Archbishop of Canterbury (1544-1610)
Besides, we say that the Fathers do in many points dissent amongst themselves ; and their General Councils have been oftentimes repugnant one to another. But yet we join with them upon a nearer issue. Where the Fathers do all agree together, we do not dislike them.
RICHARD BANCROFT
sermon preached at Paul's Cross, February 9, 1589
Martin affirmeth that there are so many schisms in the Church of England at this day, because that Bishops will not suffer men to do as they list (for I can make no better sense of his discourse touching that matter); but, for mine own part, I am not of his opinion. For I find in the Ancient Fathers sundry other causes far differing, being truly applied, from those which Martin allegeth. Of which causes, if that which I have to say do haply displease any, let them not be offended with me, but rather blame themselves, and their own demeanour in that a man can scarcely speak anything out of the said godly Fathers as touching the behaviour of the ancient heretics and schismatics, but he shall seem to point at the factions in these days.
RICHARD BANCROFT
sermon preached at Paul's Cross, February 9, 1589
There are other false prophets, in like manner so termed, because they do apply the sayings of the true prophets unto a false end and purpose.
RICHARD BANCROFT
sermon preached at Paul's Cross, February 9, 1589
And hereof it cometh to pass, that we do the rather condemn many points of Popery, and that they have of late days broached and taught us sundry very strange and dangerous opinions ; which, as they are not to be found in Scripture, so are they repugnant as well to the Fathers as to all the aforesaid General Councils.
RICHARD BANCROFT
sermon preached at Paul's Cross, February 9, 1589
After the Apostles' times, as it were out of the ashes of these false prophets, there grew and sprung up so many other schismatics and heretics--as Irenaeus, TertuUian, Epiphanius, and S. Augustine do testify--that the very name of Christ began to be odious among the people: and as Socrates reporteth, the Christians were mocked and jested at upon public stages, and in their common interludes.
RICHARD BANCROFT
sermon preached at Paul's Cross, February 9, 1589