The nature and properties of the Holy Spirit set forth for our instruction in the similitude of a Dove. [ 1409]
THough Pliny and all the Heathen writers were silent,* 1.1 the Holy Word of God hath enough to set out unto us the nature and properties of the Dove; There is first of all Noahs Dove with an Olive branch in her mouth, a peace∣able one. 2. Davids dove for the colour with Feathers silver white,* 1.2 not speckled as a bird of divers colours, but white, the emblem of sincerity, and there's Solo∣mons dove for the eye a single and direct eye, not learing as a Fox, and looking divers wayes. 3. Esayes Dove for the voice in patience, mourning; not in impa∣tience, murmuring,* 1.3 and repining. Lastly, our Saviour Christs Dove for bill and claw,* 1.4 innocent and harmlesse, not bloudy or mischievous: Now qualis species talis spiritus, as the Dove so the Holy Ghost. 1. A Spirit that loves 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, men of one accord. 2. Et qui ••ugit fictum,* 1.5 cannot abide new tricks, meer fictions in∣deed, feyned by feyned Christians, party-propositions, half in the mouth, and half in the mind. 3. And when he speaketh, he speaketh for us with sighs and groans that cannot be expressed,* 1.6 such is his love and so earnest. 4. And hurts none, not when he was in the resemblance of a Dove; No not when he was Fire, he was harmlesse Fire at the same time. And thus it is that the nature and pro∣perties of the Holy Spirit are set forth for our instruction in the resemblance of a Dove teaching us to be peaceable, to love singlenesse in meaning, speaking and dealing, to suf••er harm, but to do none.