[6] 1. Discipleship. If we are Christians like those at Antioch, it is because we, like them, are "disciples," instructed by the lively oracles wherein is the pattern of the Mount. To get the Scriptures first, and then to understand them aright, we must be "followers of the Churches of God," which in Judea were made the normal example for conformity, and a tribunal of appeal against innovation. Concerning all novelties in faith it is enough to say: "We have no such custom, neither the Churches of God." By this rule was recognized and settled the Canon of the New-Testament Scriptures, and by the same rule must be accepted the Apostolic Episcopate. The maxim of Vincent of Lerins is Scriptural in all its points. The unalterable Creed is "the faith once delivered to the saints," and that only is Catholic in doctrine and discipline which goes back to Antioch. Not by local example of any partriarchal see, not by general acceptance in Orient or Occident severally, but by Christians "everywhere." Not by some Christians everywhere, but "by all" the faithful in all Churches. Not for any matter, however good in itself, can Catholicity be claimed. if it cannot stand this crucial test--"always." Nothing can be imposed upon or required of any, as terms of Catholic communion, which is not sustained by these three conditions. Nothing whatever, which falls short of even one of them can be Catholic. The Quod semper is therefore an ultimate test. For Catholicity dates from Jerusalem and Antioch, and everything that claims such character must be historically proved as a doctrine, or a rule of worship, that was always received by the consent of all. In the earliest legislation at Nicaea, the Gospels were enthroned, in token of the presence of the Holy Ghost, Christ's only Vicar; and this was the absolute law--viz.: "Let the ancient customs prevail." The Nicene Creed meets these conditions. A novel Creed, manufactured only three hundred years ago, and developed by recent additions, is therefore a mere counterfeit. To call it Catholic is a vulgar misnomer. Instead of "always," it is of yesterday. Instead of "everywhere," it is Roman. Instead of "by all," it is the product of a lawless conventicle of Italians. In America it has no claim [6/7] to Mission; and we are here to show in a glorious contrast what Catholicity means, and who are the Catholics.
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