Such particulars, also, as the following, are to be previously
assumed concerning the Gods, viz. that they are immutable, and firm
in their decrees; so that they never change the conception of what
appeared to them to be fit from the beginning. For there is one
immutability and firmness of the virtues, which it is reasonable to
suppose subsists transcendently with the Gods, and which imparts
a never-failing stability to their conceptions. From which it is
evident, that there is no probability that the punishments which
divinity thinks proper to inflict can be remitted. For it is easy to
infer, that if the Gods change their decisions, and omit to punish
him whom they had designed to punish, the world can neither be
beautifully nor justly governed; nor can any probable reason for [the
necessity of] repentance be assigned. Poetry also appears to have
asserted such things as the following,—rashly, and without any reason:
By incense and libation, gentle vows,
And sacrifice and prayer, men bend the Gods,
When they transgress, and stray from what is right[36].