Arnobius

“ But, we are told, we rear no temples to them, and do not worship their images; we do not slay victims in sacrifice, we do not offer incense [1] and libations of wine. And what greater honour or dignity can we ascribe to them, than that we put them in the same position as the Head and Lord of the universe, to whom the gods owe it in common with us, [2] that they are conscious that they exist, and have a living being? [3] For do we honour Him with shrines, and by building temples? ”

“ For it is perfect folly to measure greater powers by your necessities, and to give the things useful to yourself to the gods who give all things, and to think this an honour, not an insult. We ask, therefore, to do what service to the gods, or to meet what want, do you say that temples have been reared, [6] and think that they should be again built? ”

“ For not even, if you value these more highly, is it to be believed that the gods take pleasure in them, or that they do not refuse and scorn to shut themselves up, and be confined within these barriers. ”