Romans 3:4
Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,
All these charges, then, which might truly be better termed abuse, have been long answered with sufficient fullness and accuracy by men of distinction in this respect, and worthy to have learned the truth; and not one point of any inquiry has been passed over, without being determined in a thousand ways, and on the strongest grounds. We need not, therefore, linger further on this part of the case. For neither is the Christian religion unable to stand though it found no advocates, nor will it be therefore proved true if it found many to agree with it, and gained weight through its adherents. Its own strength is sufficient for it, and it rests on the foundations of its own truth, without losing its power, though there were none to defend it, nay, though all voices assailed and opposed it, and united with common rancor to destroy all faith in it.
Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,
- “That you may be justified in your words,
- and prevail when you are judged.”
All these charges, then, which might truly be better termed abuse, have been long answered with sufficient fullness and accuracy by men of distinction in this respect, and worthy to have learned the truth; and not one point of any inquiry has been passed over, without being determined in a thousand ways, and on the strongest grounds. We need not, therefore, linger further on this part of the case. For neither is the Christian religion unable to stand though it found no advocates, nor will it be therefore proved true if it found many to agree with it, and gained weight through its adherents. Its own strength is sufficient for it, and it rests on the foundations of its own truth, without losing its power, though there were none to defend it, nay, though all voices assailed and opposed it, and united with common rancor to destroy all faith in it.
Arnobius of Sicca, The Case Against the Pagans, Book III, cap. 1
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