A counterblast to M. Hornes vayne blaste against M. Fekenham Wherein is set forthe: a ful reply to M. Hornes Answer, and to euery part therof made, against the declaration of my L. Abbat of Westminster, M. Fekenham, touching, the Othe of the Supremacy. By perusing vvhereof shall appeare, besides the holy Scriptures, as it vvere a chronicle of the continual practise of Christes Churche in al ages and countries, fro[m] the time of Constantin the Great, vntil our daies: prouing the popes and bishops supremacy in ecclesiastical causes: and disprouing the princes supremacy in the same causes. By Thomas Stapleton student in diuinitie.

THE PREFACE OF M. HORNE.

It is novve an vvhole yeare past, since I heard of a book secretly scattered abroad by M. Fekenham emong his friends: And in Aprill last, I came by a Copie therof. Vvhen I had read the booke, and perceiued both the matter and the maner of the mans doings therin: I savv his proofes so slender: and his ma∣ner of dealing so shameles: that I stood in doubt vvhat to do, vvhether to dis∣couer the man by vvriting, or to shake him of vvith silence. If I had not seene a further meaning in his setting forth and publishing the book (.1.) thē he durst plainely vtter, or then his cunning could by any meanes ansvveare vnto: or then, that I vvith a good conscience mought haue neglected: I vvoulde haue past it ouer vvith silence, as a peece of vvoorke not vvorthy of ansvvere. But seing the (.2.) chiefe end and principal purpose intēded, as may be iustly gathe∣red in publishing the booke, vvas, to ingrafte in the mindes of the subiectes, a misliking of the Queenes Maiestie, as though shee vsurped a povver and au∣thoritie in Ecclesiasticall matters, vvhereto shee hath no right: to slaunder the vvhole Realme, as though it vvere stranged and directly against the Ca∣tholike Churche, renouncing and refusing to haue Communion therevvith: And vnder my name to deface the mynisters of Christes Churche: I could not choose, oneles I vvould vvilfully neglect my duety to her Maiestie, shevv my selfe ouermuche vnkinde vnto my natiue Countrie, and altogeather become careles of the Churche Mynisterie, but take penne in hand, and shape him a ful and plaine ansvvere, vvithout any curiositie.

Notes

• 1. The first vntruthe slāderou•• cōcernīg M. Fekē∣hams meaning.
• 2. His chief▪ end vvas farr other∣vvise, as shall ap∣peare.