CHURCH,
WITHDRAWING FROM

Although tares, or impure vessels, are found in the church, yet this is not a reason why we should withdraw from it. It only behoves us to labor that we may be vessels of gold or of silver. But to break in pieces the vessels of earth belongs to the Lord alone, to whom a rod of iron is also given. Nor let any one arrogate to himself what is exclusively the province of the Son of God, by pretending to fan the floor, clear away the chaff, and separate all the tares by the judgment of man. This is proud obstinacy and sacrilegious presumption, originating in a corrupt frenzy.

St Cyprian