Earthquakes explained and practically improved occasioned

Use III. Admire and thankfully acknowledge the goodness, greatness and power of God in the constant standing of the Earth (except in Earthquakes) ⟨p. 100⟩that it remains stable and (otherwise) unmovable. If an Earthquake be so terrible, is not the usual steadfastness of the Earth the more comfortable? if it did for the most part shake and tremble, and sometimes only stand firm and sixth, its standing still would be more observed, and God more praised upon that account, than now he is, when for the most part it stands unmoved, and but sometimes is shaken. How seldom hath this one (tho' it be a great) thing been in our Minds, and mentioned in our praises amongst the mercies God vouchsafed to the Inhabitants of the Earth? when were our admiring thoughts employed about this subject? and yet if you saw a Ball stand in the Air not supported by, nor hung upon any thing▪ would not you stand and gaze and wonder at it? how much more when this huge and vast Body of the Earth, so weighty and ponderous in it self, and bearing such heavy burdens that are upon it, as vast quantities of Lead, Brass, Iron, Stones, &c. hangs upon nothing, Job 26. 7. And the ⟨p. 101⟩Pillars of the Earth, spoken of in Scripture, are not to be understood of proper material Pillars (for what should such Pillars stand upon) but metaphorical; whereas the true real Pillar of the Earth is the power of God. Psal. 65. 6. Which by his strength setteth fast the Mountains, being girded with power. So great a thing is done by his mighty commanding word. Psal. 33. 9. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded and it stood fast. If a Feather (light to a Proverb) be held up and let loose in the Air, it sinks, and resteth not without it fall upon something to support it; and yet this massive Body of the Earth, without any other support, than the power of God, is born up, stands fast, and sixth, and firm, and bears us, our dwellings, without those fears that in an Earthquake do surprise and fill us. Let this be thought on more, and the power of God admired in it.