Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 2.djvu/558

558 the organ of the whole body of Christian teachers. In this we differ from lieretics and Dissenters. They follow particular teachers, and call themselves after their names. We follow Christ only; even in following the old fathers we follow them, not as if they were commissioned expounders, but simply as being witnesses of the truth once delivered, and to be followed simply because and so far as they agree together. Their mutual agreement is the test of their being faithful witnesses, which is all we seek after; we attribute nothing to them as oracles of the truth, much less to individuals now a days. Let a man be gifted with eloquence, ready talent, deep penetration, vigorous grasp of mind; let him be amiable, sympathizing, winning; let him bear upon him the evidence of earnestness and disinterested piety; let him be zealous, active, patient, self-denying; let him have a noble heart, and a resolute hand, and many followers, yet if he keeps to the ancient truth it is well. But if he departs from it, that instant and  are written upon his school. The ground crumbles from under him, his rod of influence is broken, his glory is departed; he is no more. He has what he had not while he was a transmitter of Catholic Verities, a name; and it is borne after him by his party as a witness against him and them.