Meyer never takes his eyes off of the big picture, tracing the unfolding providence of God throughout the life of Joseph, and pointing out how that story foreshadows the greater work of Christ that was yet to come. This reissue (Meyer died in 1929) updates some of the language, but it is still archaic in places. Yet this should not discourage any from reading an important look at one of the most famous stories in history.

To the casual reader the story of Joseph’s wrongs, and of his rise from the pit to vice-regal power, is simply interesting, as an old world story must ever be, for its archaic simplicity and the insight into the past which it affords. But to the man on whose heart the cross is carved in loving memory there is a far deeper interest. It is Calvary in miniature. It is the outline sketch of the Artist’s finished work. It is a rehearsal of the greatest drama ever enacted among men. [8]

It is very sweet, as life passes by, to be able to look back on dark and mysterious events, and to trace the hand of God where we once saw only the malice and cruelty of man. And no doubt the day is coming when we shall be able to speak thus of all the dark passages of our life. [14]

We may expect temptation in days of prosperity and ease rather than in those of privation and toil. Not on the glacier slopes of the Alps, but in the sunny plains of the Campagna; not when the youth is climbing arduously the steep ladder of fame, but when he has entered the golden portals; not where men frown, but where they smile sweet exquisite smiles of flattery—it is there, it is there, that the temptress lies in wait! Beware! If thou goest armed anywhere, thou must, above all, go armed here. [19]

Tens of years may pass over your life; and like these brethren you may be congratulating yourself that the sin is forgotten, and you are safe; and then a train of circumstances, little suspected, but manipulated by a Divine hand, will suddenly bring the truth to light, and write God’s sentence in flaming characters upon the walls of the house in which you riot in careless ease. The unforgiven sinner is never safe. [77]

We must feel hour by hour that we are men and women under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. The law of gravitation rules the sweep of the planets round the sun, and the course of a grain of dust in the autumn breeze. So obedience in everything to our Savior will simplify and regulate all things, and reduce the chaos of our life to one symmetrical and beautiful whole. If there is anything in your life, any habit, any dress, any pursuit, which Christ cannot approve, it must be laid aside. His name must be written upon all the bells of life, or they must cease to ring. [89]

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