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12. Wherefore
I would that they would tell me, in what kind they place the,
supposed, error of the Catholic Church. If in the first, it is
altogether a grave charge; but it needs not a far-fetched defense:
for it is enough to deny that we so understand, as the persons, who
inveigh against us, suppose. If in the second, the charge is not
less grave; but they shall be refuted by the same saying. If in the
third, it is no charge at all. Proceed, and next consider the
Scriptures themselves. For what objection do they raise against the
books of (what is called) the Old Testament? Is it that they are
good, but are understood by us in an ill sense? But they themselves
do not receive them. Or is it that they are neither good, nor are
well understood? But our defense above is enough to drive them from
this position. Or is it this that they will say, although they are
understood by you in a good sense, yet they are evil? What is this
other than to acquit living adversaries, with whom they have to do,
and to accuse men long ago dead, with whom they have no strife? I
indeed believe that both those men profitably delivered to memory
all things, and that they were great and divine. And that that Law
was published, and framed by the command and will of God: and of
this, although I have but very slight knowledge of books of that
kind, yet I can easily persuade any, if there apply to me a mind
fair and no way obstinate: and this I will do, when you shall grant
to me your ears and mind well disposed: this however when it shall
be in my power: but now is it not enough for me, however that
matter may stand, not to have been deceived?