Of all objections this indeed is chief To startle reason, stagger frail belief: We grant, 'tis true, that Heaven from human sense Has hid the secret paths of Providence: But boundless wisdom, boundless mercy may Find even for those bewilder'd souls a way. If from His nature foes may pity claim, 190 Much more may strangers who ne'er heard His name. And though no name be for salvation known, But that of his Eternal Son alone; Who knows how far transcending goodness can Extend the merits of that Son to man? Who knows what reasons may His mercy lead; Or ignorance invincible may plead? Not only charity bids hope the best, But more the great apostle has express'd: That if the Gentiles, whom no law inspired, 200 By nature did what was by law required; They, who the written rule had never known, Were to themselves both rule and law alone: To nature's plain indictment they shall plead; And by their conscience be condemn'd or freed. Most righteous doom! because a rule reveal'd Is none to those from whom it was conceal'd. Then those who follow'd reason's dictates right, Lived up, and lifted high their natural light; With Socrates may see their Maker's face, 210 While thousand rubric-martyrs want a place. Nor does it balk my charity to find The Egyptian bishop[88] of another mind: For though his creed eternal truth contains, 'Tis hard for man to doom to endless pains All who believed not all his zeal required; Unless he first could prove he was inspired. Then let us either think he meant to say This faith, where publish'd, was the only way; Or else conclude that, Arius to confute, 220 The good old man, too eager in dispute, Flew high; and as his Christian fury rose, Damn'd all for heretics who durst oppose.