A04468:163
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.
For they are not all Heretics, M. Harding, that this day espy your gross, and palpable errors, and mourn to God for reformation. S. Augustine saithe, Non debet Ovis pellem suam deponere, 1qu•d Lupi aliquando see ea contegant: It is no reason, the Sheep should therefore leave of his fleece, for that he seeth the Wolf sometime in the same apparel. Likewise, it is no reason, that we should therefore give over the right, and inheritance, we have in the Church of God, for that you by intrusion, and unjust means have entitled your selves unto the same.2 It behooveth us rather, to search the Scriptures, as Christ hath advised us, & thereby to assure our selves of the Church of God. For by this trial only, and by none other, it may be known.3 Therefore S. Paul calleth the Church the Spouse of Christ, for that she ought in all things to give ear to the voice of the Bridegrooms. Likewise he calleth the Church the Pillar of the Truth,4 for that she stayeth her self only by the Word of God: Without which Word y• Church. were it never so beautiful. should be no Church.5 The Ancient Father Irenaeus saith, Columna, & firmamentum Ecclesiae est Evangelium, & Spritus vitae: The Pillar and buttress of the Church is the Gospel, 6and the Sprite of life. S. Augustine saithe, Sunt certi Libri Dominici, quorum authoritari utrique consentimus: Ibi quaeramus Ecclesiam: ibi discutiamus causam nostram: There be certain Books of our Lord, unto the authority whereof each part agreeth. There let us seek for the Church: thereby set us examine and try our matters. And again,7 Nolo humanis documentis, sed Divinis oraculis sanctam Ecclesiam demon strari: I will, ye show me the holy Church, not by decrees of men, but by the word of God.