A04468:1053
A defence of the Apology of the Church of England containing an answer to…A defence of the Apologie of the Churche of Englande conteininge an answeare to…
A defence of the Apology of the Church of England containing an answer to a certain book lately set forth by M. Harding, and entitled, A confutation of &c. By John Jewel Bishop of Salisbury.A defence of the Apologie of the Churche of Englande conteininge an answeare to a certaine booke lately set foorthe by M. Hardinge, and entituled, A confutation of &c. By Iohn Iewel Bishop of Sarisburie.
Imprinted at London : In Fleetestreate, at the sign of the Elephant, by Henry Wykes, Anno 1567. 27. OctobrisImprinted at London : In Fleetestreate, at the signe of the Elephante, by Henry VVykes, Anno 1567. 27. Octobris
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
I deny not, but cases of just necessity be excepted in the one, and the other, having right and firm wills, and desire in each case: When not the contempt of Religion, but the point of necessity excludeth the Mystery of baptism, as S. Augustine saith. Then how dangerous, and pernicious is the Doctrine of these Defenders our New Ministering Prelates, who more with sweet and Holy words, then with truth, teach Christen people, that the office of Loosing consisteth in offering by preaching of the Gospel (as they call it) the Merits of Christ, and full pardon, and by pronouncing (I know not how) a sure and undoubted forgiveness of sins and hope of Everlasting Salvation to such,1 for soothe, as have lowly and contrite hearts, and do unfeignedly repent them? The contrition of heart, they seem to speak of, sufficeth not for Loosing of sins, onlesse it be contrition formed with charity, as the Divines teach. Which charity, seeketh and requireth the Sacrament of Penance, and the grace of reconciliation. which cannot be ministered, but by a priest.* Neither is it possible, the priest to judge truly, who are lowly and contrite of heart, and repent them unfeignedly, forasmuch as he cannot search the heart, onlesse the penitents humble them selves unto him, and declare their repentance by simple and lowly confession of their sins.3 Which confession these New Gospellers have abandoned out of their Congregations. Howe much is more the Catholic and wholesome Doctrine of S.4 Augustine to be embraced and followed, which he uttereth in these words? Do ye penance, such as is done in the Church, that the Church may pray for you. Let no man say to him self, I do penance secretly, before God I do It: God, who forgiveth me, knoweth, that I do it in my heart. But what saith S. Augustine hereunto? Why then (saith he) it was said in vain, What things ye Loose in Earth,5 they shall be Loosed in Heaven. Then without cause the Keys be given to the Church. We make void the Gospel of God: we make frustrate the words of Christ.