We are hereby led, in the last place, to consider the promise and pledge, which God was pleased to afford to the patriarch immediately after the flood; that “the waters would no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.” “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth—and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.” Whether there had ever been a rainbow before the flood, is a point that cannot absolutely be determined; probably not; but if there had been, it makes no difference; the bow was then consecrated to be the token of a covenant of mercy, between God and man; and whenever the descending shower and the darkened sky recal to mind his former vengeance on the ungodly, we may take comfort on beholding this bright display of majesty and beauty, “this faithful witness in heaven;” [73] our hearts may then be gladdened by the remembrance and assurance of God’s everlasting love: we behold the seal of heaven, ratifying the promise of divine favour: and the believer may justly regard it, not only as a token of security against a future deluge, but also as a hopeful intimation of God’s mercy in all the storms of this mortal life, in every threatening flood. We may view it, with delighted eyes, as a blessed 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.” [75] 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; 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 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 man of God, after thus recounting the signal favour which had been shewn him by an earthly master, does not rest his duty upon saying, ‘how can I abuse the unbounded confidence reposed in me; how can I prove myself so unworthy of my lord?’ But immediately, as if it were the habitual suggestion of his mind, elevates his thoughts and affections to his master in heaven; to Him, who had put it into the heart of Potiphar thus to distinguish and bless him; to Him, by whose grace alone he had been what he had been, a faithful and dutiful servant; and by whose gracious interposition “all things had worked together for his good.” For such surpassing mercy poured down upon him from heaven, he could not bear the thought of making so base a requital; and exclaimed in the energy of his soul, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Resting upon such a principle, the triumph of his virtue was complete; it enabled him to disregard whatever evil consequences might ensue; and to stand against the subtlest wiles of the tempter, and under circumstances of imminent peril, a noble monument of the power of religion; upright in his duty to God and man.