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…

Where they say, we pass but little on the Scriptures, as dumb and unprofitable, therein they ^‡slander us, as in other things. We do not so. But we say, that as every act of Parliament must be executed by a lawful Judge, so the holy Scriptures have their execution by lawful Judges, who are the bishops and fathers, and well in other places, as specially when they be lawfully assembled in general councils. Now say these men, that way is very uncertain, dangerous, in manner mad, and not allowed of the fathers. Who ever heard men thought to have their right wits, talk after so loose a sort? Did the fathers^* disprove the order of coming together in general councils? Or thought they the same to be a way for men to be the sooner deceived? If so many may be deceived with most diligent study and mature judgement conferring together, how much sooner may one or two alone lead by private fancy and self will, be carried away into error? At the Nicene council came together. 318 bishops: At the first of Constantinople. 150. at the Ephesme council. 200. At that of Chalcedō 630 Al these four councils sundry ancient fathers, namely S. Gregory, esteemed as the four Gospels. Yea but saith he, I have the word of God. But what if 300. far holier, and better learned men say, he hath it not? Let the reader be judge, saith he. A meet judge, in such a cause. The Scholars may read, but judge of their masters they may not by Christs doctrine,³