The scriptural account of his rapid rise to favour and eminence, in this his new abode, is exceedingly striking; and shews the especial regard which the Almighty bears for His righteous and faithful servants; there is no situation of life too obscure for the notice of His all-seeing eye; none too low for Him to interpose in behalf of His people, and exalt them to usefulness and honour. “Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.” {78} Thus favoured and advanced, this holy man never forgot, as too many do, that gracious Being, to whose loving kindness he was indebted; instead of growing vain of his superiority, as if he had raised himself merely by his own talent or industry, he referred all his blessings to God’s bountiful providence, and rendered unto Him the return of a grateful and faithful service. It was not long before his fidelity was put to the trial; and the manner in which he escaped the snare, that was laid for him, affords a remarkable proof not only of his integrity, but of his faith, his piety, his religion, his gratitude and love to God: the only principles upon which any dependence can be placed in the temptation of an evil hour. Joseph, when powerfully solicited to betray the confidence, and despoil the honour of his master, might have contented himself with declaring the numberless acts of kindness which he had received at Potiphar’s hand; the recompence of faithfulness which he owed for them all; or the fear of bringing upon himself disgrace and ruin, by so atrocious a crime; considerations indeed, which actually had no small influence and weight upon his mind. But he goes much further, and appeals to a higher authority, to a nobler principle; to one which was calculated to give unto every minor consideration a tenfold effect; to secure the performance of that duty, which reason and honour and conscience suggested; he appealed to his God, from the fountain of whose mercy he had derived all his benefits and blessings; and to whom therefore, his sincere unswerving obedience was unreservedly due. Like every pious and good man, he remembers and regards the human ties by which he is bound; and instances, in feeling language, the kindness and estimation of his earthly master; “Behold, my master wrotteth not (knoweth not) what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all things that he hath to my hand; there is none greater in this house than I.” {80} But then this