_Madam,_
Having obey'd your Commands in giving you my opinion of the First Part
of the Book of that famous and learned _Author_ you sent me, I would
go on; but seeing he treats in his following Parts of the Politicks, I
was forced to stay my Pen, because of these following Reasons. First,
That a Woman is not imployed in State Affairs, unless an absolute
Queen. Next, That to study the Politicks, is but loss of Time, unless
a man were sure to be a Favourite to an absolute Prince. Thirdly, That
it is but a deceiving Profession, and requires more Craft then Wisdom.
All which considered, I did not read that part of your _Author_: But
as for his _Natural Philosophy_, I will send you my opinion so far as
I understand it: For what belongs to Art, as to Geometry, being no
Scholar, I shall not trouble my self withal. And so I'l take my leave
of you, when I have in two or three words answered the Question you
sent me last, which was, Whether Nature be the Art of God, Man the Art
of Nature, and a Politick Government the Art of Man? To which I answer,
'Tis probable it may be so; onely I add this, That Nature doth not
rule God, nor Man Nature, nor Politick Government Man; for the Effect
cannot rule the Cause, but the Cause doth rule the Effect: Wherefore
if men do not naturally agree, Art cannot make unity amongst them, or
associate them into one Politick Body and so rule them; But man thinks
he governs, when as it is Nature that doth it, for as nature doth unite
or divide parts regularly or irregularly, and moves the several minds
of men and the several parts of mens bodies, so war is made or peace
kept: Thus it is not the artificial form that governs men in a Politick
Government, but a natural power, for though natural motion can make
artificial things, yet artificial things cannot make natural power;
and we might as well say, nature is governed by the art of nature, as
to say man is ruled by the art and invention of men. The truth is, Man
rules an artificial Government, and not the Government Man, just like
as a Watch-maker rules his Watch, and not the Watch the Watch-maker.
And thus I conclude and rest,
Madam,
_Your faithful Friend_
_and Servant._