The Apology, Cap. 2. Division. 1. & 2.The Apologie, Cap. 2. Diuision. 1. & 2.

The Apology, Cap. 2. Division. 1. & 2.

The Apologie, Cap. 2. Diuision. 1. & 2.

And as for their Religion, if it be of so long continuance, as they would have men ween it is, why do they not prove it so by the examples of the Primitive Church, and by the Fathers, and Councils of Old times? Why lieth so Ancient a cause thus long in the dust, destitute of an Advocate? Fire, and sword they have had always ready at hand: but as for the Old Councils, and Fathers, all Mum, not a word. They did surely against all reason, to begin first with these so bloody, and extreme means, if they could have found other more easy, and gentle ways.

And as for theire Religion, if it be of so longe continuance, as they woulde haue menne wene it is, why doo they not proue it so by the examples of the Primitiue Chruche, and by the Fathers, and Councels of Olde times? Why lieth so Auncient a cause thus longe in the duste, destitute of an Aduocate? Fire, and swerde they haue had alwaies ready at hande: but as for the Olde Councels, and Fathers, al Mum, not a worde. They did surely againste al reason, to beginne firste with these so bloudy, and extreme meanes, if they coulde haue founde other more easy, and gentle waies.

And if they trust so fully to Antiquity, and use no dissimulation, why did John Clement a Country man of ours, but few years paste, in the presence of certain honest men, and of good credit, tear and caste into the fire certain leaves of Theodorete the most Ancient Father, and a Greek Bishop, wherein he plainly and evidently taught, that the Nature of Bread in the Communion is not changed, or abolished, or brought to nothing? And this did he of purpose, because he thought there was no other copy thereof to be found.

And if thei truste so fully to Antiquitie, and vse no dissimulation, why didde Iohn Clemente a Countrie manne of oures, but fewe yeeres paste, in the presence of certaine honeste menne, and of good credite, teare and caste into the fire certaine leaues of Theodorete the moste Auncient Father, and a Greeke Bishop, wherein he plainely and euidently taught, that the Nature of Breade in the Communion is not changed, or abolished, or brought to nothinge? And this didde he of pourpose, bicause he thought there was no other copie thereof to be founde.