First Apology 7

But, someone will say, some have already been arrested and convicted as evildoers. Indeed you often condemn many, when you examine the life of those accused on each occasion, but not because of those who were convicted before. In general we admit this too: just as those among the Greeks who taught what pleased them are all called by the one name of philosophy, though their teachings are contrary, so also among the barbarians the name brought against those who became and were thought wise is common; for all are called Christians. Therefore we ask that the actions of all who are denounced to you be judged, so that the one convicted may be punished as a wrongdoer, but not as a Christian; and if anyone is shown to be blameless, let him be released as a Christian doing no wrong. For we will not ask you to punish the accusers; they are sufficiently punished by their present wickedness and their ignorance of what is good.