An account of a disputation at Oxford, anno dom. 1554 with A treatise of…

And now, least thou justly mayest complain and say, that I have in opening this matter done nothing else but digged a Pit, and have not shut it up again, or broken a Gap and have not made it up, or opened the Book, and have not closed it again, or else to call me what they list, as neutral, Dissembler, &c. Therefore here now I will by Gods Grace not only shortly, but also so clearly, and plainly as I can, make thee ⟨p. 12⟩now to know whether of the aforesaid two Answers to the former principal state and chief point doth like me best. Yea and also I will hold all those accursed which in this matter, which now so troubles the Church of Christ, have of God received the Key of Knowledge, and yet go about to shut up the Doors, that they themselves will not enter in, nor suffer others that would. And as for my own part, I consider both of late what cure, and charge of Souls hath bin committed unto me, whereof God knoweth how soon I shall be called to give an Account, and also now in this world, what peril and danger of the Laws concerning my Life I am now in at this present time: what folly were it to dissemble with God, of whom assuredly, I look and hope by Christ to have everlasting life. Seeing that such charge and danger both before God and man do compass me in round about on every side, therefore God willing, I will frankly and freely utter my mind: and tho my body be Captive, yet my Tongue and my Pen, as long as I may, shall freely set forth that which undoubtedly I am persuaded to be the Truth of Gods word. And yet will I do it under this Protestation (call me a Protestant who list, I do not pass thereof) my Protestation shall be this that my mind is, and ever shall be, God willing, to set forth sincerely the true sense and meaning, to the best of my understanding, of God's most holy word, and not to decline from the same, either by fear of worldly danger, or else for hope of gain. I do protest also due obedience and submission of my judgment in this my writing, and in all other mine affairs, unto those of Christs Church which be truly learned in Gods holy word, and guided by his Spirit. After this Protestation, I do plainly affirm, and say, that the second answer made unto the chief ⟨p. 13⟩Question and principal point I am persuaded to be the very true meaning and sense of Gods holy word:

And now, least thou justly mayest complain and say, that I have in opening this matter done nothing else but digged a Pit, and have not shut it up again, or broken a Gap and have not made it up, or opened the Book, and have not closed it again, or else to call me what they list, as neutrall, Dissembler, &c. Therefore here now I will by Gods Grace not only shortly, but also so clearly, and plainly as I can, make thee