On the Epicurean, Stoic and Christian Philosophy.
I
Three diff'rent Schemes Philosophers assign,—
A Chance, a Fate, a Providence Divine.
Which to embrace of these three sev'ral Views,
Methinks, it is not difficult to choose.
II
For, first: what Wisdom, or what Sense, to cry,
“Things happen as they do,—we know not why?”
Or how are we advanc'd one Jot, to know,
“When Things once are,” that “they must needs be so?”
III
To see such Order, and yet own no Laws,—
Feel such Effects, and yet confess no Cause,—
What can be more extravagant and odd?
He only reasons who believes a God.
