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Children of Israel
81
Spirit a shield. Although surrounded with the severest temptations,
there is a source of strength to which they can apply and resist them.
How fierce was the assault upon Joseph’s morals. It came from
one of influence, the most likely to lead astray. Yet how promptly
and firmly was it resisted. He suffered for his virtue and integrity, for
she who would lead him astray revenged herself upon the virtue she
could not subvert, and by her influence caused him to be cast into
prison, by charging him with a foul wrong. Here Joseph suffered
because he would not yield his integrity. He had placed his reputation
and interest in the hands of God. And although he was suffered to be
afflicted for a time, to prepare him to fill an important position, yet
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God safely guarded that reputation that was blackened by a wicked
accuser, and afterward, in His own good time, caused it to shine.
God made even the prison the way to his elevation. Virtue will in
time bring its own reward. The shield which covered Joseph’s heart
was the fear of God, which caused him to be faithful and just to his
master and true to God.
Although Joseph was exalted as a ruler over all the land, yet he
did not forget God. He knew that he was a stranger in a strange land,
separated from his father and his brethren, which often caused him
sadness, but he firmly believed that God’s hand had overruled his
course, to place him in an important position. And, depending on
God continually, he performed all the duties of his office, as ruler
over the land of Egypt, with faithfulness.
Joseph walked with God. He would not be persuaded to deviate
from the path of righteousness and transgress God’s law, by any
inducement or threats. His self-control and patience in adversity
and his unwavering fidelity are left on record for the benefit of all
who should afterward live on the earth. When Joseph’s brethren
acknowledged their sin before him, he freely forgave them and
showed by his acts of benevolence and love that he harbored no
resentful feelings for their former cruel conduct toward him.
Days of Prosperity
The children of Israel were not slaves. They had never sold their
cattle, their lands, and themselves to Pharaoh for food, as many
of the Egyptians had done. They had been granted a portion of