Acts ii. 41, 42. “There were added to them about three thousand souls; and they were persevering in the doctrine of the Apostles.”
Ephes. iv. 11, 12, 13, 14. And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and other some Evangelists, and other some Pastors and Doctors : for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all meet into the Unity of Faith. That henceforth we be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”
Heb. xiii. 7, 17. “Remember your Prelates, who have spoken to you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.-Obey your Prelates, and be subject to them. For they watch, as being to render an account of your souls.”
FATHERS.
CENT. I.
ST. CLEMENT OF ROME, L.C. “Under this Clement,” observes St. Irenæus, “a great dissension having arisen among the brethren at Corinth, the Roman Church addressed a strong epistle to the Corinthians, inviting them to concord, renovating their faith, and declaring the delivered doctrine (or tradition) which they had recently received from the Apostles.” L. iii. c. iii. p. 202.-Of the same Clement he had just said, and Eusebius observes the same, that“ with his own eyes he had seen the Apostles; had conversed with them on the concerns of faith; and retained fresh in his memory what they had taught; having, as it were, in his sight, all their doctrine. Nor did he here stand alone; for many then were living, who had received instruction from the Apostles.” Euseb. Hist. Eccl. L. v. c. 6, p. 217.
St. IGNATIUS, G. C.—“Be not led astray by heterodox opinions,” &c.—See the passages, p. 33.
