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…

And in very truth we have not tarried in this matter for the Authority, or consent of the Tridentine Council, wherein we saw nothing done uprightly, nor by good order: where also every body was sworn to the maintenance of one man: where Princes Ambassadors were contemned: where not one of our Divines could be heard, and where parts taking, and Ambition was openly and earnestly procured and wrought: but as the Holy Fathers in former time, and as our Predecessors have commonly done, we have restored our Churches by a Provincial Convocation, and have clean shaken of, as our duty was, the yoke, and tyranny of the Bishop of Rome, to whom we were not bound: who also had no manner of thing like, neither to Christ, nor to Peter, nor to an Apostle, nor yet like to any Bishop at all. Finally, we say, that we agree amongest our selves, touching the whole Judgement, and chief substance of Christian Religion, and with one mouth, and with one spirit do worship God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And in very truthe we haue not tarried in this mater for the Authoritie, or consente of the Tridentine Councel, wherein we sawe nothinge donne vprightly, nor by good order: where also euery body was sworne to the maintenaunce of one man: where Princes Embassadours were contemned: where not one of our Diuines coulde be hearde, and where partes takinge, and Ambition was openly and earnestly procured and wrought: but as the Holy Fathers in former time, and as our Predecessours haue commonly donne, wee haue restored our Churches by a Prouincial Conuocation, and haue cleane shaken of, as our duetie was, the yoke, and tyrannie of the Bishop of Rome, to whom wee were not bounde: who also had no manner of thing lyke, neither to Christe, nor to Peter, nor to an Apostle, nor yet like to any Bishop at al. Finally, we saie, that we agree amōgest our selues, touchinge the whole Iudgement, and chiefe substance of Christian Religion, and with one mouthe, and with one spirite doo woorship God, and the Father of our Lorde Iesus Christe.

Wherefore, O Christian and Godly Reader, for so much, as thou seest the Reasons, and Causes, both why we have restored Religion, and why we have forsaken these men, thou oughtest not to marvel, though we have chosen to obey our Master Christ, rather then men. S. Paul hath given us warning, that we should not suffer our selves to be carried away with such sundry learnings, and to flee their companies, specially such as would sow debate and variance, clean contrary to the Doctrine, which they had received of Christ, and the Apostles.