But that such orders may be established as may,
nay must, give the upper hand in all cases to common right or
interest, notwithstanding the nearness of that which sticks to
every man in private, and this in a way of equal certainty and
facility, is known even to girls, being no other than those that
are of common practice with them in divers cases. For example,
two of them have a cake yet undivided, which was given between
them: that each of them therefore might have that which is due,
"Divide," says one to the other, "and I will choose; or let me
divide, and you shall choose." If this be but once agreed upon,
it is enough; for the divident, dividing unequally, loses, in
regard that the other takes the better half. Wherefore she
divides equally, and so both have right. "Oh, the depth of the
wisdom of God." And yet "by the mouths of babes and sucklings has
He set forth His strength;" that which great philosophers are
disputing upon in vain is brought to light by two harmless girls,
even the whole mystery of a commonwealth, which lies only in
dividing and choosing. Nor has God (if his works in nature be
understood) left so much to mankind to dispute upon as who shall
divide and who choose, but distributed them forever into two
orders, whereof the one has the natural right of dividing, and
the other of choosing.
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