Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers Series 2 - The Still Small ...

Chapter XXIX.
Enumeration of the illustrious men in the Church who in their writings have used the word
“with.”
71. In answer to the objection that the doxology in the form “with the Spirit” has no
written authority, we maintain that if there is no other instance of that which is unwritten,
then this must not be received. But if the greater number of our mysteries are admitted into
our constitution without written authority, then, in company with the many others, let us
receive this one. For I hold it apostolic to abide also by the unwritten traditions. “I praise
you,” it is said, “that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered
them to you;” 1308 and “Hold fast the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word,
or our Epistle.” 1309 One of these traditions is the practice which is now before us, which
they who ordained from the beginning, rooted firmly in the churches, delivering it to their
successors, and its use through long custom advances pace by pace with time. If, as in a
Court of Law, we were at a loss for documentary evidence, but were able to bring before
you a large number of witnesses, would you not give your vote for our acquittal? I think
so; for “at the mouth of two or three witnesses shall the matter be established.” 1310 And if
we could prove clearly to you that a long period of time was in our favour, should we not
have seemed to you to urge with reason that this suit ought not to be brought into court
against us? For ancient dogmas inspire a certain sense of awe, venerable as they are with a
hoary antiquity. I will therefore give you a list of the supporters of the word (and the time
too must be taken into account in relation to what passes unquestioned). For it did not
originate with us. How could it? We, in comparison with the time during which this word
has been in vogue, are, to use the words of Job, “but of yesterday.” 1311 I myself, if I must
speak of what concerns me individually, cherish this phrase as a legacy left me by my fathers.
It was delivered to me by one 1312 who spent a long life in the service of God, and by him I
was both baptized, and admitted to the ministry of the church. While examining, so far as
I could, if any of the blessed men of old used the words to which objection is now made, I
found many worthy of credit both on account of their early date, and also a characteristic
in which they are unlike the men of to-day—because of the exactness of their knowledge.
1308 1 Cor. xi. 2.
1309 2 Thess. ii. 15.
1310 Deut. xix. 15.
1311 Job viii. 9.
Enumeration of the illustrious men in the Church who in their writings have…
1312 i.e. Dianius, bp. of the Cappadocian Cæsarea, who baptized St. Basil c. 357 on his return from Athens,
and ordained him Reader. He was a waverer, and signed the creed of Ariminum in 359; Basil consequently left
him, but speaks reverentially of him in Ep. 51.
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