famous in this respect. Probably in no country was farming ever more systematic. Joseph's previous

knowledge of tending flocks, and perhaps of husbandry, and his truthful character, exactly fitted him for the

post of overseer. How long he filled it we are not told."  57

It is a common mistake to suppose that earnest religion and uprightness must necessarily be attended by

success, even in this world. It is, indeed, true that God will not withhold any good thing from those whose

Sun and Shield He is; but then success may not always be a good thing for them. Besides, God often tries

the faith and patience of His people - and that is the meaning of many trials. Still oftener are they needed for

discipline and training, or that they may learn to glorify God in their sufferings. In the case of Joseph it was

both a temptation and a trial by which he was prepared, outwardly and inwardly, for the position he was to

occupy. The beauty which Joseph had inherited from his mother exposed him to wicked suggestions on the

part of his master's wife, which will surprise those least who are best acquainted with the state of ancient

Egyptian society. Joseph stood quite alone in a heathen land and house. He was surrounded only by what

would blunt his moral sense, and render the temptation all the more powerful. He had also, as compared with

us, a very imperfect knowledge of the law of God in its height and depth. Moreover, what he had seen of his

older brothers would not have elevated his views. Still, he firmly resisted evil, alike from a sense of integrity

towards his master, and, above all, from dread "of this great wickedness and sin against God." Yet it seemed

only to fare the worse with him for his principles. As so often, the violent passion of the woman turned into

equally violent hatred, and she maliciously concocted a false charge against him.  58 We have reason to

believe that Potiphar could not in every respect have credited the story of his wife. For the punishment

awarded in Egypt to the crime of which she accused him, was far more severe than that which Joseph

received. Potiphar consigned him to the king's prison, of which, in his capacity as chief of the body-guard,

he was the superintendent. How bitterly it fared there with him at the first, we learn from these words of

Psalm 105:17,18 -

The contrast could scarcely be greater than between his former prophetic dreams and his present condition.

But even so Joseph remained steadfast. And, as if to set before us the other contrast between sight and

faith, the sacred text expressly states it: "But" - a word on which our faith should often lay emphasis -

"Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the

prison." By -and-by, as his integrity more and more appeared, the charge of the prisoners was committed

unto him; and as "what he did Jehovah made to prosper," the whole management of the prison ultimately

passed into Joseph's hands. Thus, here also Jehovah proved Himself a faithful covenant-God. A silver

streak was lining the dark cloud. But still must "patience have her perfect work."