3. But it is our task to watch on behalf of your Graces. For to what is it more suitable that we defend the institutions of our ancestors, and the rights and destiny of our country, than to the glory of these times, which is all the greater when you understand that you may not do anything contrary to the custom of your ancestors? We demand then the restoration of that condition of religious affairs which was so long advantageous to the state. Let the rulers of each sect and of each opinion be counted up; a late one Julian. practised the ceremonies of his ancestors, a later Valentinian I. did not put them away. If the religion of old times does not make a precedent, let the connivance of the last Valentinian and Valens. do so.