The works of George Swinnock, M.A

but stouter Birds of prey, the Merlin and Hobby are invited to stoop, and gazing on the outward form, lose themselves. So when Satan spreadeth his day-net of pleasure and honour, he allures not only Heathens and Indians, but even unsound and secure Christians; As the Birds that are caught in the snare, so are the Sons of men snared in an evil time, Eccles. 9. 12. 3. That those that would conquer their spiritual enemies, must be full of courage and valour. The Kite is, Andax in minimis, timidus in magnis; bold in dealing with t•me fowl, as Chickens and Ducks, but cowardly in meddling with wild ones, that will not yield. Give not place to the Devil; Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. 4. The misery and mischief of contention. The Hawk thinks constantly to make a prey of the Heron, but sometimes the Heron, when she cannot by any winding shifts get above the Hawk, nor by bemuting ⟨p. 456⟩his feathers make him flag-winged, resumeth courage out of necessity, and strikes the Hawk through the gorge with his Bill, and so have both been seen to fall down dead together. So rich men many times presume that they may oppress their inferiors at their pleasure; but the event of their strifes and law-suits (after all their turnings and winding Meanders in the Law, sought out to get above each other) hath proved the undoing of both. 5. The unreasonableness of diffidence and distrust. They will teach thee a lesson of faith, and help to banish our fears; Behold the Fowls of the Air, for they Sow not, neither do they Reap nor gather into Barns, yet your heavenly Father feedeth them; are ye not much better then they? Mat. 6. 28. 6. The observation of times and seasons. Its thy prudence to take notice of the storms of judgements, and sunshine of mercy. The Stork in the Heaven knoweth her appointed times, and the Turtle and the Crane, and the Swallow, observe the time of their coming, but my people know not the judgement of the Lord, Jer. 8. 7. 7. The pains thou shouldst take for spiritual food; the fowls of the Air will fly far for meat; Where the carcass is, there will the Eagles be gathered together. No labour should be thought too great for the meat that endureth to eternal life. 8. The regard thou shouldst have to the preservation and safety of thy self and Family;