I think we both value the Early Church Fathers as good historical development in Christian theology, but using them as doctrinal guidance can be very misleading.
It took the Church some 400 years to get a grasp on the doctrine of the Trinity.
Tertullian and Augustine vary wildly in their doctrines on the origin of the soul and the timing of its introduction to the body.
Many doctrines ridiculed as heretical by the RCC today were promoted by these same Early Church Fathers, but somewhat ignored when the RCC claims them as their theological forefathers.
Augustine's work is a shining gem that has proceeded forth through the centuries with the same luster. Not because of Augustine himself, but because it is extraordinarily Biblical. The Grace of God did indeed enlighten and make his work fruitful. Of course, they did have silly ideas back then. Augustine believed, for example, that someone with 4 arms would, in the resurrection, be separated into two different people. Not everyone is perfect, even modern day theologians. His work is powerful nonetheless.