But, 1. In matters accessory of indifferency, order, decency, and inferior nature. 2. In matter of Testimony to the truths of Scripture, and for manifesting the succession, flourishing, and harmony of doctrines through all ages of the Church, the godly learned have justly ascribed much to the authority and usage of the ancient Churches. The study of the doctrine and Rites whereof is justly called by the most learned Primate of Ireland, a noble study. I will conclude this particular with the words of S. Austin, bIn those things, saith he, wherein the holy Scripture hath defined nothing, mos Populi Dei & instituta majorum pro lege tenenda sunt, The custome of Gods people, and appointments of our fore-fathers must be held for laws. Lastly, [Greek or Hebrew], Submission to the spirits of the Prophets, and the judgments of the godly learned: cnot to be stiff and inflexible in our own conceits, nor to be Acceptors of our own persons, but to be willing to retract ⟨p. 34⟩any error, and with meekness and thankfulness, to be led into the right way by any hand. Excellent was the resolution of Job in this case Teach me, and I will hold my peace, and cause me to know wherein I have erred, Job 6.24. In which one disposition did all men, who otherwise differ, firmly agree, and were not too partially addicted to their own fancies, nor had their judgments (which should be guided only by the truth of things) too much enthralled to their own wills, ends, or passions; soon might they be brought, if not wherein they err, to change their judgments, yet at least so to allay them with humility and love,3 (as Saint Cyprian did his) that they should never break forth into bitterness towards their Brethren, or disturbance of the Church of God.
But, 1. In matters accessory of indifferency, order, decency, and inferiour nature. 2. In matter of Testimony to the truths of Scripture, and for manifesting the succession, flourishing, and harmony of doctrines through all ages of the Church, the godly learned have justly ascribed much to the authority and usage of the ancient Churches. The study of the doctrine and Rites whereof is justly called by the most learned Primate of Ireland, a noble study. I wil conclude this particular with the words of S. Austin, bIn those things, saith he, wherein the holy Scripture hath defined nothing, mos Populi Dei & instituta majorum pro lege tenenda sunt, The custome of Gods people, and appointments of our fore-fathers must be held for laws. Lastly, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Submission to the spirits of the Prophets, and the judgments of the godly learned: cnot to be stiffe and inflexible in our owne conceits, nor to be Acceptors of our own persons, but to be willing to retract ⟨p. 34⟩any errour, and with meekness and thankfulness, to be led into the right way by any hand. Excellent was the resolution of Iob in this case Teach me, and I will hold my peace, and cause me to know wherein I have erred, Iob 6.24. In which one disposition did all men, who otherwise differ, firmly agree, and were not too partially addicted to their own fancies, nor had their judgments (which should be guided only by the truth of things) too much enthralled to their own wils, ends, or passions; soon might they be brought, if not wherein they erre, to change their judgments, yet at least so to allay them with humility and love,3 (as Saint Cyprian did his) that they should never breake forth into bitternesse towards their Brethren, or disturbance of the Church of God.
- bAug. Epist. 85.
- cEgo quidem fateor me ex eorum numero esse conari qui proficiendo scribunt, & scribendo proficiunt, unde fi aliquid vel in cautius, vel indoctius à me positum est, —nec mirandum est, nec dolendum, sed potius ignoscendum atque gratulandum, non quia erratum est, sed quia improbatum, &c. Vid. August. Epist. 7.
- 3Cypr. ad Quir. Praefat. Concil. Carthag. & in initio Concilii. Aug. de Baptis. contr. Donat. li. 1. cap. 18. & lib. 2. cap. 1, 5.
