Of Magnificence in GOD. Its resemblance in Man. The chief Magnificence of the Soul is Spiritual. It is perfectly expressed in the outward Life, when the whole is made perfect, and presented to GOD. GOD gives all his Life to us: and we should give ours all to him. How fair and glorious it may be.

GOD being proposed as the Pattern of our Liberality and Kindness by our Saviour, the nature of his Bounty is fit to be considered for our Information: which is great, and publick, and advantagious to many. In some of his private dispensations it walks under the notion and form of Liberality, as it giveth food and Rayment, Gold and Silver, Houses and Lands to particular persons: But in other effects of his eternal love, which are great and publick, its nature is changed into the highest Magnificence.

MAGNIFICENCE is a Vertue scarcely to be found, but in Kings and Emperours. It is busied in erecting Temples and Triumphal arches, Magnificent Theatres, Colledges and Universities, Aquæducts and Palaces, Royal Monuments and Pyramids, Marts, Havens, Exchanges, and all those other great and mighty things wherein the glory of Imperial Power is made conspicuous, and whereby whole Nations are benefited, and Kingdoms adorned.

GREAT Power, Riches, Wisdom and Goodness must concur in the effect which is truly Magnificent. It must be of great lustre and glory, as well as publick lustre and glory, as well as of publick use and benefit; and as it is wrought with great labour and expence, be imparted by a great Soul, and freely given to the good of the People. For Magnificence implies Greatness and Bounty united.

THE Creation of the Universe was a great and Magnificent work, because the lustre and beauty of the WORLD is a sublime and wonderful Gift imparted to millions. The bounty of GOD in adorning all ages with Cities and Empires, for the benefit and enjoyment of all the World is another piece of his Royal Magnificence. The infusion of a Soul so divine and everlasting into the Body of a Man is an act of love transcendently greater than all the Aquæducts and Trophies in the World.