The Complete Poems of Dr. Henry More (1614-1687). Volume 9; For the First Time Collected and Edited - With Memorial-Introduction, Notes and Illustrations, Glossarial Index, and Portrait, &C (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ...easly, as none can relate But he that's exercis'd in every state Of moving life. What? Can the plastick spright So variously his branching stock dilate Downward to hell, upward to heaven bright, And strangely figur'd leaves and flowers send into sight? 29 Can one poore single Centre do all this In a base weed that suddenly decayes? And shall not the earths life that is transmisse Through sea and air, and with its potent rayes Informs all this (all this on that life stayes) Shall't not obtain the like variety Of inward ruling motion? Your minds raise, O sluggish men l single centrality You'l find shall do, whatere's admit by phantasie. 30 Now see if this clear apprehension Will not with ease repell each argument Which we rehears'd with an intention For to refute. The earths swift movement, Because 'tis naturall not violent, Will never shatter buildings. With straight line It binds down strongly each partic'larment Of every edifice. All stones incline Unto that Centre; this doth stoutly all combine. 31 Nor Is lesse naturall than circular motion, Then this which each part to the centre drives: So every stone on earth with one commotion Goes round, and yet withall right stifly strives To reach the centre, though it never dives So deep. Who then so blind but plainly sees How for our safety Nature well contrives, Binding all close with down-propensities? But now we'll answer make to the loud-singing trees. 32 Walls, towers, trees, would stir up a strange noise, If th' air stood still, while the earth is hurled round As doth the switch oft shak'd by idle boyes That please themselves in varying of the sound. But this objection we with reason sound Have well prevented, while we plainly taught Earth, Water, Air, in one to be fast bound By one spcrmatick spright, whic...