The dove was often offered as a sacrifice in ancient times; and was a type of our innocent
Savior, to show how he would afterwards be put to death for the guilty. The Holy Spirit once
condescended to take the form of a dove, when he rested upon Christ at the time of his baptism.
Our Savior speaks of the innocence of this bird when he says to his disciples, "I send you forth as
sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
This bird has a very sweet but mournful voice; and this is referred to in the Bible. Hezekiah, one
of the Jewish kings, had been very sick and expected to die; but as he lay on his bed, he prayed
that God would be pleased to spare his life. God heard his prayer, and promised that he should
live fifteen years longer; and soon after he became quite well. He was grateful to God for his
goodness, and wrote a beautiful song of praise to be sung in the temple. Among other things he
told how he felt when he lay so sick upon his bed. He says, "Like a crane or a swallow, so did I
chatter; I did mourn as a dove."
The turtle-dove is a bird of passage. It appears in Judea early in the spring, when the leaves are
coming out, the flowers opening, and every thing looking lovely and beautiful. This will explain
some verses in the Song of Solomon, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away, for lo ! the
winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing
of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle (or turtle-dove) is heard in our land." It remains until
summer is gone; and then flies away to a warmer climate to spend the winter. It is in reference
to this that David says, "Oh ! that I had wings like a dove ! for then would I flee away, and be at
rest; lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness; I would hasten my escape
from the windy storm and tempest." You will find these beautiful verses in the 55th Psalm.
Who would not wish to be like the gentle, peaceful dove?
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