1

nothing can be faid or thought of him too great, and which he may not juftly challenge as his due; nay, he cannot think too highly of himfelf, his other Attributes being adequate to his Understanding; fo that, though his Understanding be infinite, yet he underftands no more than his Power can effect, becaufe that is infinite alfo. And therefore it is fit and reasonable, that he fhould own and accept the Creatures Acknowledgments and Celebrations of thofe Virtues and Perfections, which he hath not received of any other, but poffeffeth eternally and originally of himfelf. And indeed, (with Reverence be it spoken) what elfe can we imagine the ever Blefled Deity to delight and take Complacency in for ever, but his own infinite Excellencies and Perfections, and the Manifeftations and Effects of them, the Works of the Creation, and the Sacrifices of Praise and Thanks offered up by fuch of his Creatures as are capable of confidering those Works, and difcerning the Traces and Footfteps of his Power and Wifdom appearing in the Formation of them; and moreover, whofe bounden Duty it is fo to do. The Reafon why Man ought not to admire himself, or feek his own Glory, is, because he is a dependent Creature, and hath nothing but what he hath received, and not only dependent, but imperfect; yea, weak and impotent. And yet I do not take Humility in Man to consist in difowning or denying any Gift or Ability that is in him, but in a juft valuation of such Gifts

44

8

and

and Endowments, yet rather thinking too. meanly than too highly of them; because Humane Nature is 'fo apt to err in running into the other extreme, to flatter it felf, and to accept thofe Praifes that are not due to it; Pride being an elation of Spirit upon falfe Grounds, or a defire and acceptance of undue Honour. Otherwife, I do not fee why a Man may not admit, and accept the Teftimonies of others, concerning any Perfection, Accomplishment, or Skill, that he is really poffeffed of yet can he not think himself to deferve any Praise or Honour for it, because both the Power and the Habit are the Gift of God: And confidering that one Vertue is counter-balanced by many Vices; and one Skill or Perfection, with much Ignorance and Infirmity.

The End of the Firft Part.

1

THE

SECOND PART

OF THE

Wisdom of God

Manifefted in the

WORKS

OF THE

CREATION.

Particularly in the

I. Whole Body of the Earth. II. Bodies of Man,

And other Animals.

The Sixth Edition, Corrected.

Printed for W. INNYS, at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-Yard. 1714.

1