Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time [that] their corn and their wine increased.
Ver. 7. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than, &c.] Joys unspeakable, and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8. We read of some godly men, that they have been overwhelmed with spiritual joy, till they have cried out, Hold, Lord, stay thine hand, I can bear no more; like weak eyes, that cannot endure to bear the light. Indeed, this is not every good man's case, witness that saying of sweet Master Bath, I thank God in Christ, sustentation I have, but suavities spiritual I taste not any. And that of holy Rolloc, While I live I never look to see perfect reformation in the Church, or to feel perfect ravishing joys in mine heart. But those God's people have are far beyond all carnal comforts.
Than in the time that their corn, &c.] These indeed are the precious fruits of the earth, James 5:7, but they seal not up special favour. A man may have together with them animam triticeam, as that rich fool had. Animas etiam incarnavimus, as a Father complaineth. These outward things are got within men, and have stolen away their warmest and liveliest affections from God. Not so in the saints; they must have God, or else they die. The people mourned and put on black when they heard that God would not go with them himself, but send an angel with them, Exodus 33:2,3. And when great gifts were sent to Luther, he sent them back again with this brave speech, I will not be put off with these poor things; I look for better. Let God bestow himself upon me, and it sufficeth. As with manna there fell a dew, so to a good soul, together with corn and wine (be it more or less) there is a secret influence of God, which the carnal heart is not acquainted with. A fly cannot make that of a flower that a bee can do. The treacherous Shechemites had plenty of grain and wine, Judges 9:27, but having not the grace of God with it, they were soon after destroyed by Abimelech.