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I. HIS BODILY FRAILTY. "I die."

1. Not all his honours and dignities can exempt him. The princely robe must be exchanged for the winding-sheet.

2. Not all his eminent piety can buy him off. It is the common lot. No exception to this rule.

3. Will you not remember this? Is it wise to forget it, or try to forget. The one thing that's certain in your earthly history. Ought it to be crowded out by a multitude utterly uncertain? There is nothing else I can foresee. I cannot tell how long you will live. I cannot tell whether rich or poor, strong or weak, joyful or sorrowful. No, I cannot discern anything of the complexion of your course. But this I know, that your course will have an end. And that the day, the hour will come, when (if syllable anything) you will say, "I die." That day — don't let it take you by surprise. Don't leave the preparation for death until death comes. But live habitually prepared. And see whether it is not possible to triumph over death.

II. HIS ABOUNDING FAITH.

1. See his calmness in prospect of departure. "I die!" That's all he has to say about it. No fears — no doubts — of any kind whatever. No vain regrets that his life come to an end. No painful forebodings of what may follow. It is not everyone can meet the last messenger like that. But it is possible to do so. His father Jacob did the same.

2. The consolation he gives those he leaves. "I die, but God will surely visit." Your earthly friend may be taken — your heavenly not forsake you. Nay l more than this — "He will bring you out of this land, unto the land which He sware to, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Nearly three hundred years had passed away since this oath first uttered. More than one hundred must still pass before the time for its fulfilment. How it will be fulfilled Joseph does not know. But fulfilled it must be, for God had spoken it. Mark, brethren, this triumphant faith. My bones (says this dying man) shall not rest in Egypt. You may put them in sarcophagus — but label it "Passenger to Canaan." For when the people go to the promised land, take it with them. "Where they go, I will go — where they rest, I will rest. And there will I be buried!"

3. I call that abounding faith. So the apostle seems to think it, in Epistle to Hebrews. For he gives it a niche in that temple of faith, in chap. Hebrews 11. By the side of Abel, and Noah, and Enoch — Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. Figure of Joseph, with this inscription, "By faith Joseph." And was this faith a mere delusion?

III. A WORD OF APPLICATION.

1. Would not such faith be precious to you? Would it not be pleasant to be able to say, "I die!" without single fear. And to say to those we leave behind, "God will surely?"

2. Are there no precious promises for you? You are a sinner, I know — "If we confess our sins." "The wages of sin is death." "Gift of God is eternal life." Accept these promises — go and plead them. And all fear of death taken away — "Have a desire." I know you cannot take all your loved ones with you. And you may have many a fear on their behalf. "Be careful for nothing." "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them." Widow's trust.

3. Is there not precious confirmation of these? Ay! more precious than any Joseph ever knew. He knew there should be seed of Abraham, blessing to world — He saw bleeding lamb, emblem. But we can say the seed of Abraham has come — Great Sacrifice offered. "Christ has died." How all the precious promises sealed with precious blood. "He that spared not."

(F. Tucker, B. A.)

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KJV: And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

WEB: Joseph lived in Egypt, he, and his father's house. Joseph lived one hundred ten years.