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…

And although S. Hierome would have no body to be patient when he is suspected of heresy, yet we will deal herein nether bitterly nor brablingly, nor yet be carried away with anger & heat, though he ought to be reckoned neither bitter nor brabbler that speaketh the truth. We willingly leave this kind of eloquence to our adversaries, who whatsoever they say against us, be it never so shrewdly or despitefully said, yet think it is said modestly and comely enough, and care nothing whether it be true or false. We need none of these shifts which do maintain the truth.

And although S. Hierome would haue no bodie to be patient when he is suspected of heresy, yet we wil deal herein nether bitterly nor brablingly, nor yet be caried away wt angre & heate, though he ought to be reckned neither bitter nor brabler yt speaketh ye truth. We willingly leaue thys kynde of eloquence to oure aduersaries, who whatsoeuer they say against vs, be it neuer so shrewdly or dipitefully sayde, yet thinke it is sayd modestely and comely ynough, and care nothing whether it be trew or false. Wee neede none of these shyftes which do maintaine the truthe.

Further, if we do show it plain that Gods holy Gospel, the ancient Bishops and the primitive Church do make on our side, and that we have ⟨image 16⟩not without just cause left these men, and rather have returned to the Apostles and old catholic Fathers. And if we shall be found to do the same not colourably or craftily, but in good faith, before God, truly, honestly, clearly and plainly: and if they themselves which •ye our doctrine and would be called Catholics, shall manifestly see how all those titles of antiquity whereof they boast so much, are quite shaken out of their hands, and that there is more pith in this our cause then they thought for, we then hope and trust that none of them will be so negligent and careless of his own salvation, but he will at length study and bethink him self, to whether part he were best to join him. Undoubtedly, except one will altogether harden his heart and refuse to hear, he shall not repent him to give good heed to this out defence and to mark well what we say, & how truly and justly it agreeth with Christian Religion.