en
to have to do with religion? or shall we say a Christian magistrate,
which dealeth amongst others in these matters, doth either naughtily, or
presumptuously, or wickedly? The most ancient and Christian emperors and
kings that ever were, did busy themselves with these matters, and yet
were they never for this cause noted either of wickedness or of
presumption. And what is he that can find out either more Catholic
princes or more notable examples?

Wherefore, if it were lawful for them to do thus, being but civil
magistrates, and having the chief rule of commonweals, what offence have
our princes at this day made, which may not have leave to do the like,
being in the like degree? or what especial gift of learning, or of
judgment, or of holiness have these men now, that, contrary to the custom
of all the ancient and Catholic bishops, who used to confer with princes
and peers concerning religion, they do now thus reject and cast off
Christian princes from knowing of the cause, and from their meetings?
Well, thus doing, they wisely and warily provide for themselves and for
their kingdom, which otherwise they see is like shortly to come to
nought. For if so be they whom God hath placed in greatest dignity did
see and perceive these men's practices, how Christ's commandments be
despised by them, how the light of the Gospel is darkened and quenched
out by them, and how themselves also be subtly beguiled and mocked, and
unawares be deluded by them, and the way to the kingdom of heaven stopped
up before them: no doubt they would never so quietly suffer themselves
neither to be disdained after such a proud sort, nor so despitefully to
be scorned and abused by them. But now, through their own lack of
understanding, and through their own blindness, these men have them fast
yoked, and in their danger.

We truly for our parts, as we have said, have done nothing in altering
religion either upon rashness or arrogancy; nor nothing but with good
leisure and great consideration. Neither had we ever intended to do it,
except both the manifest and most assured will of God, opened to us in
His Holy Scriptures, and the regard of our own salvation, had even
constrained us thereunto. For though we have departed from that Church
which these men call Catholic, and by that means get us envy amongst them
that want skill to judge, yet is this enough for us, and ought to be
enough for every wise and good man, and one that maketh account of