630 Chap.4o. goefln Expoftion upon the Book, of Jo B. Verf. 9. their matters or owners, and their kindnefs and gratitude to thofe whohave (hewed them kindnefs, Eleventhly, The Elephant is famous for cornpafiïonatenefs to any that are in diftrefs ; what ufe they can be of, they will be to fuch. Z inraes Curtiue reports, how the Elephant of Poreee, an Indian King, when the King being wounded fell down, took him up tenderly with his trunck, and let him again upon his back. Twelfthy and laffly, Elephants excel in longevity or Iength of Diut:Nu'Li- Iife. They live not only long, but very long; the God of Na- c..eH cure having given them anexcellent conftìtution or temperament laimat. of body, Good Authors tell us, they live commonly two hun- 5trabo.1 ag. dred years, fome three hundred years ; and 'cis reported Tome have lived five hundred years. In all there refpe6ts, we mayconclude Bebemeth, the chief of the mays of God. In many things he comes near toman, and in othershe much exceedeth him. From all that bath been faidof this mighty beaff, take thele inferences. PHI, See the goodnels of God untoman, who bath made this vat firong creature mans fervant, andfo ready toobey mans com- mand, to bear mans burdens, and to till the earth for man, which 'tis faid (Chap. 39.9,) the unicornwill never do. Will the Vni- .corn be willing to ferve thee ? Can( those bind the unicorn in the furrows ? will he harrow the valleys after thee ? But the Elephant will do thefe fervices, he is willing to ferve man inpeace, and to aflìft him in his wars. Though man be of little flaunt and iirength compared to an Elephant, yet God hath fubdued the Elephant to the will, and under the power of man. Isnot this a great argument of Gods great goodnels to man? And is it not a firong obligation upon man to be obedient and ferviceable to Cod, who bath made fuch a creature ferviceable and obedient to him ? Secondly, This thews us, as the goodnels of God to man, fo the over-ruling power of God ; who can make the greaceft flrengrh of his creatures, which left to themfelves might do abundance of tnifchief and be hurtful, yet ufeful andhelpful to sas. What a world of harm might the Elephant do, yet (aswas faid ) he never butts any, unlefs provoked. Let us adore the power of God, who over-rules the mightyflrengthof this crea- ture, calling him to lay itout ini way of helpfulncfs and advan- tage
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