[30] Aug. ex Tract. Ep. Joh. 3.
Clem. Alex.2. [31]“There is a Difference (saith Clemens Alexandrinus) betwixt that which any one saith of the Truth, and that which the Truth itself, interpreting itself, saith. A Conjecture of Truth differeth from the Truth itself; a Similitude of a Thing differeth from the Thing itself; it is one Thing that is acquired by Exercise and Discipline; and another Thing, which by Power and Faith.” Lastly, the same Clemens saith, [32]“Truth is neither hard to be arrived at, nor is it impossible to apprehend it; for it is most Nigh unto us, even in our Houses, as the most wise Moses hath insinuated.”
[31] Clem. Alex. I. 1. Strom.
[32] Pædag.
Tertullian.3. [33]“How is it (saith Tertullian) that since the Devil always worketh, and stirreth up the Mind to Iniquity, that the Work of God should either cease, or desist to act? Since for this End the Lord did send the Comforter, that because human Weakness could not at once bear all Things, Knowledge might be by little and little directed, formed, and brought to Perfection, by the Holy Spirit, that Vicar of the Lord. I have many Things yet (saith he) to speak unto you, but ye cannot as yet bear them; but when that Spirit of Truth shall come, he shall lead you into all Truth, and shall teach you these Things that are to come. But of this his Work we have spoken above. What is then the Administration of the Comforter, but that Discipline be directed, and the Scriptures revealed?” &c.
[33] Tertullianus Lib. de veland. Virginibus, cap. 1.
Jerome4. [34]“The Law (saith Jerome) is Spiritual, and there is need of a Revelation to understand it.” And in his Epistle 150. to Hedibia, Quest. 11. he saith, “The whole Epistle to the Romans needs an Interpretation; it being involved in so great Obscurities, that for the understanding thereof we need the Help of the Holy Spirit, who through the Apostle dictated it.”
[34] Jerome Ep. Paulin. 103.
Athanasius.5. [35]“So great Things (saith Athanasius) doth our Saviour daily: He draws unto Piety, persuades unto Virtue, teaches Immortality, excites to the Desire of Heavenly Things, reveals the Knowledge of the Father, inspires Power against Death, and shews himself unto every one.”
[35] Athanasius de Incarn. Verbi Dei.