Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series I/Volume IV/Donatist Controversy/Answer to the Letters of Petilian, the Donatist/Book II/Chapter 75

165.&#160; said:&#160; "O wretched traditors!&#160; Thus indeed it was fitting that Scripture should be fulfilled.&#160; But in you I grieve for this, that you have shown yourselves worthy to fulfill the part of wickedness."

166.&#160; answered:&#160; I might rather say, O wretched traditors! if I were minded, or rather if justice urged me to cast up against all of you the deeds of some among your number.&#160; But as regards what bears on all of you, O wretched heretics, I on my part will quote the remainder of your words; for it is written, "There must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you." &#160; Therefore "it was fitting thus that Scripture should be fulfilled.&#160; But in you I grieve for this, that you have shown yourselves worthy to fulfill the part of wickedness."