Anglican Communion -- Apologetic works; Church of England -- Apologetic works
Further, if we do show it plainly that God's holy Gospel, the ancient
bishops, and the primitive Church do make on our side, and that we have
not without just cause left these men, and rather have returned to the
Apostles and old Catholic fathers; and if we shall be found to do the
same not colourably or craftily, but in good faith before God, truly,
honestly, clearly, and plainly; and if they themselves which fly our
doctrine, and would be called Catholics, shall manifestly see how all
these titles of antiquity, whereof they boast so much, are quite shaken
out of their hands; and that there is more pith in this our cause than
they thought for; we then hope and trust that none of them will be so
negligent and careless of his own salvation, but he will at length study
and bethink himself to whether part he were best to join him.
Undoubtedly, except one will altogether harden his heart and refuse to
hear, he shall not repent him to give good heed to this our Defence, and
to mark well what we say, and how truly and justly it agreeth with
Christian religion.
For where they call us heretics, it is a crime so heinous, that unless it
may be seen, unless it may be felt, and in manner may be holden with
hands and fingers, it ought not lightly to be judged or believed, when it
is laid to the charge of any Christian man. For heresy is a forsaking of
salvation, a renouncing of God's grace, a departing from the body and
spirit of Christ. But this was ever an old and solemn property with them
and their forefathers; if any did complain of their errors and faults,
and desired to have true religion restored, straightway to condemn such
ones for heretics, as men new-fangled and factious. Christ for no other
cause was called a Samaritan, but only for that He was thought to have
fallen to a certain new religion, and to be the author of a new sect. And
Paul the Apostle of Christ was called before the judges to make answer to
a matter of heresy; and therefore he said: "According to this way which
they call heresy I do worship the God of my fathers, believing all things
which be written in the law and in the Prophets."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account