Author Archives: Matthew Phillips

Elderly Counsel and the Youth

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“It befits a youth to respect his elders and to choose from there the best and most upright, upon whose counsel and authority he might depend. For the inexperience of early life ought to be ordered and guided by the good … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, education, virtue | Leave a comment

Luther on History as Example

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“The renowned Roman Varro says that the very best way to teach is to add an example or illustration to the word, for they help one both to understand more clearly and to remember more easily.  Otherwise, if the discourse … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Martin Luther, teaching | Leave a comment

History and Education of a Prince

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“It is not enough just to hand out precepts to restrain the prince from vices or to incite him to a better course—they must be impressed, crammed in, inculcated, and in one way and another be kept before him, now … Continue reading →

Posted in education, Erasmus, government, history, Politics, Renaissance | Leave a comment

Philosophy, History and Eloquence

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“For to the truly noble mind, and to those who are obligated to involve themselves in public affairs and human communities, knowledge of history and the study of moral philosophy are the more suitable subjects. The rest of the arts are called … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Learning, liberal arts, Pietro Paulo Vergerio, Politics, Renaissance, teaching | Leave a comment

Augustine, Luther, and the Lord’s Supper

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Holy Christendom has, in my judgment, no better teacher after the apostles than St. Augustine.  Should this dear and holy teacher be so reviled and defamed by the fanatics as to be regarded as the cloak and support of their … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, sacraments | Leave a comment

Automatons of Misery

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

 “I am not among those who fear the people.  They, and not the rich, are our dependence for continued freedom.  And to preserve their independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.  We must make our … Continue reading →

Posted in government, Thomas Jefferson | Leave a comment

John Locke on Tyranny

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“199. As usurpation is the exercise of power which another hath a right to, so tyranny is the exercise of power beyond right, which nobody can have a right to; and this is making use of the power any one … Continue reading →

Posted in government, John Locke, justice | Leave a comment

Parents, Education, the Church, and the State

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“The right of the Church to have schools is entirely in concord with the right of parents to educate their children.  What is incumbent upon the parents in all questions of natural life is incumbent upon the Church with regard … Continue reading →

Posted in education, government, persecution, teaching | Leave a comment

Luther on Writing

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Some think that the office of writer is simple and easy, that real work is to ride in armor and suffer heat, cold, dust, thirst, and other discomforts.  It is always the same old story: no one sees where the … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, teaching, writing | Leave a comment

Luther, Persecution, the Cross, and Martyrdom

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

I am working on a presentation for a symposiusm at Saint Louis University from June 17 through June 19, 2013. http://smrs.slu.edu/ My paper will examine the relationship between Martin Luther’s understanding of martyrdom and the theology of the cross.  Particularly, it will … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, martyrdom, persecution | Leave a comment