The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

Lastly, Gods own servants are set to School to learn of ⟨p. 194⟩the very beasts of the Field. We must learn of sheep to know the voice of our Shepherd, and to be sociable among our selves, and to avoid society with the wicked (a sheep will not sort with a Swine) and to be patient under wrongs (the sheep is silent under the hands of the Shearer, yea, of the slaughterman) and to be profitable, as all about the Sheep is for use. We must also learn of the Done to be harmless, and of the very Serpents to be wise, to keep our ••ith sure as they keep their heads. We must learn to affect God and spiritual things, as the Hart pants after the Rivers of water, Psal. 42. Yea, there are little things that read Lectures of great wisdom to us, Prou. 30. 24, &c. the Ants, the mountain Rats (which were a sort of little creatures usual in the East, whereas Conies do neither build in the Rocks, nor are so suitable for their bigness with the other three sorts of creatures) the Locusts and the Spider. Of the Ant we should learn diligence and providence, in times of plenty to provide for dearth, especially in spiritual things. Of the Mountain Rats we should learn upon the experience of our own weakness, to provide by Faith, so as we may rest in the Rock of Gods Almighty protection. Of the Locusts we should learn to do our duties though we be not compelled, and to be careful to keep our fellowship with the Saints. Of the Spider, that works even in Kings Palaces, we should learn to hold forth the light of the Truth, by either Doctrine or good example in all places, and not to be daunted for the presence of any, or the example of the multitude that are otherwise employed.

Lastly, Gods owne seruants are set to Schoole to learne of ⟨p. 194⟩the very beasts of the Field. We must learne of sheep to know the voice of our Shepheard, and to bee sociable among our selues, and to auoid society with the wicked (a sheepe will not sort with a Swine) and to be patient vnder wrongs (the sheepe is silent vnder the hands of the Shearer, yea, of the slaughterman) and to be profitable, as all about the Sheepe is for vse. We must also learne of the Done to bee harmelesse, and of the very Serpents to be wise, to keepe our ith sure as they keepe their heads. Wee must learne to affect God and spirituall things, as the Hart pants after the Riuers of water,