Shall God be taught? by whom? by one
That quarrels his decrees?
His measures just be overthrown,
A plaintiff proud to please?

'Gainst God shall a contender blind,
Presumptuously essay,
To teach him how to change his mind,
And how to mend his way?

T' upbraid the Almighty, what is this
But justice to distrust?
For he who God almighty is
Can never be unjust.

Since from his creatures never he
Had ought to hope or fear,
Can such a being tempted be
Amiss the helm to steer.

Shall God to man's instruction bow?
Shall man presume to learn,
And teach the great Creator how
His creatures to govern?

Who, of the whole created tribe,
My ways can rectify?
Shall silly mortal man prescribe,
And dictate unto me?

He therefore must be catechis'd,
That would his maker teach;
And, not with his proceedings pleas'd,
Of folly him impeach.

Let then th' accuser that would scan,
And blame my ways profound,
Solve at his peril, if he can,
The questions I propound.