I. When we may be said to resemble a backsliding heifer —
We owe submission to our heavenly Master ; but give too much reason for the comparison in the text. This resemblance may be seen in us,
1. When we will not draw in God's yoke at all —
_ [Unconverted men in every age and place are rebels against Godb: and, though all are not equally profligate in their manners, all are equally averse to spiritual employments : the law of God is considered as imposing on them an intolerable yoke, to which they will not, they cannot submit0. They are indeed subjected to it against their will ; but neither chastise- ments nor encouragements can prevail upon them to draw in it : on the contrary, like a ferocious bullock, they are insensible of favours, and they fret at rebukes d.]
2. When we draw in it only by fits and starts —
[Many appear willing to obey God in a time of sickness e, or after some signal deliverance f, or under an impressive ser- mon*, or during a season of peace and tranquillity11: but, as soon as ever the particular occasion that called forth their pious resolutions has ceased, or they find that they must suffer for Christ's sake, they forget the vows that are upon them, and return to their former state of carelessness and indifference1. They renew their resolutions perhaps at certain seasons ; but " their goodness is as the morning dew, or as the early cloud that passeth away." Thus, like a heifer that will draw for one moment and will not the next, they are, in the strongest sense of the words, unprofitable servants.]
3. When we grow weary of the yoke —
[It is not uncommon for persons to go on well for a season, and yet draw back at last. They grow weary of performing their duties, of exercising their graces, of mortifying their lusts. If they maintain an observance of public duties, they become remiss in those of the family and the closet : their delight in the Scriptures languishes ; their meditations are cold ; their devotions formal. Their faith, their hope, their love operate with less vital energy : and their besetting sins, whatever they were, regain their strength, and resume their ascendancy. These are like a horse or bullock, which, after having yielded
b Exod. v. 2. Ps. xii. 4. Jer. ii. 31. and vii. 24. <= Rom. viii. 7. d Jcr. xxxi. 18. e isaj. xxvi 1(;>
f Ps. cvi. 12, 13. s Exod. xxiv. 3, 7. Jam. . 24.
h Matt. xiii. 21. i Ps. lxxviii. 34—37.