Page:Elizabeth Elstob - An English-Saxon homily on the birth-day of St. Gregory.djvu/70

date. And I cannot but observe, that the Notion which has generally obtain'd, that the Church of Rome was then the same corrupted Church that it is now, has given a Prejudice to all who do not duly compare and consider things, against every thing that comes from thence: and so ignorant are some, in this particular, as that even St. Peter is in less Esteem with them, for having been Bishop of Rome. This is the Reason, why St. Augustine coming from thence, tho' upon the most kind, and charitable Errand in the World, is condemned all at once. All Arguments are brought against him, without hearing any one willingly on his side. But I hope, it has been made appear (without any Honour which the present Church of Rome can arrogate to herself upon that account) that his Cause is capable of defence, as well as that of the Britains, who are so highly favoured in Opposition to him. The Reader, upon comparing Circumstances on both sides, is left to make his Judgment. I have had no other Design, or Interest, in this Dispute, than to do Justice to Truths and Innocence. I thought it was but Justice to assert the Innocence of his Character, whom those, who speak the worst of him, are forc'd, in Contradiction to themselves, to own to have been a Person of many excellent Virtues, and Qualities. And I think, moreover, our Ancestors having received Christianity from him, it has laid an Obligation of Gratitude to his Memory, upon all their Posterity; which shou'd rather