Apostles, now governs the Church. By the same order and succession, has the doctrine delivered by the Apostles in the Church, and the preaching of truth descended to us; and the proof is most clear that it is one and the same vivifying faith, which coming from the Apostles, is at this time maintained and taught.” Adv. Hær. L. iii. c. 3. p. 175.
“So also Polycarp, instructed by the Apostles, and having conversed with many who had seen the Lord, was appointed by them bishop of Smyrna. Him we knew in our youth. The doctrine which he had learned from the Apostles, he uniformly taught and delivered to his Church: and this doctrine is alone true.(p) To this all the Churches of Asia, and they who have succeeded to Polycarp, bear testimony. Surely, he was a witness of the Truth, more credible and more faithful, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and others of the like perverse opinions.” Ib. p. 176.—“ Things being thus made plain, it is not from others that truth is to be sought, which may be readily learned from the Church. For to this Church, as into a rich depository, the Apostles committed whatever is of Divine Truth; that each one, if so inclined, might thence draw the drink of life. This is the way to life, all other teachers must be shunned as thieves and robbers. For what? should there be any dispute on a point of small moment, must not recourse be had to the most ancient Churches, where the Apostles resided, and from them collect the truth? And had these Apostles left us nothing in writing, must not we then have followed that rule of doctrine which they delivered to those to whom they entrusted their Churches? To this rule many barbarous nations submit, who, deprived of the aid of letters, have the
