The Apology, Cap. 5. Division. 4.The Apologie, Cap. 5. Diuision. 4.

The Apology, Cap. 5. Division. 4.

The Apologie, Cap. 5. Diuision. 4.

And although the Popes had never hitherunto leisure to consider diligently and earnestly of these matters, or though some other cares do now let them, and divers ways pull them, or though they coumpt these to be but common and trifling studies, and nothing to appertain to the Popes worthiness, this maketh not why our matter ought to seem the worse. Or if they perchance will not see that, which they see in deed, but rather will withstand the known Cruthe, ought we therefore by and by to be counted Heretics, because we obey not their will and pleasure?

And although the Popes had neuer hitherunto leasure to consider diligently and earnestly of these maters, or though some other cares doo now let them, and diuers waies pulle them, or thoughe they coumpt these to be but common and trieflinge studies, and nothinge to appertaine to the Popes worthinesse, this maketh not why our mater ought to seeme the woorse. Or if they perchaunce wil not see that, whiche they see in deede, but rather wil withstande the knowen Cruthe, ought wee therefore by and by to be coumpted Heretiques, bicause wee obey not theire wil and pleasure?

M. Harding.

M. Hardinge.

Sith Christ hath given to the Pope in Peter,¹ whose lawful successor he is, commission to feed his Sheep: Wholesome feeding being the end of that commission, it is not to be doubted, but he that ordained the end, hath also ordained means belonging to the end. Therefore it is not the duty of a good and humble sheep, to give forth a malicious surmise, that the shepherd will not see that he seeth in deed, but rather will withstand the known Truth. And what so ever sheep be disobedient, and refuse to hear the voice of their shepherd, whom Christ hath made over them, the same be not of Christs fold. And maintaining contrary Doctrine to their shepherds true Doctrine. justly may they be accounted Heretics.