Chapter 28.—That the Christian
Religion is Health-Giving.
They, then, are but abandoned and
ungrateful wretches, in deep and fast bondage to that malign
spirit, who complain and murmur that men are rescued by the name of
Christ from the hellish thraldom of these unclean spirits, and from
a participation in their punishment, and are brought out of the
night of pestilential ungodliness into the light of most healthful
piety. Only such men could murmur that the masses flock to the
churches and their chaste acts of worship, where a seemly
separation of the sexes is observed; where they learn how they may
so spend this earthly life, as to merit a blessed eternity
hereafter; where Holy Scripture and instruction in righteousness
are proclaimed from a raised platform in presence of all, that both
they who do the word may hear to their salvation, and they who do
it not may hear to judgment. And though some enter who scoff at
such precepts, all their petulance is either quenched by a sudden
change, or is restrained through fear or shame. For no filthy and
wicked action is there set forth to be gazed at or to be imitated;
but either the precepts of the true God are recommended, His
miracles narrated, His gifts praised, or His benefits
implored.