Monthly Archives: May 2012

Martin Luther on the Good Samaritan and Charity

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“The fact is that wherever his [Christ’s] Word is welcomed and received in faith, it fashions people like the Samaritan here–gentle, compassionate, merciful people.  They cannot bear to see anyone suffering and when this happens they tender their own resources and … Continue reading →

Posted in avarice, Martin Luther, medieval, preaching, Reformation | Leave a comment

Criminal gangs or kingdoms

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“Remove justice, and what are kingdoms but gangs of criminals on a large scale? What are criminal gangs but petty kingdoms? A gang is a group of men under command of a leader, bound by a compact of association, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, government | Leave a comment

Avarice and Public Office

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“No vice, therefore, is more foul than avarice….particularly among leading men and those who control public affairs.  For to use public affairs for one’s profit is not only dishonourable, but criminal and wicked too….There is nothing by which those in … Continue reading →

Posted in avarice, Cicero, government | Leave a comment

History and the education of youth

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“But if the memory of antiquity attaches to any kind of man it is to magistrates, kings and princes regnant.  For them and their position it is necessary that they possess not only will and genius, but also the knowledge … Continue reading →

Posted in Johann Sturm, teaching | Leave a comment

No Thanks from the World

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“In great part we serve, teach, admonish, suffer, give consolation, and do things commanded by God for unworthy men.  Here we gain nothing for our services but hatred, envy, and exile; and our whole life is nothing else than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, teaching | 1 Comment

Lawsuits and Admiration

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“There are many types of cases which call for eloquence, and in our republic many young men have won praise by speaking before the jurors, before the people, and before the senate. But the greatest admiration is inspired in lawsuits.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, eloquence, lawyers | 1 Comment

Eloquence and Wisdom

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“It is a well known fact that ‘Eloquence without wisdom is futile.'(citing Cicero, Orator 4. 14) Whence it is clear that eloquence derives its efficacy from wisdom.  The utility of eloquence is, in fact, directly in proportion to the measure … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, dialectic. logic, eloquence, John of Salisbury | Leave a comment