An apology or answer in defence of the Church of England with a brief…An apologie or answere in defence of the Churche of Englande with a briefe…

as though all the world may not now see, that this is a Conspiracy and ⟨image 103⟩not a Council, and that these Bishops whom the Pope hath now called together, be wholly sworn & become bound to bear him their faithful allegiance, and will do no manner of thing, but that they perceive pleaseth him, and helpeth to advance his power, and as he will have it: Or that they reckon not of the number of mens voices, rather then have weight and consideration of the same: Or that might doth not often times overcome the right.

as though all the worlde may not nowe see, that this is a Conspiracie and ⟨image 103⟩not a Councell, and that these Byshopes whom the Pope hath now called to gether, be wholy sworne & become bounde to beare him their faithfull allegiaunce, and wil do no manner of thing, but that they perceiue pleaseth him, and helpeth to aduaunce his power, and as hee will haue it: Or that they reckon not of the number of mennes voyces, rather then haue weight and consideracion of the same: Or that myght doth not often times ouercome the right.

And therefore we know that divers times many good men and Catholic Bishops did tarry at home, and would not come when such Councils were called, wherein men so apparently laboured to serve factions and to take parts, because they knew they should but lose their travail and do no good, seeing where unto their enemies minds were so wholly bent. Athanasius denied to come when he was called by the Emperor to his Council at Caesarea, perceiving ⟨image 104⟩plain he should butte come among his enemies which deadly hated him. The same Athanasius when he came afterward to the Council at Sirmium, and foresaw what would be the end by reason of the outrage and malice of his enemies, he packed up his carriage, and went away immediately.¹