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these birds, hunt them a while, until they settle, then hastily startle them again, (or, as it is technically called, put them up ;) when this has been two or three times repeated, the birds become weary and languid, when they immediately run upon them, and knock them down with their bludgeons.

There are but two allusions in scripture to these birds: 1 Sam. xxvi. 20. David affectingly expostulates with Saul concerning his unjust, cruel, and foolish pursuit of him; "The king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge on the mountains." This allusion is evidently to the mode, just described, of hunting the partridge; and fitly represents the humble and lowly opinion which David entertained of himself, his harmlessness, and defencelessness before Saul: As little was he injurious to the monarch, as the innocent bird to the hunter; as incapable was he, except as being the charge of Divine Providence, and both strengthened and preserved by an Almighty arm, of resisting the force and machinations of his enemy, as the weary partridge to stand against or resist the cruel blows of its pursuer; and as unwearied and unrelenting were the fierce persecutions of the cruel and implacable monarch. David at times felt weary and discouraged, and said, "I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul," and Saul hoped by suddenly coming upon him, and from time to time driving him from his hiding place, at last to render him weary of life, and to find an opportunity of effecting

bis destruction.

The

David, however, trusted in God, and was delivered from the snare of the fowler. other allusion to the partridge is Jer. xvii. where those who eagerly covet riches, and amass them without right, expecting to be made happy by them, but continually disappointed by their unsatisfying nature, and often suddenly snatched away from their enjoyment, are compared to the partridge, who, often, by reason of the chances above alluded to, "sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not." Thus shall all those be ashamed and disappointed, who hew out to themselves broken cisterns, that can hold no water; thus, those who will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and pierce themselves through with many sorrows. But a little that a righteous man hath, is better than great riches of many wicked; and he only has the true enjoyment of worldly good, who obtains it with integrity, uses it with moderation, dispenses it with liberality, and continually recognizes the hand, and seeks the blessing, of Heaven upon it-that alone makes rich, and adds no sorrow.

The Quail.

The quail is a much smaller bird than the partridge; in this country it is somewhat scarce, and as it is esteemed delicious eating, an extravagantly high price is often given for it. In eastern and warmer climates, it is much more abundant; indeed,

the Hebrew name of the bird seems to have reference to this, as it signifies to live peaceably, or to abound. The most distinguishing characteristics in this bird, are an extreme simplicity, by which it becomes the ready prey of the fowler; and a foolish and ruinous security, which is equally hazardous. The quail, lighting on a field abounding with grain, resigns itself to the indulgence of appetite without fear or suspicion. Devoted entirely to the happiness of the moment, the quail is often betrayed by its incessant singing, and is easily enticed into the snare of the fowler: when on the ground, they are easily taken by spreading a net, and using the quail-pipe, which makes a noise resembling the bird, whit-whitwhit. A striking emblem of the foolish and false security of carnal men, who feed witout fear, sporting themselves in their own deceivings, and led captive by the devil at his will! It is not, however, in this sense that the scriptures allude to this bird. It is mentioned only in connexion with historical facts relating to the people of Israel.

The quail is a bird of passage, and vast numbers of them are sometimes observed to fly like large clouds over the countries bordering on the Mediter

ranean sea.

In two instances the people of Israel, during their journeyings in the wilderderness, were miraculously and most abundantly supplied with quails for food. It is painful to observe, that the miracles in both instances originated in the ungrateful murmurs of

the people; it is astonishing and affecting to observe that to such a people God would vouchsafe a miracle of mercy; but His goodness never knows a bound, and He is kind to the evil and the unthankful.

The first instance occurred shortly after the children of Israel had quitted Egypt, and before a settled mode of supply was established, Exod. xvi. 3, 13. The people accused Moses and Aaron of bringing them into the wilderness to perish with hunger. Their murmurs in this instance were distrustful. They had not indeed received a miraculous supply; but they had come forth at the express command of Jehovah, this gave them a full ground to expect from Him whatever was needful to their journey; and the difficulties that had already obstructed their way had been so wonderfully obviated, as must convince them that He could be at no loss by what means to supply them: yet instead of relying on the Divine faithfulness and goodness, and imploring their exercise in that time of need, they burst forth in rebellious and unbelieving murmurs, complaining on account of an imaginary want, and in prospect of privations they were never to experience; so perversely ingenious are discontented people in devising torments for themselves. He only possesses the true secret of happiness, who has learned to take no thought for the things of the morrow, but to be content with such things as he has, and in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanks

giving, to make his requests known unto God: thus the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keeps the heart and mind by Christ Jesus.

The sinful murmurings of the Israelites might justly have drawn on them the heavy judgments of God; but instead thereof, mercy was manifested towards them, and an abundant supply granted. Moses was commanded to speak to them, saying, "At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God; and it came to pass, that at even the quails came up and covered the camp." This miracle, it should be observed, happened in the spring, when quails pass from Asia into Europe, and are to be found in great quantities on the coast of the Red sea and the Mediterranean. It consisted not in creating, but in directing a supply. The manna was not of natural growth, but came down immediately from heaven: the quails were not created for the occasion, but were already in existence, and were pursuing their natural instinct in their annual migration, when the commandment of the Lord sent forth a mighty wind, to divert them from their natural course, and direct them immediately to the camp of Israel. We discern the Divine sovereignty in all the works of His hand alike in the control and direction of ordinary means, and in the calling into existence of means and supplies that never existed before. On this occasion, no visible judgment followed the miraculous supply; for although the people were guilty of

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