ver. 166] The unreasonableness of the complaints against providence, and that to possess more faculties would make us miserable.
ver. 174] Here, with degrees of swiftness, there of force.] It is a certain axiom in the anatomy of creatures, that, in proportion as they are formed for strength, their swiftness is lessened; or, as they are formed for swiftness, their strength is abated.
ver. 177] Vid. epist. 3. ver. 83, &c. and 110, &c.
ver. 200] There is an universal order and gradation thro' the whole visible world, of the sensible and mental faculties, which causes the subordination of creature to creature, and of all creatures to man, whose reason alone countervails all the other faculties.
ver. 205] the headlong lioness.] The manner of the lions hunting their prey in the desarts of Africa is this: At their first going out in the nighttime they set up a loud roar, and then listen to the noise made by the beasts in their flight, pursuing them by the ear, and not by the nostril. It is probable the story of the jackall's hunting for the lion was occasioned by observing the defect of scent of that terrible animal.
ver. 225] How much farther this gradation and subordination may extend; were any part of which broken, the whole connected creation must be destroyed.
ver. 250] The extravagance, impiety, and pride of such a desire.
ver. 257] Vid. the prosecution and application of this in epist. 4. ver. 160.
ver. 273] The consequence of all, the absolute submission due to providence, both as to our present and future state.
EPISTLE
