St. Polycarp of Smyrna (Asia), Greek Apostolic Father and Bishop, c. 80 - 167 A.D.,

Second Letter to the Philippians:

S. Polycarpus, engraving
by Michael Burghers, ca 1685

[3, 1] These things, brethren, concerning righteousness, I write to you not at my own instance, but because you first invited me.  For neither can I nor anyone like me match the wisdom of the blessed and glorious Paul. When he was among you, face to face with the men of that time, he expounded the word of truth accurately and authoritatively; and when he was absent he wrote letters to you, the study of which will enable you to build yourself up in the faith which was given you:  a faith which is the mother of us all, when hope follows along and the love of God and Christ and neighbor goes before. If anyone be devoted to these, he has fulfilled the commandment of justice: for whoever has love is far from every sin.

Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman Philosopher, Politician, Lawyer, Rhetorician, Constitutionalist. c.106 BC – 7 December 43 B.C.

Cicero Denounces Catiline, fresco by Cesare Maccari, 1882–88

Pro Plancio:

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.


(Catiline Oration 2.25):

On this side shame does battle; on that, impudence; here modesty, there debauchery; here faith, there deceit; here piety, there wickedness; here steadiness, there rage; here decency, there foulness; here restraint, there lust; here in short equity, temperance, courage, wisdom, all the virtues struggle with iniquity, dissipation, cowardice, foolhardiness – with all the vices. Finally wealth struggles against poverty, right thinking against depravity, sanity against madness – in sum, good hope against desperation in every circumstance.