Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

2. Subserviency of the lower World, the Earth, and Sea, which was Created to be inhabited, Isa. 45.18. The Sea affords water to the Rivers, the Rivers like so many veins are spread through the whole body of the Earth to refresh and enable it to bring forth fruit for the sustenance of man and beast, Psal. 104.10.11. He sends the Springs into the Valleys, which run among the Hills, they give drink to every Beast of the Field, the wild Asses quench their thirst. He causes the Grass to grow for the Cattle, and the herb for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the Earth, v. 14. The Trees are provided for shades against the extremity of heat, a refuge for the panting beasts, an habitation for Birds wherein to make their nests. ver. 17. and a Basket for their provision. How are the Valleys and Mountains of the Earth disposed for the pleasure and profit of man? Every year are the Fields covered with Harvests, for the nourishing the Creatures, no part is Barren but beneficial to man. The Mountains that are not clothed with grass for his food are set with stones to make him an Habitation; they have their peculiar services of metals and minerals for the conveniency and comfort and benefit of man. Things which are not fit for his food are medicines for his cure under some painful sickness. Where the Earth brings not forth Corn, it brings forth Roots, for the service of other Creatures. Wood abounds more in those Countries where the cold is stronger than in others. Can this be the result of Chance, or not rather of an infinite Wisdom?

2. Subserviency of the lower World, the Earth, and Sea, which was Created to be inhabited, Isa. 45.18. The Sea affords water to the Rivers, the Rivers like so many veins are spread through the whole body of the Earth to refresh and enable it to bring forth fruit for the sustenance of man and beast, Psal. 104.10.11. He sends the Springs into the Vallies, which run among the Hills, they give drink to every Beast of the Field, the wild Asses quench their thirst. He causes the Grass to grow for the Cattle, and the herb for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the Earth, v. 14. The Trees are provided for shades against the extremity of heat, a refuge for the panting beasts, an habitation for Birds wherein to make their nests. ver. 17. and a Basket for their provision. How are the Vallies and Mountains of the Earth disposed for the pleasure and profit of man? Every year are the Feilds covered with Harvests, for the nourishing the Creatures, no part is Barren but beneficial to man. The Mountains that are not cloathed with grass for his food are set with stones to make him an Habitation; they have their peculiar services of metals and minerals for the conveniency and comfort and benefit of man. Things which are not fit for his food are medicines for his cure under some painful sickness. Where the Earth brings not forth Corn, it brings forth Roots, for the service of other Creatures. Wood abounds more in those Countries where the cold is stronger than in others. Can this be the result of Chance, or not rather of an infinite Wisdom?