A04474:4040
A reply unto M. Hardinges answerA replie vnto M. Hardinges ansvveare
A reply unto M. Hardinges answer by perusing whereof the discrete, and diligent reader may easily see, the weak, and unstable grounds of the Romaine religion, which of late hath been accounted Catholic. By John Jewel Bishop of Salisbury.A replie vnto M. Hardinges ansvveare by perusinge whereof the discrete, and diligent reader may easily see, the weake, and vnstable groundes of the Romaine religion, whiche of late hath beene accompted Catholique. By Iohn Iewel Bishoppe of Sarisburie.
Imprinted at London : In Fleetestreate, at the sign of the Black Oliphant, by Henry Wykes, Anno. 1565Imprinted at London : In Fleetestreate, at the signe of the Blacke Oliphante, by Henry VVykes, Anno. 1565
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.
Now, say you, it remaineth, that I perform my promise. Yea verily: but, notwithstanding all that ye have hitherto said, much more it remaineth, that you begin again, and assay better, to prove your purpose: that is, that ye leave your Surmises, and Guesses: and allege one, or other sufficient Clause, or Sentence, for any of these matters, that, ye say, ye have proved. For that ye have hitherto showed us, as unto any indifferent Reader it may soon appear, is over weak, and will not serve.
Now, say you, it remaineth, that I perfourme my promise. Yea verily: but, notwithstandinge al that ye haue hitherto saide, muche more it remaineth, that you beginne againe, and assay better, to prooue your purpose: that is, that ye leaue your Surmises, and Gheasses: and allege one, or other sufficient Clause, or Sentence, for any of these maters, that, ye say, ye haue prooued. For that ye haue hitherto shewed vs, as vnto any indifferent Reader it may soone appeare, is ouer weake, and wil not serue.
I grant, ye have alleged Authorities, sundry, and many, such as I knew long before: With what faith, I doubt not, but by Conference it may soon appear. Verily, M. Harding, I never denied, but you were able to misreport the Ancient Learned Doctors of the Church, and to bring us the names, and shadows of many Fathers. The Heretics of all ages were likewise able to do the same. But what credit may we yield to such Allegations? What Error was there ever so plain, what Abuse so horrible, but ye have been able to maintain the same by some colour of Scriptures, and Fathers? Ye have defended your Holy Water by the example of Elizaeus,1 and by the words of the Prophet Ezekiel: Your Pardons, by the Prophet Isaiah:2 the open filthiness, and abomination of your stews, by the name, and Authority of S. Augustine. Such credit ye deserve to have, when ye come to us in the name of holy Fathers.
I graunte, ye haue alleged Authorities, sundrie, and many, such as I knew lōge before: VVith what faithe, I doubte not, but by Conference it may soone appeare. Verily, M. Hardinge, I neuer denied, but you were hable to misreporte the Anciente Learned Doctours of the Churche, and to bringe vs the names, and shadowes of many Fathers. The Heretiques of al ages were likewise hable to doo the same. But what credite may wee yelde to suche Allegatiōs? VVhat Errour was there euer so plaine, what Abuse so horrible, but ye haue beene hable to maineteine the same by some coloure of Scriptures, and Fathers? Ye haue defended your Holy VVater by the example of Elizaeus,