The works of George Swinnock, M.A

If we look to the earth and view her well, though she hath been called, and counted the vilest and grossest of the elements, we shall find her a glorious body, and not in the least degree a disparagement or disgrace to her maker. Take her inside, and she is curiously and wonderfully made. Her Centre like the heart is seated in the most convenient place, for the benefit of every part; ⟨p. 379⟩Her several channels under ground, as so many veins, do convey her pure, though pale blood, for the animating and actuating (as it were) every member; Though her wealth lieth deep, and much of it was never discovered to any mortal, yet what rare jewels, and rich metals have been seen in her very guts and garbage; Take he• •••side and that clothing will be found better then of wrought gold; Her Garment is richer in any part of it, then Solomon in all his royalty; The fine linen of Egypt, silks of Persia, and curious works of Turkey, are exceedingly inferior to her daily attire; She is covered with the costly curious Auras of Herbs, and Plants and Flowers; embroidered with variety of all sorts of colours, perfumed with the most fragrant and delightful odours; She is attended by Birds and Beasts of several orders, that all in their proper ranks, move too and fro, acknowledging their engagements to her; O who is like that God that hath made himself such a foot-stool! If his foot-stool be so glorious, how glorious is his throne! But besides all this, he that shall ponder the fruitfulness and fecundity of her Womb, her unweariedness in bringing forth, her wonderful care of her off-spring, in bringing them up, providing them all, though of different kinds, food suitable to each of their natures whilst they live, and receiving them kindly into her bosom and embraces when they die, and all else are weary of them, may well cry out by way of admiration; O Lord, the earth is full of thy goodness, The earth is full of thy glory! What rich mines may I dig out of the bowels of the earth? when ⟨p. 380⟩my God is angry, the earth shakes and trembleth, and the foundations thereof are moved; and shall not my flesh tremble for fear of the God of the whole earth, and my soul be afraid of his righteous judgements! His hand hath laid the foundation of the earth, and his right hand hath spanned the Heavens • when he calls they stand up together, and shall not I hear his call, and obey his command!