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…

Let them therefore now bring out somewhat if they can, whereby it may at the least appear that they have read and know somewhat. They have cried it out lustily in all companies where they came, that all parts of their religion ⟨image 46⟩were ancient and approved, not only of the multitude, but also by the consent and continuance of all nations and times.

Let them therefore now bring out somwhat if they can, wherby it maye at the leaste appeare that they haue readde and knowe somewhat. They haue cried it out lustily in all companies where they came, that all partes of their religiō ⟨image 46⟩were auncient and approued, not only of the multitude, but also by the consent and continuāce of all nations and times.

Wherefore let them at one time or other show this antiquity which they speak of. Let them make these things to appear, which are spread, as they say, so far & so wide. Let them prove that all Christian nations have agreed unto their religion. But they flee, as we said a little before, even them selves from their own decrees: and those things, which so few years paste they had established to remain for ever, in so short time have made to be of none effect. I pray you then, how should they trust in the fathers, in the old councils, in the words of God? They have not, O merciful God, they have not those things, which they boast themselves to have, neither antiquity, nor universality, neither the consent of all places, nor of all times. And thereof they themselves, although they would rather have the matter dissembled, are not ignorant. Yea sometimes they stick not also plainly to confess it. And therefore they say, that the constitutions of old Councils and fathers are of that condition, that sometimes they may be changed: for according to the diversity of times, diverse decrees are convenient to be had in the Church. And thus they cover them self under the name and title of the Church, and with a counterfeit shadow do scornfully abuse the simple & wretched people. And a marvel it is, that either men should be so blind, as they can not see these things: or if they do see them, that they be so patient, as they can thus easily endure them, and with so quiet a mind.