waves thereof roar, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." He knows not indeed what will be the precise issue of impending calamities ; but he knows that it shall be precisely such as his heavenly Father sees to be best for him ; and with that assurance he is satisfied. Thus is he kept in perfect peace, because he " trusts in God."]