And the eyes of men, being then opened to larger views of things, see the whole connection of general laws; and trace with adoration, the benevolence and rectitude of the Deity, through all the mazes and intricacies of his providence.
No! replied CLEANTHES, No! These arbitrary suppositions can never be admitted, contrary to matter of fact, visible and uncontroverted.

Whence can any cause be known but from its known effects?
Whence can any hypothesis be proved but from the apparent phenomena?
To establish one hypothesis upon another, is building entirely in the air; and the utmost we ever attain, by these conjectures and fictions, is to ascertain the bare possibility of our opinion; but never can we, upon such terms, establish its reality.
The only method of supporting Divine benevolence, and it is what I willingly embrace, is to deny absolutely the misery and wickedness of man.

Your representations are exaggerated; your melancholy views mostly fictitious; your inferences contrary to fact and experience.

Health is more common than sickness; pleasure than pain; happiness than misery.

And for one vexation which we meet with, we attain, upon computation, a hundred enjoyments.
Admitting your position, replied PHILO, which yet is extremely doubtful, you must at the same time allow, that if pain be less frequent than pleasure, it is infinitely more violent and durable.