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Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3
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
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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
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. He despised that ingratitude which would lead him to
abuse his master’s confidence, although his master might never learn
the fact. The grace of God he called to his aid, and then fought with
the tempter. He nobly says, “How can I do this great wickedness, and
sin against God.” He came off conqueror.
Amidst the snares to which all are exposed, they need strong and
trustworthy defenses on which to rely. Many in this corrupt age have
so small a supply of the grace of God, that in many instances their
defense is broken down by the first assault, and fierce temptations take
them captives. The shield of grace can preserve all unconquered by the
temptations of the enemy, though surrounded with the most corrupting
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influences. By firm principle, and unwavering trust in God, their virtue
and nobleness of character can shine, and, although surrounded with
evil, no taint need be left upon their virtue and integrity. And if like
Joseph they suffer calumny and false accusations, Providence will
overrule all the enemy’s devices for good, and God will in his own
time exalt as much higher, as for a while they were debased by wicked
revenge.
The part which Joseph acted in connection with the scenes of
the gloomy prison, was that which raised him finally to prosperity
and honor. God designed that he should obtain an experience by
temptations, adversity, and hardships, to prepare him to fill an exalted
position.