262

T)f T. Tcilof,Pwrablc ofthe S -r.

Mr. Cotton ex-pos. on thefirst Epist ofJob. c.j.v.t7.

Eccles, r- z.

i Kings 11.4.

Meditations and Observations Theological!

as before: so drop in the sweet word of God into such an heartas is sowred with the world, the tast is not changed, the wordis not over-mastered.

XII.

Bees for the most part feed on honey, which over-liberallyeaten tames to choller, no wonder then if they be fiery furiousand chollerick creatures: There is a power in meates to astimi-late those that eate them,what we feed on we are oft like unto:feed on grosse meates, your spirits will be more grosse and dull,feed on light meates, your spirits will be more quicke and agill:so isa man feedes on the world, he can rellifh nothing but theworld,his spirit is made carnall and stupid and worldly,and canrise no higher, therefore when Solomon gave himselfe to seekepleasures, to try what was in them, though he did not neglectwisdome, as Eccles. 1. 8 . yet he found by experience, deale aswisely as he could, in the end they did so stupifie him, that hewas led away by them to Idolatry. Then is a man become stu-pid when he is serious about tristrs, and trifling about seriousthings: by pursuit of these bis judgement was quicke in earthlymatters,but in matters of religion,he began ro grow very weakand ignorant how much more then they that wholly givethemselves to the lusts and pleasures of the world ?

XIII.

Bees in violent frosts are torpid and stirre not, especially inthe North erne regions, where they are almost all winter, if notin a dead,yet a very deep steepe,but the mighty power of Godin the returne of the spring revives and quickens them. And it isnot a lesse almighty power that keepes the life of grace in thegreatest falls and temptations of the Saints- that keepes life inDavid and Peter,that it should quicken and revive againe whenthe Sun of righteousnesse with comforting beames refrefhethand warmeth them.

XIV.

Bee; are patient and harmlesse creatures, and seldome un-provoked