An answer to a certain book, writtenAn answere to a certeine booke, written

CHAP. 3.

Here again is repeated an other quarrel about Luther to no purpose in the world, but only to discredit him a little with the simple sort. For our adversaries are so wasted and spent for good reasons, that whatsoever they light upon, though never so unfit to frame good arguments of, they handle it with great earnestness, like silly fletchers, that having no store of steles left in their shop, are same to make their blots of every crooked stick. What maketh it againest the trueth of our religion, if Luther preferred his own judgement before the fathers? is our doctrine therefore false, and yours true, either in whole, or in part? Others desire to reap great profit of a little labour: but you are content to take a great deal of pain, for no commodity at all. I would not herein vouchsafe you an answer, but that I have respect to the readers weakness, who by such ⟨p. 48⟩slanders may be abused. Your title showeth plainly there is in this Chapter no truth to be looked for at your hands:¹ you say Luther preferred his private judgement before all ancient fathers and Doctors: wherein you would have men think, he was unmeasurably arrogant, and wilful. But Luther's spirit was far from this insolent, and immoderate presumption, as may by his own words appear, which you have noted.