The state of the now-Romane Church Discussed by way of vindication of the Right Reuerend Father in God, the Lord Bishop of Exceter, from the weake cauills of Henry Burton. By H.C.

BVRTON.

But why then (say they) doe others cry downe the Church of Rome for no true Church at all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Surely, this was a fault, if it were an vntruth: For giue the deuill his due (as we say.) It is good therefore that all men be well aduised in this point, in speaking of the Church of Rome Pro or contra, as a true church or no; it being a matter not to be main∣tained by finenesse of wit, or quaint rhe∣toricall discourse, but vpon sound ground, & substantiall demonstration.

Answer.

This is your anticipation; wherein you answer a supposed obiection, ther∣by to free your selfe from fault in cry∣ing downe the truth, and true visibility of the Church of Rome; It is no fault (say you) because it is no vntruth: But you know that is the question: And besides, haue you so soone forgotten your owne policy? That though it were

true, yet the countenancing, or pressing of it in these times might very well bee spa∣red? Can you imagine that in these lukewarme, indifferent, neutralizing dayes, you shall not find enow that will take vp the bucklers against you? will you giue the onset, and bee faultlesse? and shall they only that oppose you be the offenders? there is no reason at all for that; In a mutiny it is hard but both sides will bee found faulty: well then; Let the Deuill haue his due (say you; and so say I too) yet it is good (say you) that all men be well aduised in this point, &c. Let this word stand: Only I craue that it may not be taken for granted (which you rhetorically beg of your friends,) that you haue the sound grounds, and substantiall demonstrations; and that wee haue nothing but finenesse of wit, and quaint rhetoricall discourses: and vpon these termes let the cause bee de∣termined: And so much for the quality of the question.