[115] Bhikkhus, again, a bhikkhu here might speak thus: 'In such-and-such a named dwelling-place there live many elder bhikkhus, learned (bahussuta), versed in the transmitted collections (āgatāgama), bearers of the Dhamma, bearers of the Vinaya, bearers of the Mātikās. I have heard this in the presence of those elders, received it in their presence: this is the Dhamma, this is the Vinaya, this is the Teacher's instruction.' Bhikkhus, that bhikkhu's statement should neither be delighted in … nor are they found in the Vinaya. Here the conclusion should be reached: 'Assuredly, this is not the word of that Blessed One, and it has been wrongly learned by those elders.' Thus, bhikkhus, you should discard it. But if, when they are set beside the Suttas … they are found in the Vinaya, here the conclusion should be reached: 'Assuredly, this is the word of that Blessed One, and it has been rightly learned by those elders.' Bhikkhus, you should remember this as the third great reference (mahāpadesa).
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.