Arnobius — Against the Nations 2.32
Since these things are so, and since we hold it handed down from the highest author that souls are not set far from death’s openings and jaws, yet can become long-lived by the gift and benefit of the highest prince if only they try and meditate to recognize him — for knowledge of him is a kind of leaven of life and glue of a thing that would otherwise come apart — then, ferocity and inhumanity laid aside, they may take up milder characters so they can be ready for what will be given.
Why are we judged by you as dull and stupid if, because of these fears, we have handed over and bound ourselves to God the liberator? Against harmful strikes and venomous bites of serpents we often seek remedies and protect ourselves with plates, with Psylli and Marsi selling and other peddlers and quacks; and lest colds and fierce suns harm us, we prepare with anxious care of caution the defenses of houses and clothes.
Latin
32.1. Haec cum ita se habeant et cum ab summo traditum teneamus auctore, non esse animas longe ab hiatibus mortis et faucibus constitutas, posse tamen longaevas summi principis munere ac beneficio fieri, si modo illum temptent ac meditentur adgnoscere - eius enim cognitio fermentum quoddam est vitae ac rei dissociabilis glutinum - tum deinde feritate atque inhumanitate depositis resumant ingenia mitiora, ut ad illud quod dabitur esse possint paratae.
2. Quid est quod a vobis tamquam bruti et stolidi iudicemur, si propter hos metus liberatori dedidimus et mancipavimus nos deo? Adversus ictus noxios et venenatos colubrarum morsus remedia saepe conquirimus et protegimus nos lamminis, Psyllis Marsis vendentibus aliisque institoribus atque planis, ac ne nobis frigora solesque incommodent rapidi, munimenta domorum ac vestium sollicitae praeparamus diligentia cautionis.