Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

THE Text is the Record of Joseph's innocence and victory, Consecrated in Scripture for the honour and imitation of that excellent Saint in succeeding Ages. He had been tried by sharp afflictions, the conspiring envy of his Brethren, and the cruel effects of it, banishment and servitude, and possest his Soul in patience: here, he was encountered by a more dangerous temptation in another kind, and preserved his integrity. Adversity excites the Spirit to serious recollection, arms it with resolution to endure the assaults, and stop the entrance of what is afflicting to nature: pleasure by gentle insinuations relaxes the mind to a loose security, softens and melts the Heart, and makes it easily receptive of corrupt impressions.

THE Text is the Record of Joseph's innocence and victory, Consecrated in Scripture for the honour and imitation of that excellent Saint in succeeding Ages. He had been tryed by sharp afflictions, the conspiring envy of his Brethren, and the cruel effects of it, banishment and servitude, and possest his Soul in patience: here, he was encounter'd by a more dangerous temptation in another kind, and preserv'd his integrity. Adversity excites the Spirit to serious recollection, arms it with resolution to endure the assaults, and stop the entrance of what is afflicting to nature: pleasure by gentle insinuations relaxes the mind to a loose security, softens and melts the Heart, and makes it easily receptive of corrupt impressions.

Now to represent the Grace of God that preserved Joseph, in its radiance and efficacy, we must consider the several circumstances that increased the difficulty of the double Victory, over the Tempter and himself.

1. The Tempter, his Mistress, who had devested the native modesty of the blushing Sex, and by her Caresses and blandishments sought to draw him to compliance with her desires. Her superior quality might seem to make her request have the force of a Command over him.