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[[Joseph]] having honoured his father, his days were long in the land, which, for the present, [[God]] had given him. When he saw his death approaching, he comforted his brethren with the assurance of their return to [[Canaan]] in due time. We must comfort others with the same comforts with which we have been comforted of [[God]], and encourage them to rest on the promises which are our support. For a confession of his own faith, and a confirmation of theirs, he charges them to keep his remains unburied till that glorious day, when they should be settled in the land of promise. Thus [[Joseph]], by [[faith]] in the doctrine of the resurrection, and the promise of Canaan, gave commandment concerning his bones. This would keep up their expectation of a speedy departure from [[Egypt]], and keep [[Canaan]] continually in their minds. This would also attach [[Joseph]]'s posterity to their brethren. The death, as well as the life of this eminent saint, was truly excellent; both furnish us with strong encouragement to persevere in the service of [[God]]. How happy to set our early in the heavenly race, to continue stedfastly, and to finish the course with joy! This [[Joseph]] did, this we also may do. Even when the pains of [[death]] are upon us, if we have trusted in Him upon whom the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles depended, we need not fear to say, "My flesh and my [[heart]] faileth, but [[God]] is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."