Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/337

65* and sacramental customs but even faith of old times were explained in such a manner as to make them appear doubtful or unknown when applied to the original apostolic Church. And yet it is to this holy Church that Jesus Christ promised his constant presence: "Lo, I am with you to the end of the world." Concerning this Saint Augustine says – and he is quoted by Saint Thomas: "I am with you to the end of the world: this has been said to the entire holy Church in which some die and others are born, till now and to the close of the age." This, too, was quoted by the Auditor.

Wise men ought to pay attention, therefore, to the pronouncements of this master because, when he divides so cunningly the present condition of the Church from that of the early Church, attributing everything good to the former and all weaknesses to the latter, he speaks to the detriment and debasement of the early holy Church. He labels it with stupidity and ambiguity, making her case doubtful because (says he) the modern Church has corrected her stupidities and mistakes.

Furthermore, says this master, just as badgers' skins were followed by rams' skins dyed red and adorned by gold and other embellishments for the covering of Moses' tent, similarly also the plain teaching of the early holy Church with her Matt. 28:20.