Which preposition to use with protend

against Occurrences 1%

N. B. I do not approve, or defend, nay, I dislike, these "United Theological Booksellers": but this utter Barrister is their best friend by attacking them so as to secure to them victory, and all the advantages of being known to have been wickedly slandered;the best shield a faulty cause can protend against the javelin of fair opposition.

Which preposition to use with  protend