Chapter 098 - The Conservation of the Species by Means of Generation

In a state of innocence multiplication would have taken place by generation; otherwise the sin of Adam, from which so much good has followed, would have been necessary. The same is proved by man's position, which, according to his nature, is halfway, so to speak, between corruptible and incorruptible things; for the soul is naturally incorruptible and the body naturally corruptible, and hence the intention of Nature is led diversely. With regard to corruptible things nothing is constant except species, therefore generation is ordered to its conservation; while incorruptible things are perpetuated, not according to species only, but individually. Hence generation belongs to man on the part of the body, which is by its nature corruptible, and also in regard of the incorruptible soul, because the multiplication of individuals one from another was intended by Nature, or rather by the Author of Nature, Who alone is the Creator of both soul and body.

And this generation would have taken place after the mode which is natural to all perfect animals, for what belongs to Nature is neither given nor taken away by sin. Thus Nature having provided organs for this purpose, their exercise would not have been wanting, but generation would have followed upon an union of the active and passive principles without immoderate desire; for in that state the inferior powers were subject to reason; and generation would have taken place tranquilly, in due time.