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Jewel, John, 1522-1571

"The Apology of the Church of England"


Whatsoever it be, the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ dependeth not
upon councils, nor, as St. Paul saith, upon mortal creature's judgment.
And if they which ought to be careful for God's Church will not be wise,
but slack their duty, and harden their hearts against God and His Christ,
going on still to pervert the right ways of the Lord, God will stir up
the very stones, and make children and babes cunning, whereby there may
ever be some to confute these men's lies. For God is able (not only
without councils), but also, will the councils, nill the councils, to
maintain and advance His own kingdom. "Full many be the thoughts of
man's heart" (saith Solomon); "but the counsel of the Lord abideth
steadfast:" "There is no wisdom, there is no knowledge, there is no
counsel against the Lord." "Things endure not" (saith Hilarius), "that
be set up with men's workmanship: by another manner of means must the
Church of God be builded and preserved: for that Church is grounded upon
the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, and is holden fast together
by one corner stone, which is Christ Jesu.


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