Truth

Miserable are those who measure the authority of a doctrine by the numbers recieving it. Truth always overcomes, though for a time it is found among the few. He who, for proof, betakes himself to numbers, confesses himself conquered. Let me see the beauty of truth, and immediately I am persuaded. A multitude may overawe, bu cannot persuade. How many myriads could persuade me to believe that day is night, that poison is food? In determing earthly things we do not regard numbers, shall we do so in heavenly things? I reverence numbers; but only when they produce proof, not when they shun inquiry. Can you confirm a lie by numbers?
-Athanasius (296-373)