Luther quotes

“But I can't understand what must be in a man's mind if he doesn't feel seriously that there is a God when he sees the sun rise. It must at times occur to him that there are eternal things, or else he must push his face into the dirt like a sow. For its incredible that they [the planets] be observed to move without inquiring whether there isn't somebody who moves them. In other areas its known that a house doesn't build itself, etc.” ML, Tabletalk, Deitrich #447, early 1523, LW, AE, 54:73

Latin proverbs

Vulpes non capitur muneribus. (Medieval)

A fox is not caught by gifts.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Philip the Arabian, 244-249 AD

- made a treaty with Persia, fought against the Germans along the Danube and the Rhine - became disheartened and uncertain over military problems, defeated and killed by a rebellious general

- during his reign Rome celebrated its 1000^th birthday (753BC-247AD) - big celebrations, lavish games - was so tolerant of Christianity that some have called him the first Christian emperor

Luther quotes

“Christ teaches us to do things that are impossible, but God effects them in us. Therefore, let each one of us look into his heart and remember the love which is able to do this.” ML, Sermon at Weimar 1522, LW, AE, 51:108

Imitation of Christ

Si non continue te vales colligere, saltem interdum, et ad minus semel in die, mane videlicet aut vespere. Mane propone, vespere discute mores tuos, qualis hodie fuisti in verbo, opere et cogitatione, quia in his forsan Deum sæpius offendisti ex proximum. Accinge te sicut vir fortis contra diabolicas nequitias, fræna gulam et omnem carnis inclinatinem facilius frænabis. Numquam sis ex toto otiosus, sed aut legens, aut scribens, aut orans, aut meditans, aut aliquid utilitatis pro communi laborans. Corporalia tamen exercitia discrete sunt agenda, nec omnibus æqualiter assumenda. 
 

If you can not be always examining yourself, you can at certain seasons, and at least twice in the day, at evening and at morning. In the morning make your resolves, and in the evening inquire into your life, how you have done to-day in word, deed, and thought; for in these ways you have often perchance offended God and your neighbour. Gird up your loins like a man against the assaults of the devil; bridle youur appetite, and you will soon be able to bridle every inclination of the flesh. Be never without something to do; be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or doing something that is useful to the community. Bodily exercises, however, must be undertaken with discretion, nor are they to be used by all alike.

Imitation of Christ, I, 19:4

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not contend with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands. Do not quarrel with the rich man,  lest his resources outweigh yours; for gold has ruined many, and has perverted the minds of kings." Ecclesiasticus 8:1-2

LC-MS

“Christ gave this commission [Mt. 28:19-20] to all the ages of His Church, for it was to the Church that He entrusted His Word as the right key to the kingdom of heaven. To His command, He added this promise: 'And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.' The holy apostles have been dead for many centuries, ….” CFW Walther, sermon on Matthew 28:19-20, translated for January 7, in God Grant It (CPH, 2006, p. 101)

Patristics

“For, as I said, this was no mere earthly invention which was delivered to them, nor is it a mere human system of opinion, which they judge it right to preserve so carefully, nor has a dispensation of mere human mysteries been committed to them, but truly God Himself, who is almighty, the Creator of all things, and invisible, sent from heaven, and placed among men [Him who is] the truth, and the holy and incomprehensible Word, and has firmly established Him in their hearts.” Mathetes, to Diognetus, VII, ANF, 1:27

Baier's Axioms

Articuli fidei non sunt sibi invicem opponendi.

Articles of faith are not mutually opposed to themselves.

Luther quotes

“Accordingly when we think of divinity we must turn our eyes away from time and space because our Lord God and Creator must be beyond space and time and creature.” Martin Luther, Tabletalk, Deitrich #517, spring 1533, LW, AE, 54:93

Latin proverbs

In mari magno pisces capiuntur. (Anon.)

Fish are caught in the big ocean.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Gordianus III, 238-244 AD

- grandson and nephew of the first Gordians - he became emperor at 13 - lots of military problems - Goths, Germans and a new king in Persia, Shapur (239-279, “Shah in Shah ['King of kings'] in Iran and non-Iran”) - fought and won against the Persians, but the brilliant general who'd been the real power died and the army decided they needed an adult on the throne - Gordianus died (naturally?)

Patristics

“From all such persons, therefore, it behooves us to keep aloof, but to adhere to those who, as I have already observed, do hold the doctrine of the apostles, and who, together with the order of priesthood (presbyterii ordine), display sound speech and blameless conduct for the confirmation and correction of others.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, IV, 26:4, ANF, 1:497

Imitation of Christ

Si pietatis causa, aut fraternæ utilitatis proposito, quandoque consuetum omittitur exercitium, facile postea poterit recuperari. Si autem tædio animi, vel negligentia faciliter relinquitur, satis culpabile est et nocivum sentitur. Conemur quantum possumus, adhuc leviter deficiemus in multis. Semper tamen aliquid certi proponendum est, et proponenda sunt illa præcipue quæ amplius nos impediunt. Exteriora nostra et interiora pariter nobis scrutanda sunt, et ordinanda, quia utraque expediunt ad proprium profectum. 
 

If a holy exercise is sometimes omitted for the sake of some act of piety, or of some brotherly kindness, it can easily be taken up afterwards; but if it be neglected through distaste or slothfulness, then is it sinful, and the mischief will be felt. Strive as earnestly as we may, we shall still fall short in many things. Always should some distinct resolution be made by us; and, most of all, we must strive against those sins which most easily beset us. Both our outer and inner life should be straitly examined and ruled by us, because both have to do with our progress.

Imitation of Christ, I, 19:3

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not fail those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn. Do not shrink from visiting a sick man, because for such deeds you will be loved. In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin." Ecclesiasticus 7:34-36

Latin proverbs

Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur. (Ennius)

A sure friend is discerned in an unsure situation.

Patristics

“Wherefore it is incumbent to obey the presbyters who are in the Church, – those who, as I have shown, possess the succession from the apostles; those who, together with the succession of the episcopate, have received the certain gift of truth, according to the good pleasure of the Father. But [it is also incumbent] to hold in suspicion others who depart from the primitive succession, and assemble themselves together in any place whatsoever, [looking upon them] either as heretics of perverse minds, or schismatics puffed up and self-pleasing, or again as hypocrites, acting this for the sake of lucre and vainglory.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, IV, 26:2, ANF, 1:497

Baier's Axioms

Ueber der Lehre zu erkennen und zu richten, gehöret vor alle und jede Christen, und zwar so, dass der verflucht ist, der solches Recht um ein Härlein kränket.

To decide on and to judge doctrine belongs to each and every Christian, and, to be precise, in such a way that he who troubles that right by a hair's breadth is condemned.

Luther quotes

“This is what all factious spirits do: they first concoct an opinion. If it pleases them, they than attempt to force the Scriptures to agree with it.” Martin Luther, The Sacrament – Against the Fanatics, LW, AE, 36:337

Latin proverbs

Nemo sine crimine vivit. (Dionysius Cato)

No one lives without crime.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Balbinus, 238 AD

Pupienus, 238 AD

- the Senate had supported the Gordians - when they died, these two were selected as co-emperors (this was the first time for two co-equal emperors) - they reigned 99 days, then the imperial guard put them to death because of jealousy over an elite group of German bodyguards

Luther quotes

“... one should answer that it is not enough to say such a statement may convey their understanding of it. They must show that it demands and compels such an interpretation. In matters like this, where conscience is involved, one must proceed with certainty, and not simply take a position and say: 'it might be interpreted this way.' 'Might' and 'must' are not the same. You have to prove that it must be interpreted in this way and no other. So long as you are unable to prove a 'must' your statement and interpretation are not binding.” Martin Luther, The Adoration of the Sacrament,LW, AE, 36:284

Imitation of Christ

Secundum propositum nostrum est cursus profectus nostri, et multa diligentia opus est bene proficere volenti. Quod si fortiter proponens sæpe deficit, quid faciet ille qui raro aut minus fixe aliquid proponit? Variis tamen modis contingit defertio propositi nostri. Et levis omissio exercitiorum vix sine aliquo dispendio transit. Justorum propositum in gratia potius Dei, quam in propria patientia pendet. In quo et semper confidunt quidquid arripiunt. Nam homo proponit, sed Deus disponit, nec est in homine via ejus.
 

According to our resolution so is the rate of our progress, and much diligence is needful for him who would make good progress. For if he who resolves bravely often falls short, how shall it be with him who resolves rarely or feebly? But manifold causes bring about abandonment of our resolution, yet a trivial omission of holy exercises can hardly be made without some loss to us. The resolution of the righteous depends more upon the grace of God than upon their own wisdom; for in Him they always put their trust, whatever they take in hand. For man proposes, but God disposes; and the way of a

man is not in himself.

Imitation of Christ, I, 19:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Stretch forth your hand to the poor, so that your blessing may be complete. Give graciously to all the living, and withhold not kindness from the dead." Ecclesiasticus 7:32-33

Latin proverbs

Tempore felici multi numerantur amici. (Werner)

At a prosperous time many friends are counted.

Patristics

“For it was not merely for those who believed on Him in time of Tiberius Caesar that Christ came, nor did the Father exercise His providence for the men only who are now alive, but for all men altogether, who from the beginning, according to their capacity, in their generation have both feared and loved God, and practiced justice and piety towards their neighbors, and have earnestly desire to see Christ, and to hear His voice.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, IV, 22:2, ANF, 1:494

Baier's Axioms

Spiritus S. in Scriptura et per Scripturam loquens est supremus judex.

The Holy Spirit speaking in Scripture and through Scripture is the supreme judge.

Luther quotes

“But there are good grounds for my view, and this above all – no violence is to be done to the words of God, whether by man or angel. They are to be retained in their simplest meaning as far as possible. Unless the context manifestly compels it, they are not to be understood apart from their grammatical and proper sense, lest we give our adversaries occasion to make a mockery of all the Scriptures.” Martin Luther, Babylonian Captivity, LW, AE, 40:30

Latin proverbs

Religio deos colit, supersitio violat. (Seneca)

Relgion cultivates the gods, superstition violates them.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Gordianus I, 238 AD

Gordianus II, 238 AD

- father and son, proclaimed in Africa, but “reigned” only 22 days

Luther quotes

“For we must understand the words of Christ, secundum materiam subjectam, that is, we must observe closely of what Christ is speaking in any given passage, and treat the words accordingly, so as not to stretch them beyond their meaning.” Martin Luther, The Keys, LW, AE, 40:375

Imitation of Christ

Vita boni Religiosi omnibus virtutibus pollere debet, ut sit talis interius qualis ab hominibus videtur exterius. Et multo plus debet esse intus, quam quod cernitur foris, quia inspector noster est Deus quem summopere revereri debemus ubicumque fuerimus, et tamquam Angeli in conspectu ejus mundi incedere. Omni die renovare debemus propositum nostrum, et ad fervorem nos excitare, quasi hodie primum ad conversionem venissemus ac dicere: Adjuva me Deus in bono proposito et sancto fervitio tuo, et da mihi nunc hodie perfecte incipere, quia nihil est, quod hactenus feci. 
 

The life of a Christian ought to be adorned with all virtues, that he may be inwardly as he outwardly appears to men. And truly it should be yet better within than without, for God is a discerner of our heart, Whom we must reverence with all our hearts wheresoever we are, and walk pure in His presence as do the angels. We ought daily to renew our vows, and to kindle our hearts to zeal, as if each day were the first day of our conversion, and to say, "Help me, O God, in my good resolutions, and in Thy holy service, and grant that this day I may make a good beginning, for hitherto I have done nothing!"

Imitation of Christ, I, 19:1

Ecclesiasticus

"With all your soul fear the Lord, and honor his priests. With all your might love your Maker, and do not forsake his ministers." Ecclesiasticus 7:29-30

Patristics

“'For whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is antichrist;'{1 John 4:3} and whoever does not confess the testimony of the cross, is of the devil; and whoever perverts the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts, and says that there is neither a resurrection nor a judgment, he is the firstborn of Satan.” Polycarp, Philippians, VIII, ANF, 1:34

Latin proverbs

Crudelis lacrimis pascitur, non frangitur. (Pub. Syrus)

The cruel person is nourished, not broken, by tears.

Baier's Axioms

Est ratio non dux theologiae sed pedissequa. Serviat ancilla Hagar dominae, non imperet: imperium affectans aede sacra eliminetur.

Reason is not the commander of theology but the handmaid. Hagar served as the servant of the mistress, she did not rule: desiring the power to rule eliminates the holy temple.

Luther quotes

“In the first place, dear friend, is one doing the right thing if one takes one little word of a quotation of Christ out of its proper context and gives it an interpretation and meaning that pleases us, without taking into account whether or not it is in harmony with text or quotation. Should one not honor Christ and his Word at least to such an extent that one should consider faithfully and diligently the entire quotation, word for word, examining it closely in order to see whether the quotation will allow for one little word to be interpreted in a certain way.” Martin Luther, The Keys, LW, AE 40:326

Latin proverbs

Sub omni lapide scorpio dormit. (Anon.)

Under every stone sleeps a scorpion.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Maximinus I, 235-238 AD

- rose from the ranks, extraordinarily big and strong - invaded Germany, beat them and brought about peace for a while - his harshness caused a loss of morale, the soldiers lost heart and they killed him - tried to persecute Christians

Patristics

“For faith obtains through prayer that which the law commands. For without the gift of God, that is, without the Holy Spirit, through whom love is shed abroad in our hearts, the law can command, but it cannot assist; and, moreover, it makes a man a transgressor, for he can no longer excuse himself on the plea of ignorance.” Augustine, Enchiridion, ,NPNF1, 3:275

Imitation of Christ

Habitus et tonsura modicum faciunt, sed mutatio morum et integra mortificatio passionem verum faciunt religiosum. Qui aliud quærit, quam pure Deum, et animæ suæ salutem, non inveniet nisi tribulationem et dolorem. Non potest etiam diu stare pacificus, qui non nititur esse minimus, et omnibus subjectus. Ad serviendum venisti, non ad regendum, ad paciendum et laborandum scias te vocatum, non ad otiandum, vel fabulandum. Hic ergo probantur homines sicut aurum in fornace. Hic nemo potest stare nisi ex toto corde si voluerit propter Deum humiliare. 
 

The clothing and outward appearance are of small account; it is change of character and entire mortification of passions which make a truly religious man. He who seeks anything save God

and the health of his soul, shall find only tribulation and sorrow. Nor can he stand long in peace, who does not strive to be least of all and servant of all. You are called to endure and to labour, not to a life of ease and trifling talk. Here therefore are men tried as gold in the furnace. No man can stand, unless with all his heart he will humble himself for God's sake.

Imitation of Christ, I, 17:2

Ecclesiasticus

"With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother. Remember that through your parents you were born; and what can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?" Ecclesiasticus 7:27-28

Luther quotes

“It is not valid to pick out one word and keep repeating it. One must consider the meaning of the whole text in its context.” Martin Luther, Against the Heavenly Prophets, Luther's Works, American Edition, 40:86

Patristics

“And so in our own times: many forms of sin, though not just the same as those of Sodom and Gomorrah, are now so openly and habitually practiced, that not only dare we not excommunicate a layman, we dare not even degrade a clergyman, for the commission of them.” Augustine, Enchiridion, LXXX, NPNF1, 3:264

... nothing new under the sun ....

Baier's Axioms

N{on} V{alet} C{onsequentia}: Sacramenta extra usum non sunt, ita nec verbum extra usum est.

The logic is not valid: There are no sacraments outside the use, thus neither is the word outside the use.

Luther quotes

“But my Christ lives, and we must be careful to give more heed to the word of God then to all the thoughts of men and of angels.” Martin Luther, Babylonian Captivity, Luther's Works, American Edition, 40:36

Latin proverbs

Malo in consilio feminae vincunt viros. (Pub. Syrus)

Women surpass men in poor planning.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Severus Alexander, 222-235 AD

- cousin to Elagabalus - during his reign some soldiers upset with generals because they were too strict ('old-fashioned' discipline) - real powers behind the throne were Julia Maesa (grandmother) and Julia Mamea (mother) - they were tolerant towards Christianity

- military situation was definitely worse - Rome had weakened Parthia (Iran), making it ripe for being overthrown by the nationalistic Persian empire - Severus defeated the Persians, but when he tried to “buy off” the Germans along the Danube, the soldiers deserted him and he and his mother were killed

Luther quotes

“If only we believed that God is speaking to us and that whatever we read or hear in the Bible is God's Word, we would find and feel that it is not read or heard futilely or in vain. ….. Therefore it is not God's Word to us and does not bear its fruit until we recognize it as God's Word within ourselves.” Martin Luther, book inscription quoting Isaiah 55:11, Plass 1:62, SL 9:1800

Imitation of Christ

Nunc autem Deus sic ordinavit, ut discamus alter alterius onera portare, quia nemo sine defectu, nemo sine onere, nemo sibi sufficiens, nemo sibi satis sapiens, sed oportet invicem portare, invicem consolari, pariter adjuvare, et ammonere. Quantas autem virtutes quisque fecerit, melius patet occasione adversitatis. Occasiones namque hominem fragilem non faciunt, sed qualis sit, ostendunt. 

But now God has ordained, that we may learn to bear one another's burdens, because no one is without defect, no one without a burden, no one sufficient of himself, no one wise enough of himself; but it is proper for us to bear with one another, to comfort one another, to help, instruct, admonish one another. How much strength each man has is best proved by occasions of adversity: for such occasions do not make a man frail, but show what kind of character he has.

Imitation of Christ, I, 16:4

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not exchange a friend for money, or a real brother for the gold of Ophir. Do not deprive yourself of a wise and good wife, for her charm is worth more than gold." Ecclesiasticus 7:18-19

Luther quotes

“For the sake of Messiah and God's Son Holy Scripture was written, and for His sake everything that happened took place.” Martin Luther, against the papacy 1545, Plass 1:69, SL 17:1070

Patristics

“Let us reflect how near He is, and that none of the thoughts or reasonings in which we engage are hid from Him. It is right, therefore, that we should not leave the post which His will has assigned us.” 1 Clement, XXI, ANF, 1:11

Baier's Axioms

Habet scriptura inseparabilem comitem Spiritum Sanctum. Spiritus semper conjungitur cum verbo.

Scripture has an inseparable companion, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is always joined with the word.

Luther quotes

“If they believed them to be God's words, they would not call them 'poor, miserable words' but would consider even one tittle and letter created in the whole world and would tremble before them as before God Himself. For he who despises a single word of God will, of course, not consider any word of importance.” Martin Luther, On the Lord's Supper, 1528, Plass 1:66, SL 20:1040

Latin proverbs

Verba movent, exempla trahunt. (Anon.)

Words move people, examples draw/compel them.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Elagabalus, 218-222 AD

- cousin of Caracalla, nephew of Julia Maesa - was 14 when he became emperor and a homosexual - also was high priest of El-Gabal and tried to bring that worship to Rome, but it was so strange that was never popular - was assassinated by the imperial guard

Luther quotes

“The entire Bible has two principal thoughts. The first: Human nature is in its entirety damned and ruined by sin, nor can it come out of this calamity and death by its own powers and efforts; the second: God alone is just and out of mercy destroys sin and justifies.” Martin Luther, Tabletalk, Plass 1:68, Weimar 5:5751

Imitation of Christ

Volumus quod alii districte corrigantur, et nos ipsi corrigi nolumus, aut negari quod petimus. Alios restringi per statuta volumus, et ipsi nullatenus patimur amplius cohiberi. Sic ergo patet, quam raro proximum, sicut nos ipsos pensamus. Si omnes essent perfecti quid tunc haberemus ab aliis pro Deo pati? 

We want others to be severely corrected, but we will not be corrected ourselves, or be denied what we want. The freedom of others displeases us, but we are dissatisfied that our own wishes shall be denied us. We desire rules to be made restraining others, but by no means will we suffer ourselves to be restrained. Thus it plainly appears how seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves. If all men were perfect, what then should we have to suffer from others for God?

Imitation of Christ, I, 16:3

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not hate toilsome labor, or farm work, which were created by the Most High." Ecclesiasticus 7:15

Luther quotes

“Therefore no matter what happens, you should say: There is God's Word. This is my rock and anchor. On it I rely, and it remains. When it remains, I, too, remain; where it goes, I, too, go. The Word must stand, for God cannot lie; and heaven and earth must go to ruins before the most insignificant letter or tittle of his Word remains unfulfilled.” Martin Luther, Kirchen Postil, Mon. after Ref. on John 3:16-21, Plass 1:68, SL 11:1086ff.

Patristics

“Thou shalt not slay the child by procuring abortion; nor, again, shalt thou destroy it after it is born. Thou shalt not withdraw thy hand from thy son, or from thy daughter, but from their infancy thou shalt teach them the fear of the Lord.” Barnabas, Epistle, XIX, ANF, 1:48

Baier's Axioms

In disputatione de libris Scripturae ecclesia non habet illam potestatem, quod potest ex falsis scriptis facere vera, ex veris falsa, ex dubiis et incertis facere certa, canonica et legitima sine ullis certis et firmis documentis.

In a disputation on the books of Scripture the church does not have that power that it is able to make truth from false writings, false from true, to make certain, canonical and legitimate from the doubtful and uncertain without any certain and firm documents.

Luther quotes

“For this reason I wish to profess that the spirits who go about saying that they are blessed or damned are not human souls. In the first place, there is no instance of this in the Holy Scriptures, and all that occurs outside the Scriptures, whether it be done by angels or men, is and ought to be suspect. For God wishes his Word alone to be our lamp,....” Martin Luther, Misuse of the Mass, Luther's Works, American Edition, 36:191

Latin proverbs

Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt. (Ovid)

Mortal acts never deceive the gods.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Macrinus, 217-8 AD

- the person behind Caracalla's death - settled a war with Parthia (Iran) on unfavorable terms - lowered pay to soldiers - a revolt led against him by Julia Maesa, sister of Septimus Severus' wife

Luther quotes

“If God spoke through an ass against a prophet, why should he not be able even now to speak through righteous man against the Pope? Similarly, St. Paul rebukes St. Peter as a man in error in Galatians 2 [: 11-12]. Therefore it is the duty of every Christian to espouse the cause of the faith, to understand and defend it, and to denounce every error.” Martin Luther, To the Christian Nobility, Luther's Works, American Edition, 44:136

Patristics

“But our opinion is in accordance with the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn establishes our opinion. For we offer to Him His own, announcing consistently the fellowship and union of the flesh and Spirit. For as the bread, which is produced from the earth, when it receives the invocation of God, is no longer common bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly; so also our bodies, when they receive the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, having the hope of the resurrection to eternity.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, IV, 18:5, ANF, 1:486

Baier's Axioms

Non propter testimonium, sed per testimonium ecclesiae, scriptum hoc Deum auctorem habere, credimus.

We believe these writings have God as author, not on account of the testimony, but through the testimony of the church.

Patristics

“Sacrifices, therefore, do not sanctify a man, for God stands in no need of sacrifice; but it is the conscience of the offerer that sanctifies the sacrifice when it is pure, and thus moves God to accept [the offering] as from a friend. 'But the sinner,' says He, 'who kills a calf [in sacrifice] to Me, it is as if he slew a dog.' {Isaiah 46:3}” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, IV, 18:3, ANF, 1: 485

Imitation of Christ

Si quis semel vel bis admonitus non acquiescit, noli cum eo contendere, sed totum Deo committe, ut fiat voluntas sua, et honor in omnibus servis suis, qui scit bene, malum in bonum convertere. Stude patiens esse in tolerando aliorum defectus, et qualescumque infirmitates, quia et tu multa habes, quæ ab aliis oportet tolerari. Si non potes te talem facere qualem vis, quomodo poteris alium habere ad beneplacitum tuum? Libenter videmus alios perfectos, sed tamen proprios non emendamus defectus. 
 

If one who has been admonished once or twice refuses to listen, don't fight with him, but commit all to God, that His will may be done and His honor be shown in His servants, for He knows well how to convert the evil into good. Try to be patient in bearing with other men's faults and infirmities whatever they may be, for you yourself also have many things which have need to be borne with by others. If you cannot make your own self be what you desire, how will you be able to fashion another to your own liking. We are ready to see others made perfect, and yet we do not amend our own shortcomings.

Imitation of Christ, I, 16:2

Ecclesiasticus

"Do not seek to become a judge, lest you be unable to remove iniquity, lest you be partial to a powerful man, and thus put a blot on your integrity. Do not offend against the public, and do not disgrace yourself among the people."   Ecclesiasticus 7:6-7

Luther quotes

“We must rather disregard flesh and blood, and consider how we may base our conscience on the pure word of God alone, so that when we die we can face the devil and stand fast.” Martin Luther, Receiving Both Kinds In The Sacrament, Luther's Works, American Edition, 36:247

Latin proverbs

Magna di curant, parva neglegunt. (Cicero)

The gods take care of big things but neglect the small.

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Caracalla, 211- 217 AD

- became emperor along with his brother, Geta, whom he hated and soon killed - raised army pay substantially (resulting in inflation) - admired the Germans and dressed in “German” style, including a blond wig

- issued a law that all free people were Roman citizens (to raise taxes?) - built the Baths of Caracalla (the pool big enough for 1600 people) - assassinated when a subordinate became afraid that he was going to die