indeed a thrifty management of those things
which he cannot procure without much pains and industry may be esteemed
wisdom. But, we must not imagine that the inexplicably fine machine of an
animal or vegetable costs the great Creator any more pains or trouble in
its production than a pebble does; nothing being more evident than that
an Omnipotent Spirit can indifferently produce everything by a mere fiat
or act of His will. Hence, it is plain that the splendid profusion of
natural things should not be interpreted weakness or prodigality in the
agent who produces them, but rather be looked on as an argument of the
riches of His power.

153. As for the mixture of pain or uneasiness which is in the world,
pursuant to the general laws of nature, and the actions of finite,
imperfect spirits, this, in the state we are in at present, is
indispensably necessary to our well-being. But our prospects are too
narrow. We take, for instance, the idea of some one particular pain into
our thoughts, and account it evil; whereas, if we enlarge our view, so as
to comprehend the various ends, connexions, and dependencies of things,
on what occasions and in what proportions we are affected with pain and
pleasure, the nature of human freedom, and the design with which we are
put into the world; we shall be forced to acknowledge that those
particular things which, considered in themselves, appear to be evil,
have the nature of good, when considered as linked with the whole system
of beings.

154. ATHEISM AND MANICHEISM WOULD HAVE FEW SUPPORTERS IF MANKIND WERE
IN GENERAL ATTENTIVE.--From what has been said, it will be manifest
to any considering person, that it is merely for want of attention
and comprehensiveness of mind that there are any favourers of Atheism
or the Manichean Heresy to be found. Little and unreflecting souls
may indeed burlesque the works of Providence, the beauty and order
whereof they have not capacity, or will not be at the pains, to
comprehend; but those who are masters of any justness and extent
of thought, and are withal used to reflect, can never sufficiently
admire the divine traces of Wisdom and Goodness that shine throughout
the Economy of Nature. But what truth is there which shineth so
strongly on the mind that by an aversion of thought, a wilful shutting
of the eyes, we may not escape seeing it? Is it therefore to be wondered
at, if the generality of men, who are ever intent on business or
pleasure, and littl