Some think the Fruits of the Earth were intended as Man’s sole Food, and that nothing but Necessity or Luxury first prompted to feed upon Flesh: And indeed, by the Structure of Man’s Teeth, it looks as if they were not proper to devour Flesh; and that Nature had rather intended and prepared them for cutting Herbs, Roots,——than, for tearing of Flesh. Yea, Children don’t affect Animal Food, till their Palates be vitiated by Custom; and, further, when we feed upon Flesh, it must be prepared by roasting or boiling, which makes it harder of Digestion, than all other Animal Food; and therefore forbid in Fevers, and other Distempers.
SECTION VIII.
That venemous Creatures have been made Instruments of divine and human Vengeance, is most evident. The romantic Account given in Antiquity, of strange Feats done by a poisonous Breath—does not affect the Truth of this Proposition.
The Antients divided Serpents, into good and evil Ministers; thus the Egyptians looked upon some of them to be Administrators of Mercy, and others to be Messengers of Justice. Osiris[[85]] one of their Gods, is said to send out Serpents, to chastise Evil-Doers[[86]].
[85].
——δρακων επι νωτα δαφωινος
Σμερδαλεος, του ῥ’ αυτος ολυμπιος ηκε φοως δε.
Hom. Iliad. B.
[86]. Ælian. Hist. Animalium.