The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2Browne, Thomas, Sir
Religion
The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2
Browne, Thomas, Sir
Christianity; Ethics; Religion and medicine
And if we be led into conclusions that _Adam_ had also this part,
because we behold the same in our selves, the inference is not
reasonable; for if we conceive the way of his formation, or of the first
animals, did carry in all points a strict conformity unto succeeding
productions, we might fall into imaginations that _Adam_ was made
without Teeth; or that he ran through those notable alterations in the
vessels of the heart, which the Infant suffereth after birth: we need
not dispute whether the egg or bird were first; and might conceive that
Dogs were created blind, because we observe they are littered so with
us. Which to affirm, is to confound, at least to regulate creation unto
generation, the first Acts of God, unto the second of Nature; which were
determined in that general indulgence, Encrease and Multiply, produce or
propagate each other; that is, not answerably in all points, but in a
prolonged method according to seminal progression. For the formation of
things at first was different from their generation after; and although
it had nothing to precede it, was aptly contrived for that which should
succeed it. And therefore though _Adam_ were framed without this part,
as having no other womb than that of his proper principles, yet was not
his posterity without the same: for the seminality of his fabrick
contained the power thereof; and was endued with the science of those
parts whose predestinations upon succession it did accomplish.
All the Navel therefore and conjunctive part we can suppose in _Adam_,
was his dependency on his Maker, and the connexion he must needs have
unto heaven, who was the Son of God. For holding no dependence on any
preceding efficient but God; in the act of his production there may be
conceived some connexion, and _Adam_ to have been in a momental Navel
with his Maker. And although from his carnality and corporal existence,
the conjunction seemeth no nearer than of causality and effect; yet in
his immortal and diviner part he seemed to hold a nearer coherence, and
an umbilicality even with God himself. And so indeed although the
propriety of this part be found but in some animals, and many species
there are which have no Navel at all; yet is there one link and common
connexion, one general ligament, and necessary obligation of all what
ever unto God. Whereby although they act themselves at distance, and
seem to be at loose; yet do they hold a continuity with their Maker.
Which catenation or conserving union when ever his pleasure shall
divide, let go, or separate, they shall fall from their existence,
essence, and operations: in brief, they must retire unto their primitive
nothing, and shrink into their Chaos again.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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