MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS. 327 vine theme ; and the Archbishop of Cambray, in his Demon- stration of the Existence of God. But I do not remember to have read in those authors this one instance of the widespread- ing diffusion of divine goodness through this lower world, viz. That the most universal and conspicuous appearances both of the earth and sky, are designed for the convenience, the profit and pleasure of all the animal creation : All that we see above us, and all beneath us, is suited to our nourishment or to our delight. What is more necessary for the support of life, than food ? Behold the earth is covered with it all around ; grass, herbs and fruits for beasts and men, were ordained to overspread all the surface of the ground, so that an animal could scarce wander any where, but his food was near him. Amazing provision for such an immense family ! What is more joyful than the light ? Truly " the light is sweet, says the wisest of men, and a pleasant thing it is to behold the light of the sun." See the whole circuit of the heavens is replenished with sun- beams, so that while the day lasts, where- soever the eye is placed, it is surrounded with this enjoyment ; it drinks in the easy and general blessing, and is thereby enter- tained with all the particular varieties of the creation. It is light conveys to our notice all the riches of the divine workmanship ; without it nature would be a huge and eternal blank, and her in- finite beauties for ever unknown. Again; What are the sweetest colours in nature, the most delightful to the eye, and most refreshing too ? Surely the green and the blue claim this pre-eminence. Common experience, as well as philosophy, tells us, that bodies of blue and green colours send us such rays of light to our eyes, as are least hurtful or offensive; we can endure them longest : Whereas the red and the yellow, or orange colour, send more uneasy rays in abund- ance, and give greater confusion and pain to the eye ; they daz- zle it sooner, and tire it quickly with a little intent gazing ; therefore the divine goodness dressed all the heavens in blue, and the earth in green. Our habitation is over -hung with a canopy; of most beautiful azure, and a rich verdant pavement is spread under our feet, that the eye may be pleased and easy wheresoever it turns itself, and that the most universal objects it has to converse with might not impair the spirits, and make the sense weary. 1 When God the new -made world sur- vey'd, His word prenounc'd the building good; Sun-beams and light the heav'ns array'd, And the whole earth was crown'd , with food. 2 Colours that charm and ease the eye, Hispencil spread all nature round; With pleasing blue he arch'd the sky, And a green carpet dress'd the ground. 2 Let envious atheists ne'er complain That nature wants, or skill, or care ; But turn their eyes all round in vain, T' avoid their Maker's goodness there.
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