Page:History of the First Council of Nice.djvu/17

The Nicene fathers argued that the pagan religion was derived from the poets; and, therefore, was not of divine origin. But how could they deem that an objection, seeing that the prophets of the Old Testament were nearly all poets? And the most ancient religious books of various nations were sacred poems. It seems to me that faith and hope, which are considered the principal parts of religion, are peculiarly poetical themes. They are not scientific deductions, or historical facts. All men have capacity to enjoy them, whereas but few can comprehend or appreciate a logical argument, or oven understand what is sufficient evidence to establish great theological dogmas. Most people must, therefore, necessarily found their belief upon the statements and practice of others; and such theories will be chosen, as are pleasing and flattering, whether in works of poetry or prose, provided they have been approved by custom and beloved forefathers. This disposition in mankind accounts for the tenacity with which many absurd principles are retained in institutions that have come down to us from the dark ages. It is the duty of science to dispel and discourage such things. Hence we often find the great savans, like Huxley and Tyndall, boldly opposing time-honored fallacies and false doctrines of the religious sects. The Council of Nice set the example of trying to compel Christians to adopt its modes of faith. That plan was not so fair as those pursued by the great philosophers. I suppose the Nicene fathers considered faith in Christ and the resurrection from the dead, as the fundamental doctrines of their religion. But there had been, as great and good religious teachers as they, who inserted no idea of a future state in their creeds: for instance, Moses and Confucius.