The Reformers did not return to the sources because they believed the old was better than the new, nor because antiquity possesses authority simply by virtue of its age. They returned to the sources to recover the language and words that were actually written and spoken, especially those by great teachers and, most importantly, God Himself.

Longstanding tradition must be bolstered by something outside of ourselves that also lies outside of the traditions of men.

When the church has gone astray, it has been the responsible (not slavish) approach to history that has helped correct the course.