ST. STEPHEN,[1] L.C.-In his letter to the Church of Africa, which is recorded by Vincent of Lerins in his Commonitorium, he thus decrees: “Let no innovation be introduced; but let that be observed, which is handed down to us by tradition. Com. n. vi. p. 323.
CENT. IV.
EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA, G.C.—“The Disciples of Christ, following the practice of their Master, and accommodating their instructions to the capacities of their hearers, delivered what was perfect to those who were in a condition to receive it: but to the greater part, letting themselves down to their weakness, some things to be observed, they delivered in writing, some things by an unwritten rule.” — Dem. Evang. L. 1, c. 8, p. 29.--" These are the things which we briefly propose to the consideration of the Galatians, from the Epistle addressed to them by Paul, in which is contained the mystical regeneration of saving faith, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Which truths, though they be consigned to the sacred writings, are still, in a fuller manner, confirmed by the Tradition of the Catholic Church, which Church is diffused over all the earth. This unwritten Tradition) confirms and seals the testimonies of the holy Scriptures.” Ibid. L. 1, cont. Marcellum, c. 1, p. 9.
- ↑ St. Stephen succeeded St. Lucius in the chair of St. Peter, in 253. In the controversy concerning the rebaptization of heretics, he maintained against the Africans, on the authority of tradition, that baptism, given in the name of the three persons of the holy Trinity, is valid, though conferred by a heretic. He died, or suffered martyrdom, in 257.
