[ 20 i 



without end, fo is the leaft part of matter to be 

 divided infinitely, notvvithftanding the falfe doc- 

 trine of atoms, the leaft or indivifible parts of 

 matter, and the feeming contradi6tion of infinite 

 numbers contained in finite fpace ; for God, by 

 his power, can as eafily pierce infinitely into a 

 fmall thing, as extend his dominion through the 

 regions of immenfity. 



On this principle of infinite number contained 

 in finite fpace, I fuppofe that God, by one a6l 

 of his will and power, created the firft living 

 and individual principle of every fingle, gene- 

 rating, created being, that hath made, or fhall 

 hereafter make its appearance in the world : 

 thefe living and individual principles, being in- 

 clofed one within another infinitely, were placed 

 in the firft vifible individuals of each fpecies ; 

 and it is the work of time and generation gra- 

 dually to bring to light the inclofed and hidden 

 principles, which, as their progenitors decay and 

 fall ofi\, extend themfelves to their natural de- 

 ftinated fizes, in order t6 keep up a conftant 

 fuccefiion of each fpecies. The precife exadt* 

 nefs of fize, colour, Ihape^ and other con- 

 ditions 



