watchmaker.


SECT. XXVII. Though Beasts commit some Mistakes, yet their
Instinct is, in many cases, Infallible.


Do not object to me that the instinct of beasts is in some things
defective, and liable to error. It is no wonder beasts are not
infallible in everything, but it is rather a wonder they are so in
many cases. If they were infallible in everything, they should be
endowed with a reason infinitely perfect; in short, they should be
deities. In the works of an infinite Power there can be but a
finite perfection, otherwise God should make creatures like or equal
to Himself, which is impossible. He therefore cannot place
perfection, nor consequently reason, in his works, without some
bounds and restrictions. But those bounds do not prove that the
work is void of order or reason. Because I mistake sometimes, it
does not follow that I have no reason at all, and that I do
everything by mere chance, but only that my reason is stinted and
imperfect. In like manner, because a beast is not by his instinct
infallible in everything, though he be so in many, it does not
follow that there is no manner of reason in that machine, but only
that such a machine has not a boundless reason. But, after all, it
is a constant truth that in the operations of that machine there is
a regular conduct, a marvellous art, and a skill which in many cases
amounts to infallibility. Now, to whom shall we ascribe this
infallible skill? To the work, or its Artificer?