The defense of the aunsvvere to the Admonition against the replie of T.C. By Iohn VVhitgift Doctor of Diuinitie. In the beginning are added these. 4. tables. 1 Of dangerous doctrines in the replie. 2 Of falsifications and vntruthes. 3 Of matters handled at large. 4 A table generall.

T. C. Pag. 56. Line. 2. & Sect. 1.

It is true that M. Bucer saith, that it is not in the nature of any creature to be a note of Anti∣christ, but yet it followeth not thereof, that the creature that hath bene accidentally and throughe a∣buse applyed to Idolatrie, may be forthwith vsed as we shall thinke good. For neither the Idols of the gentus, nor the corruptions of those which offered, had not power to make the beefe or mut∣ton that was offered, no good and holesome meate for the sustenaunce of man, neyther cause that a Christian man could not eate them as beefe & mutton, but yet either to eate it at the table of Idols,

before them, or else priuately in his owne house, when there was any weake by, that thought it an abhominable thing, was not lawfull: and yet the meate neuerthelesse the good creature of God, and which might be receiued with thanksgiuing, so the abuse of the surplis and coape. &c. cannot cause, but that they may be vsed as cloth and silke.

And whereas he saith that they are changed, and made of notes of Antichristianitie, markes of Christianitie, I say that they cannot be changed so by and d〈1 line〉〈1 line〉cree or commaundement, for asmuch as notwithstanding that profession of chaunge, the ha〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 ts or men vnto whiche euery man must haue regard vnto, are not changed. For not so soone as the magistrate will say that these things shall be from hencefoorth vsed as things indifferent, foorthwith men do vse them so, but those only vse them so, which haue knowledge, both the ignorant and the weake take them still otherwise.

Io. Whitgifte.

Your answer to these learned and famous men, is not of any moment at all, for* 1.1 their reasons you answer only with wordes, when as indéede their onely wordes (for their godlinesse, experience, and learning sake) ought to be of greater credite than your reasons: but the aptnesse of your answers I referre to the iudgement of the rea∣der, séeing he hath both their words and yours before his eyes. This only I note, that something you will saye how vnaptly soeuer, least you shoulde séeme to giue place to the plaine truth. These vestures are neyther vsed at the tables of Idolls, nor with the offence of the the weake, as I haue she wed before: they are knowne of all men to be notes of the ministers of the Gospell, aswell as the bell is knowne to be rong to godly prayers, and preachings. &c. and therefore you haue spoken, but aunswered nothing.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 answering of T. C.