A39665:2139
Husbandry spiritualized, or, The heavenly use of earthly things consisting of many pleasant observations,…
Husbandry spiritualized, or, The heavenly use of earthly things consisting of many pleasant observations, pertinent applications, and serious reflections and each chapter concluded with a divine and suitable poem : directing husband-men to the most excellent improvements of their common employments : whereunto is added ... several choice occasional meditations / by John Flavell.Husbandry spiritualized, or, The heavenly use of earthly things consisting of many pleasant observations, pertinent applications, and serious reflections and each chapter concluded with a divine and suitable poem : directing husband-men to the most excellent improvements of their common imployments : whereunto is added ... several choice occasional meditations / by John Flavell.
London : Printed and are to be sold by Robert Boulter, l674
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
MEDIT. X.
Upon the haltering of birds with a grain of hair.
Vpon the haltering of birds with a grain of hair.
Observing in a snowy season, how the poor hungry Birds were haltered and drawn in by a grain of hair cunningly cast over their heads, whilst poor creatures they were busily feeding, and suspected no danger; and even whilst their companions were drawn away from them, one after another, all the interruption it gave the rest, was only for a minute or two, whilst they stood peeping into that hole through which their companions were drawn, and then fell to their meat again, as busily as before. I could not choose but say, Even thus surprisingly doth death steal upon the children of men, whilst they are wholly intent upon the cares and pleasures of this life, not at all suspecting its so near approach. These Birds saw not the ha•d that ensnared them, nor do they see the hand of death plucking them one after another into the grave.
Observing in a snowy season, how the poor hungry Birds were haltred and drawn in by a grain of hair cunningly cast over their heads, whilst poor creatures they were busily feeding, and suspected no danger; and even whilst their companions were drawn away from them, one after another, all the interruption it gave the rest, was only for a minute or two, whilest they stood peeping into that hole through which their companions were drawn, and then fell to their meat again, as busily as before. I could not chuse but say, Even thus surprizingly doth death steal upon the children of men, whilst they are wholly intent upon the cares and pleasures of this life, not at all suspecting its so neer approach. These Birds saw not the had that insnared them, nor do they see the hand of death plucking them one after another into the grave.