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91. The Production of the First Human Body

1. Holy Scripture (Gen. 2:7) says: "God made man ofthe slime of the earth." Earth and water mingled make slime.Thus the first human body has elements that belong to lifelessthings, and also to plants and animals. And man's soul is aspirit, like the angels. Hence man is called "a world inlittle," a microcosm, for he has in himself something of allcreatures in the universe: mineral, vegetal, animal, spiritual.

2. The first human body was produced by creation.{-The slime of the earth was not really material formaking a human being, and did not become human until the soul wasjoined to it. The human body did not exist as the human body untilGod's creative act produced and infused the spiritual soul.-}Creation is an act which precludes any medium; hence the firsthuman body was created immediately by almighty God.

3. Man's body is admirably suited for its connaturaloperations. God gives to every nature the best constitution andequipment for the purpose it is to serve. This is not absolutelythe best, but relatively the best-that is, best in relation to itspurpose and use.

4. Scripture fittingly describes the production of man,and indicates that other earthly creatures are made for man'suse and benefit.

"If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel."
Thomas á Kempis

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"Obedience is a short cut to perfection."
St Philip Neri

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"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine

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