Page:History of the First Council of Nice.djvu/95

Rh some amongst them, under the pretence of preserving peace, imposed silence on those who usually manifested superior powers of eloquence.

"The Arians, fearing lest they should be ejected from the church by so numerous a Council of bishops, proceeded at once to condemn the doctrines objected to, and unanimously signed the confession of faith. They contrived, however, to retain their principal dignities, although they ought rather to have experienced humiliation. Sometimes secretly, and sometimes openly, they continued to vindicate the condemned doctrines, and brought forth various arguments in proof of them. Wholly bent upon establishing these false opinions, they shrank from the scrutiny of learned men, and, indeed, of all who are capable of investigation; and they manifested great animosity against professors of religion. But we do not believe that these atheists can overcome God."

Thus far I quote from the great Eustathius.

Athanasius, who was equally zealous in the cause of religion, and who was the successor in the