"At times one hesitates to reprove or admonish evildoers, either because
one seeks a more favorable moment or fears his rebuke might make them
worse, and further, discourage weak brethren from seeking to to lead a
good and holy life, or turn them aside from the faith. In such
circumstances forbearance is not prompted by selfish considerations but
by well-advised charity."
"What is reprehensible, however, is that while leading good lives
themselves and abhorring those of wicked men, some, fearing to offend,
shut their eyes to evil deeds instead of condemning them and pointing
out their malice. To be sure, the motive behind their malice is that
they may suffer no hurt in the possession of those temporal goods which
virtuous and blameless may lawfully enjoy; still there is more
self-seeking here than becomes men who are mere sojourners in this world
who profess the hope of a home in heaven." [Augustine of Hippo]
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