If indeed he
had held the doctrine of the invocation of saints whilst he continued in
the full communion of the Church, and rejected it afterwards, no honest
and sensible writer would quote his later opinions against the practice.
But we are only seeking in his works for evidence of the {129} matter of
fact,--Is there any proof in the works of Tertullian that the invocation
of saints formed a part of the doctrine and practice of the Catholic
Church in his time[48]? His works will be found in the note, arranged
under those two heads, as nearly as I can ascertain the preponderating
sentiments of critics[49].
[Footnote 48: The reader, who may be induced to consult the work
of the present Bishop of Lincoln, entitled, "The Ecclesiastical
History of the second and third Centuries, illustrated from the
writings of Tertullian," will there find, in the examination and
application of Tertullian's remains, the union of sound
judgment, diligence in research, clearness of perception,
acuteness in discovery, and great erudition mingled with
charity.]
[Footnote 49: Works of Tertullian before he became a
Montanist:--
Adversus Judaeos.
The Tract ad Martyres.
The two Books ad Nationes.
The Apology, and the Tract de Praescriptione Haereticorum.
The Tract de Testimonio Animae.
The Tracts de Patientia, de Oratione, de Baptismo, de
Poenitentia.
Pages:
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161