[97] The reader is referred to some remarks on Ideology towards the close of Sermon VII., p. 243 to p. 251. [98] "Unhappily, together with his _inauguration of Multitudinism_, Constantine also inaugurated a principle essentially at variance with it, the principle of _doctrinal limitation_." (p. 166.) ... "The opportunity of reverting to the freedom of the Apostolic, and immediately succeeding periods, was finally lost for many ages by the sanction given by Constantine to the decisions of Nicæa." (_Ibid._) "At all events, a principle at variance with a true Multitudinism was then recognised." (_Ibid._) How does it happen, by the way, that one writing B.D. after his name, however bitter his animosity against the Nicene Creed may be, is not aware that Creeds are co-eval with Christianity? Thus we find the Creed of Carthage in the works of Cyprian, (A.D. 225,) and Tertullian, (A.D. 210, 203): that of Lyons in the works of Irenæus, (A.D. 180.) [see Heurtley's _Harmonia Symbolica_, pp. 7-20.] We recognize fragments of the Creed in Ignatius, (A.D. 90.) We hear St. Paul himself saying--ὑποτύπωσιν ἔχε ὑγιαινόντων λόγων, ὧν (i.e. _the words_ themselves!) παρ' ἐμοῦ ἤκουσας ... τὴν καλὴν παρακαταθήκην φύλαξον--2 Tim. i. 13, 14. A few more words on this subject will be found in the notice of Mr. Jowett's Essay. [99] It is really impossible to argue with a man who informs us that "_previous to the time of the divided Kingdom_, the Jewish History presents little which is thoroughly reliable:" (p. 170:)--that "the greater probability seems on the side of the supposition, that the Priesthood, with its distinct offices and charge, was constituted by Royalty, and that _the higher pretensions of the priests were not advanced till the reign of Josiah_:" (_Ibid._:)--that, "The negative Theologian" demands "some positive elements in Christianity, on grounds more sure to him than _the assumption of an objective 'faith once delivered to the saints_,' which he cannot identify with the Creed of any Church as yet known to him:" (pp. 174-5:)--a man who can remark concerning the Bible, that,--"Those who are able to do so, ought to lead the less educated to distinguish between the different kinds of words which it contains, between _the dark patches of human passion and error which form a partial crust upon it_, and the bright centre of spiritual truth within." (p. 177.) [100] _Quarterly Review_, (Jan. 1851,) No. 217, p. 259.