A Treatise on the Different Degrees of the Christian Priesthood #245750

The favour we then obtained was through the Bishops' means, and without them I dare confidently assure you, that you will obtain nothing of what you look for. In the be ginning there was no other reformation in the islands than that common throughout the whole kingdom of England. The Priests, who a little before had sung mass, became suddenly Protestants; but yet not one of them was appointed to preach the word of God. They were but ignorant persons, continuing still in heart and affection Papists, and enemies to the Gospel. Now such as were sincerely affected to the Gospel, pre vailed so far as that they obtained Ministers, with whom the Priests could not agree: they retained their service, and the Ministers preached, and had the exercise of Religion asunder, following the order of the Churches.