[1] Of this fact a strongly figurative but very beautiful
statement is contained in a passage of Hosea--a passage
remarkably illustrative of that before us, inasmuch as
there also the imagery is drawn from man's dealings with
the cattle. "I drew them," says God, "with the cords of a
man, with bonds of love: and I was to them as they that
take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto
them." _"I was to them as they that take off the yoke on
their jaws."_ The owner of the ox does not overtask his
strength, does not cause him to toil in the furrow without
intermission. At the approach of evening the faithful
animal is driven homewards, and freed from the shackles of
the galling and burdensome yoke. An image this of God's
dealing with His human children. Our every period of
refreshment and repose, of ease and relaxation from toil,
is from the unseen hand of our heavenly Owner. Those many
fractions of comfort and happiness which lighten the load
of life--those numerous (although momentary) glimpses of
sunshine which relieve the plodding routine of our daily
career--those flowers with which the path of the great
majority is more or less strewed: the innocent sally of
mirth, the smile of affection, the expression of sympathy,
the cheering word of encouragement from those whose
encouragement is justly valued--these, like all other
mercies, are from God, and (though these be but a small
part of what we have to be thankful for) are designed to
draw us towards Him in bonds of gratitude and love.
_"And I laid meat unto them."_ By those who avail
themselves of their services, the cattle are supplied with
provender. God not only called us into being, but maintains
us in being. He it is who gives us our daily bread, and
spreads our board with food convenient for us; for food,
for health, for continuance of life our dependence upon Him
is absolute. By means of these and similar mercies it is
that God establishes a claim to the gratitude and
devotedness even of those among His rational creatures who
have most deeply buried themselves in the things of time
and sense, and whose hearts seem to be stirred by no breath
of spiritual aspiration, and troubled by no prospect of
eternity.--_Goulburn._