The apology of the Church of England, and an epistle to one Seignior Scipio…

But what shall I say for our Dissenters, who have run into such horrible Crimes as Schism and Rebellion, only on pretence to avoid that Popery, that Superstition that was only in their own Fancies and Prejudices? How can one and the same Church be persecuted justly for being too much and too little Reformed? Why have you separated from her Liturgy and Rites, who pretend to embrace her Doctrines? Or if you must needs separate, why yet should you imbrue your hands in the Blood of your Sovereign and fellow Subjects on that account? Supposing you were in the right, this would not justify you, Christ never propagated his Church by Blood and Treason, but by Sufferings and Obedience.

But what shall I say for our Dissenters, who have run into such horrible Crimes as Schism and Rebellion, only on pretence to avoid that Popery, that Superstition that was only in their own Fancies and Prejudices? How can one and the same Church be persecuted justly for being too much and too little Reformed? Why have you separated from her Liturgy and Rites, who pretend to imbrace her Doctrines? Or if you must needs separate, why yet should you imbrue your hands in the Blood of your Soveraign and fellow Subjects on that account? Supposing you were in the right, this would not justifie you, Christ never propagated his Church by Blood and Treason, but by Sufferings and Obedience.

The truth is, this Church hath been persecuted because she alone of all the Churches in Europe, has had the Blessing and singular Favour of God to reform with Prudence, Moderation, and an exact and regular Conduct, after great and wise Deliberations, by the consent of our Bishops, Convocations, States, and Princes, without Tumults or hasty Counsels; and accordingly here was nothing changed but upon good Advice, after the most irresistible Conviction that it was contrary to the Word of God, the Sentiments of the Holy Fathers and Councils, and the Practice of the truly Primitive and Apostolical Church. So that the Papists themselves do even envy our Primitive Doctrine, Government, and Discipline, and both fear and hate us more than any other of the Reformed Churches. I could be contented (said a great Man of that Persuasion) there were no Priests (i. e. Popish Priests) in England, so there were no Bishops there. This and our excellent Liturgy, our decent Ceremonies,