An apology, or answer in defence of the Church of England concerning the state…An apologie, or aunswer in defence of the Church of England concerninge the state…

And albeit these warnings alone might suffice a wise man to beware that he suffer not himself unadvisedly to be so deceived with the name of the Church, so that he should neglect to make inquisition out of Gods word, concerning the truth thereof: nevertheless many of the fathers also, learned and Godly men hath ofttimes grievously complained, that all these things hath also happened in their times. for God even in the midst of that darkness, would have some, which although they did not open so manifest and clear light, yet they should kindle as it were some sparkle, whereof, men sitting in darkness, might have a glimpse.

And albeit these warnings alone might suffise a wise man to beware that he suffer not himselfe vnaduisedly to be so deceiued with the name of the Church, so yt he should neglect to make inquisition out of Gods word, concerning the truth therof: neuertheles many of the fathers also, learned and Godly men hath oftimes greuously complained, that all these things hath also happened in their times. for God euē in the middes of that darkenes, would haue some, which although they did not open so manifest and cleere light, yet they shoulde kyndle as it were some sparkell, wherof, men sitting in darkenes, might haue a glymse.

Hilary,¹ what time as things remained yet in man ner uncorrupted & pure, nevertheless, in an evil hour saith he,² have you set your love upon walls. In an evil hour do you worship the Church of God in great houses and buildings: In an evil hour do you thrust in under these, the name of peace: Is there any doubt but Antichrist in these places shall have his seat? unto me, I tell you, Hills, Forests, Lakes, Prisons, and Whirlpools seem more safe a great deal: for in them the Prophets, either remaining of their own choice, or violently, driven, prophesied with the spirit of God.