To Florus 1.12

I therefore answered that earlier work in four little books, with whatever ability truth supplied. I stated at the outset that I would pass over things which plainly carried no weight in support of his doctrine and which might expose me to a charge of verbosity if I pursued every weak and empty remark. Indeed, if I had been permitted to keep that rule as I should, so that admitted absurdities did not even deserve an attack, almost all his inventions would have deserved the contempt of universal silence. But things are rushing toward the worse, a sign that the world is approaching its end; folly and depravity have gained power even in God's Church. We therefore serve as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), bringing such help as we can, each according to his ability, to the defense of the catholic religion. Nor are we reluctant to commit to writing the remedies we prepare against the poisons of error.