“… true faith is necessary to salvation no less than morality…”

Butler’s Lives of The Saints 1926

Source: Benedict_Ven

May 24th, St. Vincent of Lerins, C., A.D. 450.

Vincent reflected that time is always snatching something from us; its fleeting moments pass as quick as they come, never, never more to return, as water which is gone from its source runs to it no more.

Our course is almost run out; the past time appears as a shadow; so will that which is now to come when it shall be once over, and no tears, no entreaties, no endeavours, can recall the least moment we have already let slip unimproved.

In these reflections the fervent servant of God assures us, that he earnestly strive “to redeem time.” Col. iv. 5. and to be always turning it to the best account, that this invaluable grace might not rise up at the last day in judgement against him.

He considered that true faith is necessary to salvation no less than morality, and that the former is the foundation of Christian virtue; and he grieved to see the church at that time pestered with numberless heresies, which sucked their poison from their very antidote, the Holy Scriptures, and which by various wiles spread on every side their dangerous snares…

For this tradition, derived from the apostles, manifesteth the true meaning of the Holy Scriptures, and all novelty in faith is a certain mark of heresy; and in religion nothing is more to be dreaded than itching ears after new teachers.

He saith, “They who have made bold with one article of faith will proceed to others; and what will be the consequence of this reforming of religion, but only that these refiners will never have done till they have reformed it quite away.”