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This consideration, however, is extended according to the sevenfold

condition of creatures, which is a sevenfold testimony to the divine power,

wisdom, and goodness, as one considers the origin, magnitude, multitude,

beauty, plenitude, operation, and order of all things. For the "origin" of

things, according to their creation, distinction, and beauty, in the work

of the six days indicates the divine power producing all things from

nothing, wisdom distinguishing all things clearly, and goodness adorning

all things generously. "Magnitude" of things, either according to the

measure of their length, width, and depth, or according to the excellence

of power spreading itself in length, breadth, and depth, as appears in the

diffusion of light, or again according to the efficacy of its inner,

continuous, and diffused operation, as appears in the operation of fire -

magnitude, I say, indicates manifestly the immensity of the power, wisdom,

and goodness of the triune God, Who exists unlimited in all things through

His power, presence, and essence. "Multitude" of things, according to the

diversity of genus, species, and individuality, in substance, form, or

figure, and efficacy beyond all human estimation, clearly indicates and

shows the immensity of the aforesaid traits in God. "Beauty" of things,

according to the variety of light, figure, and color in bodies simple and

mixed and even composite, as in the celestial bodies, minerals, stones and

metals, plants and animals, obviously proclaims the three mentioned traits.

"Plenitude" of things - according to which matter is full of forms because

of the seminal reasons; form is full of power because of its activity;

power is full of effects because of its efficiency - declares the same

manifestly. "Operation," multiplex inasmuch as it is natural, artificial,

and moral, by its very variety shows the immensity of that power, art, and

goodness which indeed are in all things the cause of their being, the

principle of their intelligibility, and the order of their living. "Order,"

by reason of duration, situation, and influence, as prior and posterior,

upper and lower, nobler and less noble, indicates clearly in the book of

creation the primacy, sublimity, and dignity of the First Principle in

relation to its infinite power. The order of the divine laws, precepts, and

judgments in the Book of Scripture indicates the immensity of His wisdom.

The order of the divine sacraments, rewards, and punishments in the body of

the Church indicates the immensity of His goodness. Hence order leads us

most obviously into the first and highest, most powerful, wisest, and best.