27. This is not the place to
examine all our traducers, who they are, or whence they are, what is
their power, what their knowledge, why they tremble at the mention of
Christ, why they regard his disciples as enemies and as hateful
persons; but with regard to ourselves to state expressly to
those who will exercise common reason, in terms applicable to all of us
alike,—We Christians are nothing else than worshippers of the
Supreme King and Head, under our Master, Christ. If you examine
carefully, you will find that nothing else is implied in that
religion. This is the sum of all that we do; this is the proposed
end and limit of sacred duties. Before Him we all prostrate
ourselves, according to our custom; Him we adore in joint prayers; from
Him we beg things just and honourable, and worthy of His ear. Not
that He needs our supplications, or loves to see the homage of so many
thousands laid at His feet. This is our benefit, and has a regard
to our advantage. For since we are prone to err, and to yield to
various lusts and appetites through the fault of our innate weakness,
He allows Himself at all times to be comprehended in our thoughts, that
whilst we entreat Him and strive to merit His bounties, we may receive
a desire for purity, and may free ourselves from every stain by the
removal of all our shortcomings.32803280