Tertullian — Prescription against Heretics 15

We are therefore come to (the gist of) our position; for at this point we were aiming, and for this we were preparing in the preamble of our address (which we have just completed) — so that we may now join issue on the contention to which our adversaries challenge us. They put forward the Scriptures , and by this insolence of theirs they at once influence some. In the encounter itself, however, they weary the strong, they catch the weak, and dismiss waverers with a doubt . Accordingly, we oppose to them this step above all others, of not admitting them to any discussion of the Scriptures . If in these lie their resources, before they can use them, it ought to be clearly seen to whom belongs the possession of the Scriptures , that none may be admitted to the use thereof who has no title at all to the privilege.