Constantine Denounces Idols and Gives Glory to God

“This God I call on with bended knee. I shrink in horror from the blood of sacrifices, from their foul and hateful smells, and from every earthborn magic fire. For the unholy and godless superstitions defiled by these rites have cast down and handed over to destruction many people, indeed whole nations of the pagan world. For the one who is Lord of all cannot bear that the blessings he has revealed for the use of all, in his own loving-kindness and his concern for human needs, should be twisted to serve anyone’s cravings. All he asks of a person is purity of mind and an undefiled spirit, and by this standard he weighs acts of virtue and godliness. For his pleasure is in works of moderation and mildness. He loves the gentle and hates the turbulent spirit. He delights in faith and punishes unbelief. By him every presumptuous power is broken down, and he takes vengeance on the insolence of the proud. While the arrogant and haughty are utterly overthrown, he repays the humble and forgiving with the rewards they deserve. In the same way he highly honors a kingdom justly governed, strengthens it with his special help, and keeps a prudent king in the calm of peace. [a]