Joseph and Mary were one thing by right of inheritance, another by present condition. They were successors to the kingdom of Israel, but were poor. Why does God permit the righteous to be deprived of their right and to be brought to poverty?
1. Because thus He will prove them.
2. Because worldly abundance is not so fit for them.
3. That He may crown them with future blessedness more abundantly.
4. That He may let us see how careful He is of us when we are in need.
5. How content were Joseph and Mary in their low estate.
