I take it Mr Fenner giveth no such authority, but only where the laws of the land do establish such an authority ⟨image 10⟩as the Ephori in Lacedaemonia had. And if Mr Fenner did, yet how doth my Epistle commendatory set before his book make me of his judgement, as if he that commendeth a book justifieth what soever is in the book, or as if, notwithstanding Mr Fenners singular learning (which for his age many, I doubt not, both at home and abroad do esteem) I might not or do not differ from him in some things contained in his book: besides he him self confessing, that by oath in the star Chamber I have disavowed th'allowance of any such opinion which he fathereth of Mr Fenner, let it be considered with what mind he so often rubbeth upon this point. And both for this and the former charge, I leave it to be considered with what christian modesty Mr Sutcliffe may now the second and the third time (and that in print) move question of those things to our discredit, which her Majesties most honourable Counsel was pleased, should be no further proceeded in, and that he is not contented with that imprisonment we endured, which their Honours are satisfied with. Lastly, my judgement in sundry matters of the Discipline excepted, wherein differing from sundry learned men in our Church, I have the consent of many worthy Churches and godly learned both of this and other ages, I would be ashamed for that singular mercy God hath showed me by her Majesties most gracious government to come behind Mr Sutcliffe in any duty that my poor hand is able to reach unto. And that he dareth me not once but sundry times to answer touching these matters of Discipline, I think it not so fit for me to undertake it, there being so many better able thereunto then I, especially in this declining & forgetful age of mine. And yet if my answer might have either that allowance of print, ⟨image 10⟩or passage that his hath, and none other were found: I my self in this weakness I am in, would not be behind with answer to any thing that he hath been able to allege in this behalf: If there be any thing in his writings, the answer whereof is not already set down by such as have written in that cause: And that my silence in the cause of Discipline is not altogether either of th'inability or fear, Mr D.
I take it Mr Fenner giueth no such authoritie, but only where the lawes of the lande doo establish such an authoritie ⟨image 10⟩as the Ephori in Lacedaemonia had. And if Mr Fenner did, yet how doth my Epistle commendatorie set before his booke make me of his iudgement, as if he that cōmendeth a book iustifieth what soeuer is in the booke, or as if, notwithstanding Mr Fenners singular learning (which for his age many, I doubt not, both at home and abroade doo esteeme) I might not or doo not differ from him in some things conteined in his booke: besides he him selfe confessing, that by oth in the starre Chamber I haue disavowed th'alowance of any such opinion which he fathereth of Mr Fenner, let it be considered with what minde he so often rubbeth vppon this point. And both for this and the former charge, I leaue it to bee considered with what christian modestie Mr Sutcliffe may now the second and the third time (and that in print) mooue question of those thinges to our discredite, which her Maiesties most honorable Counsell was pleased, should be no further proceeded in, and that he is not contented with that imprisonment we endured, which their Honors are satisfied with. Lastly, my iudgement in sundry matters of the Discipline excepted, wherein differing from sundry learned men in our Church, I haue the consent of many worthie Churches and godly learned both of this and other ages, I would bee ashamed for that singular mercy God hath shewed me by her Maiesties most gratious gouuernment to come behinde Mr Sutcliffe in anie duetie that my poore hand is able to reach vnto. And that he dareth me not once but sundry times to answere touching these matters of Discipline, I think it not so fitte for me to vndertake it, there being so many better able therevnto then I, especiallie in this declyning & forgetfull age of mine. And yet if my answere might haue either that alowance of print, ⟨image 10⟩or passage that his hath, and none other were found: I my self in this weaknesse I am in, would not be behind with answere to anie thing that he hath bene able to alleadge in this behalfe: If there be any thing in his writings, the answere wherof is not already set downe by such as haue written in that cause: And that my silence in the cause of Discipline is not altogeather either of th'inhabilitie or feare, Mr D.
