# Thoughts on the Works of Providence explained — Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

> Chapter companion for Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley.

## What happens

The poem celebrates divine providence and the grandeur of creation, urging the soul to praise God. It explores the interplay between Reason and Love, the cycles of day and night, and the mercy of God in granting sleep and renewal. The speaker reflects on the wisdom and goodness evident in nature, from the sun's course to the growth of plants, and calls for gratitude and prayer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Providence and Nature

The entire poem is a meditation on God's providence as revealed through the natural world—the sun, seasons, sleep, and growth—all pointing to divine wisdom and goodness.

### Virtue and Moral Guidance

The poem urges gratitude, prayer, and moral reflection, warning against neglecting the 'filial pray'r' and emphasizing the duty to praise God.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who rises in rapture to praise God and reflects on creation.

### Fancy

Personified as Reason's companion, allowing imaginative roving in the mental debate.

### Phoebus

Referenced as the sun that governs the day and is central to the solar imagery.

### Jesus

Implied as the divine source of love and mercy, though not named directly; the poem speaks of 'Immortal Love' and 'God unseen'.

## Key lines

> Arise, my soul, on wings enraptur’d, rise / To praise the monarch of the earth and skies

Let my soul soar with joy to worship the ruler of heaven and earth.

_Opening invocation calling for spiritual elevation in praise of God._

> What most the image of th’ Eternal shows?

What best reflects the nature of the eternal God?

_Central question posed by the mental powers, answered by Love and Reason._

> How merciful our God who thus imparts / O’erflowing tides of joy to human hearts

God is merciful to give us abundant joy, even though we deserve hardship.

_Reflection on divine mercy despite human unworthiness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/thoughts-on-the-works-of-providence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters