Tertullian

“ A slight spot on the face, because it is obvious in so conspicuous a part, only serves to show purity of the entire complexion. The goodness of the larger portion is well attested by the slender flaw. But although you prove that some of our people are evil, you do not hereby prove that they are Christians. ”

“ You thus bear your testimony to the fact that this is not the character of Christians, when you ask, in the way of a retort, [5] how men who are reputed to be Christians can be of such and such a disposition. There is a good deal of difference between an imputation and a name, [6] between an opinion and the truth. For names were appointed for the express purpose of setting their proper limits between mere designation and actual condition. [7] How many indeed are said to be philosophers, who for all that do not fulfil the law of philosophy? All bear the name in respect of their profession ”