Tertullian · a new plain-English translation from the original language
Now then, if you think this present span of time is meant to be spent on such delights, why are you so ungrateful as not to find sufficient, or even to notice, all the many splendid pleasures God has already granted you? For what is more delightful than reconciliation with God the Father and Lord, than the unveiling of truth, than recognizing one's own errors, than the forgiveness of so many past sins? What greater pleasure is there than contempt for pleasure itself, than scorn for the whole present age, than true freedom, than an untroubled conscience, than a life that is enough as it is, than having no fear of death at all—than that you trample the gods of the nations underfoot, that you drive out demons, that you work cures, that you seek revelations, that you live for God? Such are the delights, such the entertainments, of Christians—holy, everlasting, free of charge. Read into these your own "circus games": watch the running of the age, its slipping seasons, count off the laps already completed, wait for the finish-line of the world's consummation, defend the fellowship of the churches, spring up at God's signal, rise at the angel's trumpet, glory in the martyr's palm. If it is theatrical learning that delights you, we have literature enough of our own, verses enough, maxims enough, and songs enough besides—words enough—only ours are not fables but truths, not stage-tricks but plain, unadorned things. Do you want boxing and wrestling too? They are here in plenty, and no small matter: watch shamelessness thrown down by chastity, treachery cut down by faith, cruelty crushed by mercy, insolence overshadowed by modesty—these are the contests held among us, and in them we ourselves win the crown. Do you want some blood as well? You have the blood of Christ.