A04474:4062
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.
We marvelled, how ye could attain to all this Doctrine, specially in so short a time: but most of all, in such perfection. For, the Scriptures are large: and we hear say, the Councils are sundry: the Doctors Volumes are long, and many. So suddenly in seven days, to read them all, and so to read them, it was not possible. You may by your eloquence persuade us many things. But this one thing ye can never persuade us. You wanted time: it is not credible: it was not possible. Therefore ye must needs say, ye were taught these things, even as the Prophets were, by Revelation.
VVee marueiled, how ye coulde atteine to al this Doctrine, specially in so short a time: but moste of al, in suche perfection. For, the Scriptures are large: and wee heare say, the Councelles are sundrie: the Doctours Volumes are longe, and many. So suddainely in seuen daies, to reade them al, and so to reade them, it was not possible. You may by your eloquence persuade vs many thinges. But this one thinge ye can neuer persuade vs. You wanted time: it is not credible: it was not possible. Therefore ye must needes say, ye were taught these thinges, euen as the Prophetes were, by Reuelation.
If any of all your old hearers, would thus put you in remembrance, alas what answer could you make him?
If any of al your olde hearers, woulde thus put you in remembrance, alas what answeare coulde you make him?
But, it was not you, M. Harding: it was the time. If the time had been one, you had still continued one. But ye were forced to know, that ye knew not: and to think, that ye thought not: and so, to believe, that ye believed not. How be it, S Hilarie saithe, Quae ex necessitate est, Fides nō est: Forced Faithe is no Faith.