therefore not only say, "Be prudent as serpents, and harmless as doves," but be strong as lions, or be playful as lambs, or be cheerful as larks; and endeavour to unite in ourselves the distinct excellences of all the inferior creatures; which, when connected with their Divine source, will all tend to increase the perfection of life.
Birds have a special reference to the intellect or understanding; and, from their peculiar constitution, they are fitted particularly to represent the thoughts of the mind; their velocity of motion, their lightness of structure, their exclusive adaptation for existence in the atmosphere, their beauty of plumage, and the harmony emitted by many of them—all connect them with the intellectual principle of man, though each species has a specific difference of meaning. The dove, one of the most harmless as well as one of the most affectionate and beautiful of birds, represents therefore some principle in harmony with it qualities.
As the lamb, above all quadrupeds, has no evil signification, so neither among the birds has the dove, its counterpart. Its signification is holy, not the reverse in any case. As the eagle refers to intelligence in power, so the dove refers to the same intelligence in gentleness; and it is emblematical of that true wisdom which cometh from above, of which the apostle James speaks when he says, "The wisdom which cometh from above is gentle." It is analogous to truth derived from goodness; it is the spiritual affection of truth, and its desire is to love out of itself: thus it is representative of that goodness of disposition which seeks the good of others.
