It would be unnecessary to offer any observations simply on this bird, as it is in itself, but as it is made use of by the Scriptures of God, as figurative of the Holy Ghost, and also by the Lord Jesus, to denote the loveliness of his church, it merits our attention. It was in the form of a dove that the Holy Ghost descended upon the blessed Jesus at his baptism. (Matthew 13:6) And it was the dove that brought the tidings of the waters being assuaged into the ark, by the olive branch in his mouth. (Genesis 8:12) And Christ compares his church to the beauty and gentleness of the dove. (Song of Song of Solomon 2:14) And the comparison is certainly very just; for as the dove in nature is a very beautiful, and clean, and affectionate creature, so the church in grace, when washed in Christ's blood, and justified in Christ's righteousness, and made comely from the comeliness her Lord hath put upon her, is all-glorious within, and hath no spot, or blemish, but is without blame before Jesus in love. Hence, the Psalmist sweetly sings of the church—"Though she hath lain among the pots, yet shall she be like the wings of a dove, covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." (Psalms 68:13)