The excellency of a gracious spirit Delivered in a treatise upon the 14. of…The excellency of a gracious spirit Deliuered in a treatise upon the 14. of…

Ephraim loved to tread out the Corn, but not to Plough: The Heifer while it was treading out the Corn, did feed upon the Corn, and so had present delight in that work it did; but the Heifer that ploughed, did labour, and spend its strength, but had no refreshment till after the work was ⟨p. 292⟩done: Thus it is with many; that work, that hath present joy, that hath present refreshment in it, while they are about it, they can take content in it; but if they must work and tire the flesh, and yet have no present refreshing, but must continue working a great while, and stay till the accomplishment of the work, before any benefit comes by it, this they like not: But one that follows the Lord fully, resolves to follow him, though he hides himself; as David, Psal. 101. 2. I will behave my self wisely, in a perfect way; oh when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. As if David should have said, I am resolved to walk before thee in a perfect way, and yet I have not thy gracious presence with me; oh when wilt thou come unto me? but still whatsoever becomes of me, I am determined to continue walking within my house with a perfect heart. The like place we have, Psal. 119. 8. I will keep thy statutes, oh ⟨p. 293⟩forsake me not utterly. As if he should have said, O Lord, thou hast in some degree forsaken me, thou seemest as if thou wouldest forsake me; yet Lord, I am determined that I will keep thy Statutes. Thus the upright heart resolves, Though I should perish ¹everlastingly, yet I will perish following the Lord; and if I cannot follow him, I will cry after him; and if I cannot cry after him, I will look towards him; yea, though he appears to be angry, yet will I follow him: as •ob, Though he kills me, yet will I trust in him. Though there be much guiltiness upon the spirit, so that the devil, and an unbelieving sullen heart would much discourage from following after the Lord; yet still it will not leave off, but it labours to encourage it self, as Samuel did the people,