An apology for the nonconformists ministry containing I. the reasons of their preaching, II.…

8. But, judge all men of common Reason, sobriety and honesty of these mens Accusations now by the matter of fact it self, which I opened before as to a former Objection.

Again, Let common reason and equity here be judge of the ingenuity and credit of both these Defences: When of three men that were offered Bishoprics, but one delayed his resolution, and two that were offered Deaneries; and when the notorious reason was, to see whether the refused Conformity would stand or fall, when no one of them ever talked of accepting, if that Conformity should stand, and when these were but three men among Eighteen hundred Nonconformists that after were cast out (and that Conformity was Actually dispensed with at the time when one refused, one accepted, and three delayed). Whether this be a good proof that it was not Conscience, but Interest that these men stuck upon? and that consequently this is the chief reason that 1800 men subscribed not? And will not posterity rather think that the change may prove sad to the Church of England, when instead of so many men that are silenced for avoiding that which they fear to be Perjury, Lying and Covenanting against the Commands of Christ; ⟨p. 162⟩such men are set up, that dare talk at this rate, and that in Print, and with the mention of God and the day of judgment. And whereas the Debate-maker saith, That he heard some of them acknowledge that they scruple not what others do; through Gods mercy they are all, save Mr. Calamy, yet living, and solemnly profess that they never so thought or said to him, or any other, but have oft openly professed the contrary: But if he means any others, what proof is that of these accused persons thoughts?

Again, Let common reason and equity here be judge of the ingenuity and credit of both these Defences: When of three men that were offered Bishopricks, but one delayed his resolution, and two that were offered Deaneries; and when the notorious reason was, to see whether the refused Conformity would stand or fall, when no one of them ever talkt of accepting, if that Conformity should stand, and when these were but three men among Eighteen hundred Nonconformists that after were cast out (and that Conformity was Actually dispensed with at the time when one refused, one accepted, and three delayed). Whether this be a good proof that it was not Conscience, but Interest that these men stuck upon? and that consequently this is the chief reason that 1800 men subscribed not? And will not posterity rather think that the change may prove sad to the Church of England, when instead of so many men that are silenced for avoiding that which they fear to be Perjury, Lying and Covenanting against the Commands of Christ;