Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series I/Volume IV/Donatist Controversy/Answer to the Letters of Petilian, the Donatist/Book II/Chapter 80

175.&#160; said:&#160; "Lastly, what is the justification of persecution?&#160; I ask you, you wretched men, if it so be that you think that your sin rests on any authority of law."

176.&#160; answered:&#160; He who sins, sins not on the authority of the law, but against the authority of the law.&#160; But since you ask what is the justification of persecution, I ask you in turn whose voice it is that says in the psalm, "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off." &#160; Seek therefore the reason or the measure of the persecution, and do not display your gross ignorance by finding fault in general terms with those who persecute the unrighteous.