WISDOM OF THE CEEATOK. 11 



deceive 1 in this place, seeking other foundations of the LlB - r - 

 earth, and for want thereof, doth measure divine things 

 according to humaine reason. So that we neede not to 

 feare (how great or heavy soever this masse of earth then 

 hanging in the aire seemeth to be) that it can fal or turne 

 topsy turuy, being assured vpon this point; for that the 

 same Psalmist saieth that it shall neuer be overthrowne. 

 Truly Dauid with reason (after he had beheld and sung the 

 wonderfull workes of the Lord) doth not cease to praise him 

 in the same, saying, &quot; O, how great and wonderfull are the 

 workes of the Lord.&quot; It appeares that all spring from p sa i. cm. 

 his knowledge. And in truth (if I shall freely speake 

 my opinion touching this point), often in my trauell passing 

 the great gulfes of the Ocean, and marching by other 

 regions of so strange lands, staying to behold and consider 

 the greatnes of these workes of the Lord, I felt a wonder- 

 full consolation of the soveraigne wisedonie and greatnes of 

 the Creator, who shines in his works ; in comparison whereof 

 all the Pallaces, Castells, and princely buildings, together 

 with all the inventions of man, seeme nothing, yea, are base 

 and contemptible in respect thereof. O how often hath 

 come into my minde and mouth that place of the Psalm e 

 which sayeth thus &quot; Great comfort hast thou given me, 

 Lord, by thy workes ; I will not cease to reioyce in the con 

 templation of the workes of thy hands.&quot; E-eally and in 

 truth the workes of God haue (I know not what) secret and 

 hidden grace and vertve ; the which although they be often 

 beheld, yet do they still cause a new taste and content, 

 whereas contrariwise, the workes of man, although they be 

 built with exquisite art, yet often seene, they are no more 

 esteemed, but breede a distaste ; be they most pleasant 

 Gardins, Pallaces, or stately Temples, be they Piramides of 

 proud buildings, Pictures, carved images, or stones of rare 

 worke and invention, or whatsoever else adorned with all 

 the beauties possible. Yet is it most certen that viewing 



