Page:Faithcatholics.pdf/198

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severally by the Fathers present, as well on the writings of Cyril and Cælestine, as on the opinions of Nestorius. “The Epistle of Cyril,” they declare,“ differs in nothing from the Nicene formulary: it expresses only more diffusely, what that Canon conveys in few words.” Ibid. p. 461, and seqq.But before they proceeded to pronounce sentence on Nestorius, passages from twelve Doctors of the Church were read, in order still further to shew, what had been the Faith of their predecessors. A letter also from the absent Bishop of Carthage, Capreolus, was here read, wherein are the following words: “ Most holy brethren; for an example to posterity, in order that what you now define, may be firm and permanent, the former constitutions of our Fathers must remain unshaken and unaltered. For whoever wishes to give stability to decisions concerning Faith, must proceed, not by his own authority, but, drawing strength from the doctrines of antiquity, make it manifest, that he teaches and holds that one Catholic Faith, which has come down from the beginning to the present time, in simple purity, unmoved stability and power.” Ibid. p.531.—“It is the wish,” here interposed Cyril, who presided in the Council, “ of our Carthaginian brother, that the ancient points of Faith be confirmed: and that novelties be reprobated.” The whole assembly exclaimed: “We have here but one voice: we all say the same: This is our only wish !” They then anathematised and deposed Nestorius. Ibid. p. 533.-Things had proceeded thus far, when deputies arrived from Rome, bearing a letter to the Council from Celestine. In it, having attested the dignity of Councils guided by the Holy Spirit, and declared,