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?