Succession of Doctrine

Here the words of Tertullian apply. He says: [n31-1] "The Christian church is called apostolic not just because of the succession of persons, but on account of the kinship of doctrine, since she holds the doctrine of the apostles." Liber de Praescriptione, and so on.

Everyone who boasts* of the true succession must prove this doctrine from the true apostolic writings, as the means by which the church was originally instituted, then established, and maintained through all times (we speak of the Christian and evangelical church). Therefore this doctrine must necessarily be the mark of the true succession in these last times as well.

Now, if this is joined with the common succession of teachers, we have everything that is necessary to demonstrate the true church. This stands so firm that it cannot reasonably be disputed, much less refuted.

The question now will be in what church the true apostolic doctrine has been held from the beginning, and is still held; a privilege that many boast of. We leave it to them, and content ourselves with the testimony of our conscience, compared with the holy Gospel of Christ and the faith of the holy church, which is mentioned throughout the ancient church histories.

To give evidence, then, of the faith we profess, we declare that we believe in our heart, and confess with our mouth: