A theatre of politicall flying-insects wherein especially the nature, the vvorth, the vvork, the wonder, and the manner of right-ordering of the bee, is discovered and described : together with discourses, historical, and observations physical concerning them : and in a second part are annexed meditations, and observations theological and moral, in three centuries upon that subject / by Samuel Purchas ...

XXXVI.

Bees are affected with a deep degree of love to their Leader, with whom (having nothing) they esteeme themselves happie; but without her (in the greatest plenty and fullnesse) are full of perplexitie and trouble. If she goeth forth of the ••ive, they (leaving house, children, goods) follow after, and stay where she abides; If she being weary and faint fall by the way, they will encompasse her, stay with her (and returning no more to their forsaken full-stored hives) starve with her, rather then leave and desert her. This ardent love and affection planted in them by nature, eates up and devoures all other desires, and

over-eager delights in any contentments as worthless and emp∣tie. So that the Sun-flower doth not more naturally turne to∣wards the Sunne, and the iron to the Load-stone, and the Load∣stone to the Pole starre, then the domestick honey▪Bees em∣brace and affect the Queene▪Bee. And a beleeving soule is as much nay more deeply and dearely enamoured of her beloved, advancing Jesus Christ highest in his thoughts, and prizing him farre above the pleasures and profits and glories of the whole world; he so sets his eye and longing upon him, as to hold him∣selfe for ever lost without his love, and for the gaining of it if need were would he passe through a peece of hell. Thus are the current of his best affections and all the powers of his humbled soule bent and directed towards him. He vowes and gives up the flower and prime of all his abilities, loves, joyes, endeavours, performances in any kind to his highest Majestie. He consecrates all the powers and possibilities of body and soule to doe him the best and utmost service he can any wayes devise, and still grieves and walkes more humbly, because he can doe no better service.