The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1885-04-02
FIRESIDE SERMONS !!
"And the Lord was with Joseph, and he
was prosperous man."-Gen. 39-2.

Josephs brethren sold the object of
their envy, for twenty pieces of silver
not that they wanted the silver, but that
they wanted to be rid of the smart boy,
yet hesitated to stain their hands in his
blood. These young men perhaps thought
that their brilliant and petted brother
would never again be heard of, but that
the miserable drudging slave in the land of
Egypt would go down to the grave unhon-
ored, if not unknown. These men thought
they were working out Joseph's destruc-
ton in thus sending him into bondage
They were really, under the wise provi-
dence of God, working out their own sal
walton. True, Joseph's experience with
his master, Potiphar, was not altogether
satisfactory, but the Lord was with him,
and ultimately exalted him in the land.
Joseph went through much tribulation,
as well as temptation, but maintained his
Christian integrity at all times. Although
twice robbed of his garment, he still wore
unsullied the cloak of Christian virtue
The misfortune of all evil doers is that
they do not see beyond the mere gratifica-
tion of their personal likes or dislikes. and
could Joseph's brethren have been permit
ted to look ahead for few years, on the
pathway of time, the twenty pieces of silv-
er would have been carried to Egypt in the
pockets of the IshmaelitiSh traders One
of the most philosophic "old sayings" that
we have is comprised in the expression
"Live and Learn" Even our seeming adj
versities and misfortunes often inure to
our good. And this fact was proven,
few years later, when great famine came
upon the land of Canaan, and the sons of
Jacob went to Egypt to buy corn to keep
them from starvation. Here they found the
brother whom they had sold into Egyp-
tian bondage, Governor of all the land of
Egypt, and boss of the entire corn-field.
Thus was the prophetic vision of Joseph's
dream fulfilled-the sheaves of his broth
ers were certainly making obeisance to
his sheaves.
1t was subject of surprise to the broth
ers that the Governor knew so much
about their family history, and especially
surprising was it that their sacks We're
filled with corn, and the money placed in
the Sacks thus enabling them to return
home with as much money as they brought
and with the needed supplies. On the oc-
casion of another visit, the'Governor made
himself known to them as the long-lost
brother, as that brother whom they had
attempted to put out of the way, because
his father had an especial pride in his
brightness. He Informed them that not
they, but God, had sent him into Egypt,
that he might be the means-as time PROV
ed-of supplying the necessities of his
loved ones at last.
The children of Jacob could not under
stand the Divine plan, just as we of the
present day fail to understand many of
the seeming adversities, that are really
for our good, the apparent death which
really cantains the seed of eternal life.
The seed is thrown into the earth; it de-
Gays; it is seemingly destroyed forever
it assimilates with the earth and passes
out of the mind and observation; the
earth which covers it SCENE to US like
the mantle of oblivion. Yet in that de-
cayed and lost mite, there is q strength
and beauty that are preserved, in the wis
dom Of the Divine one for future useful
ness. Great, strong stalks spring up, put
forth a beauteous bloom, and afterward a
rich grain, or fruit, of inestimable value
to mankind. Thus life comes out of death,
bloom out of decay, prosperity out of adj
versity. Like the hiding away of the
grain, was Joseph sent, by his brethren
into Egypt. Like the springing up Of
the strong stalk was his growth in that
land. His pride was humbled by his SER
vitude and long imprisonment in Egypt,
process of cultivation which doubtless
increased his feeling of entire dependence
upon God, and made his life more beauti-
full than it had been before. Just as the
despised grain of corn, cast aside and
trampled upon, may rise to command the
attention and admiration of those who
misuse it, so with this life of which we
speak.
In the limited vision of mankind, he is
unable to see, and understand, the broad
| incomprehensible plans of God. Man can
not see beyond the narrow confines of the
present. God knoweth of the future
Man would have the entire machinery OF
the Universe conform, in its movements
to his pitiful needs for the present. Goo
would ordain all things for the good OF
His children, for eternity. Man would
have all things brought into subsection tc
his will and convenience. GODS wisdom
reaches out beyond, and provides for flu
ture wants. Mans ideas of creation, ant
the ends and aims of the temporal life
| ! ont of thl
material world. Gods wisdom and mercy
are thrown about the life, not only during
its existence here, but if the life be faith
full, they abide with it through the trial:
and temptations Of the temporal life, ale