A26782:39
Considerations of the existence of God and of the immortality of the soul, with…
Considerations of the existence of God and of the immortality of the soul, with the recompenses of the future state for the cure of infidelity, the hectic evil of the times / by William Bates ...Considerations of the existence of God and of the immortality of the soul, with the recompences of the future state for the cure of infidelity, the hectick evil of the times / by William Bates ...
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1676
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
If we observe the lower rank of Animals, their kinds, shapes, properties, 'tis evident that all are the Copies of a designing Mind, the effects of a skilful Hand. Some of them are fierce, others familiar; some are servile, others free; some crafty, others simple, and all framed conveniently to their Natures. How incongruous were it for the Soul of a Lion to dwell in the body of a Sheep, or that of a Hare to animate the body of a Cow? It would require a volume to describe their different shapes, and fitness to their particular natures. Besides, creatures merely▪ sensitive ⟨p. 30⟩are acted so regularly to preserve themselves & their kind, that the reason of a superior Agent ‖shines in all their actions. They no sooner come into the World but know their enemies, and either by Strength or Art secure themselves. They are instructed to swim, to fly, to run, to leap. They understand their fit nourishment, and remedies proper for their Diseases. Who infused into the Birds the art to build their nests, the love to cherish their young? How are the Bees instructed to frame their Honeycombs without† hands, and in the dark, and of such a figure that among all other of equal compass and filling up the same space, is most capacious? The consideration of their Art and Industry, their political Government and ⟨p. 31⟩Providence, and other miraculous qualities, so astonished some great Wits, that they attributed something divine* to them.
If we observe the lower rank of Animals, their kinds, shapes, properties, 'tis evident that all are the Copies of a designing Mind, the effects of a skilful Hand. Some of them are fierce, others familiar; some are servile, others free; some crafty, others simple, and all fram'd conveniently to their Natures. How incongruous were it for the Soul of a Lion to dwell in the body of a Sheep, or that of a Hare to animate the body of a Cow? It would require a volume to describe their different shapes, and fitness to their particular natures. Besides, creatures meerly sensitive