Wherefore, like
as it is written that Hercules in old time was forced in striving with
Antaeus, that huge giant, to lift him quite up from the earth that was
his mother, ere he could conquer him, even so must our adversaries be
heaved from their mother, that is, from this vain colour and shadow of
the Church, wherewith they so disguise and defend themselves: otherwise
they cannot be brought to yield unto the word of God. "And therefore,"
saith Jeremy the prophet, "make not such great boast that the temple of
the Lord is with you. This is but a vain confidence: these are lies."
The angel also saith in the Apocalypse, "They say they be Jews; but they
be the synagogue of Satan." And Christ said to the Pharisees when they
vaunted themselves of the kindred and blood of Abraham, "Ye are of your
father, the devil;" for you resemble not your father Abraham; as much to
say as ye are not the men ye would so fain be called: ye beguile the
people with vain titles, and abuse the name of the Church to the
overthrowing of the Church.
So that these men's part had been, first to have clearly and truly proved
that the Romish Church is the true and right instructed Church of God,
and that the same as they do order it at this day doth agree with the
primitive Church of Christ, of the Apostles, and of the holy fathers,
which we doubt not but was indeed the true Catholic Church.
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