XXXVI. WHAT, NEVER WISE!

IN the year of our Lord 1606, there happened a sad overflowing of the Severn Sea, on both sides thereof, which some still alive do (one I hope thankfully) remember.

An account hereof was written to John Stow, the industrious chronicler, from Dr. Still, then Bishop of Bath and Wells, and three other gentlemen of credit, to insert it in his story; one passage wherein I cannot omit:—

Stow’s Chronicle, p. 889. “Among other things of note, it happened that, upon the tops of some hills, divers beasts of contrary nature had got up for their safety, as dogs, cats, foxes, hares, conies, moles, mice, and rats, who 224remained together very peaceably, without any manner or sign of fear of violence one towards another.”

How much of man was there then in brute creatures? How much of brutishness is there now in men? Is this a time for those who are sinking for the same cause to quarrel and fall out? I dare add no more but the words of the Apostle, 2 Tim. ii. 7: Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things.