memorial of the truth and faithfulness of that Almighty Protector, whose word is pledged for the preservation of His people, at all times and under all possible circumstances. His mercies, of providence and grace, can never fail; and an earnest of these mercies we may discover, when we look upon the bow in the cloud; it is, in a secondary sense at least, emblematical of God's everlasting covenant with His faithful people, that He will "never leave them nor forsake them."

Nor is it without authority, that we are thus extending the import of this heavenly sign: St. John in one of his beatific visions, "looked and behold a door was opened in heaven, and behold a throne was set in heaven, and there was a rainbow round about the throne."* The saints in light are thus represented as beholding the abode of their God, encircled with the token of His covenanted mercy; an evidence to them, that they have finally escaped the devastation of the world;

Rev. iv. 1-3.

FROM THE FLOOD.

that the floods and storms have for ever subsided; that none of the imperfections and troubles and dangers, from which they have been rescued, shall ever again disturb their mind or mar their happiness.

Hear then, in few words, the conclusion of the whole matter: let the destroying deluge awaken in us, by divine grace, a living conviction of the infallibility of God's word, of the certain "perdition of ungodly men;" let the deliverance of Noah and his family assure our hearts in the expectation of the glorious redemption of every believer and servant of God.

Let us enter the ark of salvation, prepared by our great Redeemer; enter and abide there; and we shall be carried triumphantly over the stormy elements of the world; and be conducted "unto the haven where we would be:" the dove will bring unto us the olive branch of peace; and the transcendent beauty of the celestial rainbow shall appear without a cloud, and bless our souls with the perfect assurance of eternal safety and joy.

SERMON V.

DO THIS GREAT WICKEDNESS AND SIN AGAINST

GOD.

GENESIS XXXIX. 9.

How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?

THE history of Joseph, by whom these memorable words were uttered, is full of interest and instruction. He presents unto us the splendid and rare example of a person advanced, from the lowest estate, to distinction and wealth and power; and yet preserving his piety and integrity unimpaired. Not all the luxury and blandishments of a court of unbelievers could tempt him to forget that gracious almighty benefactor, by whom he had been rescued from danger, and raised to prosperity and

greatness. We all know how apt are the understanding and heart of man to be captivated and corrupted by the enjoyment of earthly pomp and pleasure, under any circumstances; but especially when they are attained by a sudden and unexpected elevation. Joseph had been cruelly left by his brethren in a state of utter destitution. Taken out of the pit into which they had inhumanly cast him, he was sold as a slave to a company of people, who were passing by, and carried into Egypt; by accident, as it appeared, but really under the guidance and direction of an all-wise providence, to accomplish the wonderful purposes of His divine will.

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 be

half 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.”*

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

* Gen. xxxix. 1-4.