THE AUTHORITY OF TRADITION IN MATTERS OF RELIGION. BY THE REV. GEORGE HOLDEN, M.A. Unde est ista traditio? Utrumne de Dominica et Evangelica Auctoritate LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. G. & F. RIVINGTON, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD, AND WATERLOO PLACE, PALL MALL. 1838. 130. PREFACE. THE only tradition, respecting which any controversy need be raised, relates to the doctrines received by the early Christians as the genuine doctrines of the Gospel. These formed the public creed, the system of religious faith and practice which was professed and handed down in the primitive churches, and which is denominated " 'primitive tradition," as distinguished from the doctrine written in the Bible; and the question at issue is, What authority is due to it in matters of religion? Now the answer to this important inquiry chiefly depends upon the fact of apostolicity; that is, whether the primitive doctrinal system can be shown to be precisely the same that was delivered by Christ and his Apostles; and the result of the Author's researches is, 1. That there is not evidence to prove the creed, or traditive doctrine of the primitive. churches to be APOSTOLICAL and DIVINE; and, therefore, it is not to be venerated with equal piety and reverence as the written word of God; nor to be received as the authoritative test of the true meaning of the sacred writings. 2. That primitive tradition, not being apostolical and divine, must consequently be regarded as merely HUMAN TESTIMONY; yet, as such, forms a most valuable help to, and confirmation of, the right interpretation of the Scriptures; for which reason, in all questions of faith, a reverent attention ought to be paid to its voice. 3. That although primitive tradition constitutes only a collateral proof, not the standard, of Scripture doctrine; and although no absolute judge in controversies of faith exists, Providence has vouchsafed SUFFICIENT GUIDES to enable all |