there being too many Instances in Ecclesiastical History of such Inferences, drawn from Opinions which were not approved by the Fathers of the Church, as could no-way be justified. They often painted those, whom they styled Heretics, in the blackest Colours, to prejudice the People more effectually against their Doctrine. In this Art _Jerom_ excelled all the rest, and none ever disagreed with him, who did not at once forfeit those very Virtues, which he himself had admired and extolled in them before. He abstained, however, from Matrimony; but merely, say _Austin_ and _Jerom_, to avoid the Trouble and Anxiety attending it, and not because he apprehended there could be in this Life any Merit in Continency, or any Reward allotted for it in the next[1279]. This Doctrine he broached in _Rome_, and soon found there a great Number of Followers, among the rest several of both Sexes, who had embraced, and professed for many Years, the State of Virginity, being seduced and misled, says _Austin_, by the Cavils of that impious Wretch, asking them, whether they pretended to be more holy than _Abraham_ and _Sarah_, than many other Men and Women, who, though married, are commended in the _Old Testament_, for their eminent Sanctity[1280]. The first, who took Offence at this Doctrine, were Two Laymen, _viz._ _Pammachius_ and _Victorinus_. All we know of the latter is, that he was illustrious for his Birth, and, if we believe _Ambrose_, venerable for his Piety[1281]. As for _Pammachius_, he is well known in the History of the Church, and often mentioned by _Jerom_ with the greatest Commendations. He was descended, says that Writer, from the antient Family of the _Camilli_, and yet less distinguished by the Nobility of his Descent than his Piety[1282]. Having heard, by Chance, some of the Propositions advanced by _Jovinian_, he made it his Business to inquire more narrowly into his Doctrine, being assisted therein by _Victorinus_, who had taken the Alarm upon hearing, in _Rome_, this _shocking Doctrine_, says _Jerom_[1283], that _a Virgin was no better than a married Woman_. These Two having, by a diligent Inquiry, discovered at length the whole Doctrine of _Jovinian_, as well as the Author and Promoters of it, they presented a Request to _Syricius_, acquainting him therewith, and desiring, that the Doctrine of _Jovinian_ might be condemned by the Episcopal Authority, and the Sentence of the _Holy Ghost_, as contrary to the Law of God[1284]. These are _Ambrose_’s Words, as the Text now is; but it is generally thought to have been altered and corrupted. [Sidenote: _The Doctrine of_ Jovinian _condemned by a Council at_ Rome.] Be that as it will, _Syricius_ did not take upon him to act on this Occasion by his private Authority; but, assembling the Priests, Deacons, and other Ecclesiastics of _Rome_, he read to them the Request of _Pammachius_ and _Victorinus_, and, having, together with them, maturely examined the Doctrine of _Jovinian_, he