A Serious and Pathetical Contemplation of the Mercies of God

For all the mysteries, engines, instruments, wherewith the world is filled, which we are able to frame and use to thy glory.

   For all the trades, variety of operations, cities, temples, streets, bridges, mariner's compass, admirable picture, sculpture, writing, printing, songs and music; wherewith the world is beautified and adorned.

        Much more for the regent life,

            And power of perception,

                Which rules within.

        That secret depth of fathomless consideration

            That receives the information

                Of all our senses,

        That makes our centre equal to the heavens,

            And comprehendeth in itself the magnitude of the world;

                The involv'd mysteries

                    Of our common sense;

                The inaccessible secret

                    Of perceptive fancy;

                The repository and treasury

                    Of things that are past;

                The presentation of things to come;

                    Thy name be glorified

                    For evermore.

….

                    O miracle

                        Of divine goodness!

                O fire! O flame of zeal, and love, and joy!

            Ev'n for our earthly bodies, hast thou created all things.

                                { visible

            All things   { material

                                { sensible

                Animals,

                Vegetables,

                Minerals,

            Bodies celestial,

            Bodies terrestrial,

            The four elements,

            Volatile spirits,

        Trees, herbs, and flowers,

            The influences of heaven,

        Clouds, vapors, wind,

            Dew, rain, hail and snow,

        Light and darkness, night and day,

            The seasons of the year.

    Springs, rivers, fountains, oceans,

        Gold, silver, and precious stones.

            Corn, wine, and oil,

        The sun, moon, and stars,

            Cities, nations, kingdoms.

    And the bodies of men, the greatest treasures of all,

            For each other.

    What then, O Lord, hast thou intended for our

    Souls, who givest to our bodies such glorious things!