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Arnobius - Book VII

Chapter II.

2. Who are the true gods? you say. To answer you in common and simple language, we do not know; [4771] for how can we know who those are whom we have never seen? We have been accustomed to hear from you that an infinite number [4772] are gods, and are reckoned among [4773] the deities; but if these exist [4774] anywhere, and are true gods, as Terentius [4775] believes, it follows as a consequence, that they correspond to their name; that is, that they are such as we all see that they should be, and that they are worthy to be called by this name; nay, more,—to make an end without many words,—that they are such as is the Lord of the universe, and the King omnipotent Himself, whom we have knowledge and understanding enough to speak of as the true God when we are led to mention His name. For one god differs from another in nothing as respects his divinity; [4776] nor can that which is one in kind be less or more in its parts while its own qualities remain unchanged. [4777] Now, as this is certain, it follows that they should never have been begotten, but should be immortal, seeking nothing from without, and not drawing any earthly pleasures from the resources of matter.