Verse 8. For inquire of the former generation, and diligently search the memory of the fathers. 63. They abuse the authority of the ancient fathers. They admonish that the former generation and the memory of the fathers be by no means seen, but searched out; because they do not wish that to be discerned in it which lies clearly open to all. Sometimes, however, after the manner of the good, they teach certain things morally, and intimate how from things past the present may be gathered, and from these things which have already by passing away been withdrawn from our eyes they demonstrate how these things which are seen are nothing. Whence it is still subjoined: Verse 9. For we are but of yesterday, and are ignorant that our days upon the earth are as a shadow. 61.
The things which have already passed teach us how swiftly the rest are about to pass away. The former generation therefore is set forth to be inquired of, that the time of the present life may be shown to pass away as a shadow; because, namely, if we bring back to memory those things which were and are now passed away, we plainly recognize how swiftly this too flees which we hold. But often the heretics praise the same fathers together with us, whom we venerate, but with a depraved understanding they assail us by the very praises of them. Whence too it is still subjoined: