Edition Hide
Ad Demetrianum [CSEL]

§ 14

Vel si quid diis tuis numinis et potestatis est, ipsi in ultionem suam surgant, ipsi se sua maiestate defendant. at quid praestare colentibus possunt qui se de non colentibus uindicare non possunt? nam si eo qui uindicatur pluris est ille qui uindicat, tu diis tuis maior es. si ergo his quos colis maior es, non tu eos colere, sed ab illis coli debes. sic illos laesos ultio uestra defendit, quomodo et clausos ne pereant tutela uestra custodit. pudeat te eos colere quos ipse defendis, pudeat tutelam de iis sperare quos tu tueris.

Translation Hide
An Address to Demetrianus

14.

Why do you turn your attention to the weakness of our body? why do you strive with the feebleness of this earthly flesh? Contend rather with the strength of the mind, break down the power of the soul, destroy our faith, conquer if you can by discussion, overcome by reason; or, if your gods have any deity and power, let them themselves rise to their own vindication, let them defend themselves by their own majesty. But what can they advantage their worshippers, if they cannot avenge themselves on those who worship them not? For if he who avenges is of more account than he who is avenged, then you are greater than your gods. And if you are greater than those whom you worship, you ought not to worship them, but rather to be worshipped and feared by them as their lord. Your championship defends them when injured, just as your protection guards them when shut up from perishing. You should be ashamed to worship those whom you yourself defend; you should be ashamed to hope for protection from those whom you yourself protect.