Antiquity, what is it else (God only excepted) but mans authority born some ages before us? Now for the truth of things time makes no alteration; things are still the same they are, let the time be past, present, or to come. Those things which we reverence for antiquity what were they at their first birth? Were they false?time cannot make them true. Were they true?time cannot make them more true. The circumstances therefore of time in respect of truth and error is merely impertinent. John Hales (The Ever Memorable)Of Inquiry and Private Judgment in Religion.
With sharpend sight pale Antiquaries pore, Th inscription value, but the rust adore. This the blue varnish, that the green endears; The sacred rust of twice ten hundred years. PopeEpistle to Mr. Addison. L. 35.
My copper-lamps, at any rate, For being true antique, I bought; Yet wisely melted down my plate, On modern models to be wrought; And trifles I alike pursue, Because theyre old, because theyre new. PriorAlma. Canto III.