atheists. They do not recognize the gods, or their interference in the affairs of men. They acknowledge only the father of their teacher, whom they also call their father, and their teacher himself, who, according to their notions, has revealed to them all the mysteries of life. Their doctrine is a wretched deception.
“Notice one thing—our doctrine asserts that the world depends on the gods; the gods afford protection to men. In order that men may live well, they must reverence the gods, must search and think, and then our lives are regulated on the one hand by the will of the gods, on the other by the collective wisdom of all mankind. We live, think, search, and consequently approve the truth.
“But they have neither the gods nor their wills, nor the wisdom of humanity, but only one thing—a blind faith in their crucified teacher, and in all he said to them.
“Now consider well: which is the more hopeful guide—the will of the gods and the collective, free activity of human wisdom, or the compulsory blind belief in the words of one man?”