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

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, ⟨image 10⟩and our excellent order moves their envy; they are the same things that have raised the Spleens and Animosities of the other side, with whom whatever is older than Zuinglius and Calvin, is presently Popery and must be destroyed. Tell them that Episcopacy was settled in all Churches in the days of the very Apostles, and by them; and they reply the Mystery of Iniquity began then to work, intimating if not affirming, that this Holy Order was a part of it. So that they will rather traduce these Holy Men, who sacrificed their Bloods for Jesus Christ and his Church, of Pride, Ambition, and a too great Love of Rule, than allow the Establishments of our Church. Nay they will rather root out the Monarchy, because supported by, and upholding Episcopacy, than show any the least Reverence to the Church, in obedience to our Laws and Princes.

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 irresistable 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 Perswasion) there were no Priests (i. e. Popish Priess) in England, so there were no Bishops there. This and our excellent Liturgy, our decent Ceremonies,