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A Protestation in the name of the King, and the whole Council and Clergy of Eng∣land, why they refuse to come to the Popes Council at his call.
SEeing that the Bishop of Rome calleth Learned Men from all parts, conducting them by great rewards, making as many of them Cardinals as he thinketh most m••et, and most ready to defend Frauds and Vntruths; we could not but with much anxiety cast with our selves, what so great a preparance of Wits should mean. As chance was we guessed even as it followed. We have been so long acquainted with Romish Subtilties and Popish Deceits, that we well and easily judged the Bishop of Rome to intend an Assembly of his Adherents, and men sworn to think all his Lusts to be Laws; we were not deceived. Paul the Bishop of Rome hath called a Council, to the which he knew well either few or none of the Christian Princes could come; both the time that he indicted it, and also the place where he appointed it to be, might assure him of this. But whither wander not these Popish Bulls? whi∣ther wander they not astray? What King is not cited and summoned by a proud Minister and Servant of Kings, to come to bolster up Errors, Frauds, Deceits, and Vn∣truths, and to set forth this feigned General Council? For who will not think that Paul the Bishop of Rome goeth sooner about to make men believe that he pretendeth a Ge∣neral Council, than that he desireth one indeed? No, who can less desire it, than they that do despair of their Cause, except they be Iudges and give sentence themselves against their Adversaries? We which very sore against our will at any time leave off the procurement of the Realm any common weal, need neither to come our selves, nor yet to send any Procurators thither, no nor yet to make our Ex∣cuse for either of both. For who can accuse us that we come not at his call, which hath no Authority to call us?
But for a season let us (as a sort of Blindlings do) grant that he may call us, and that he hath Authority so to do; yet (we pray you) may not all men see, what availeth it to come to this Council, where ye shall have no place except y•• be known both willing to oppress truth, and also ready t•• confirm and stablish Errors? Do not all men perceive 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as we, with what integrity, fidelity, and religion,