The questions between the conformist and nonconformist, truly stated, and briefly discussed Dr. Falkner,…

Ans. This apt similitude of the Frock, whereby the Fr. Deb. would illustrate the Knavery of the Nonconformists, puts me in mind of a story which a Conformist and neighbour-Minister told me, being about four years standing in the College of Dublin, when the thing was done. A Laundress bringing home a Scholars Linen, instead of his Surplice, leaves him a Smock, (I suppose unwittingly), Dr. Chapel was then Provost (if that be the title they give the Head) of the College; if it were that Chapel, who was fellow of Christs College in my time, he was a severe man indeed, and fit for Bishop Laud's purpose. The Bell ringing to Chapel early in Winter-time, the Lad puts on the Smock (and why not? for I suppose the significancy lies in the whiteness) instead of the Surplice; when he comes into Chapel, the paltry boys were fain to stop their mouths with their Surplices till Service was done, lest they should laugh out-right; but when Service was finished, there was no little noise made in the Chapel. The Doctor hearing it, sent to know what the matter was? answer is returned; the Lad is sent for, he makes his excuse; but that would not serve his turn, the Lad was punished I forgot to ask the kind of punishment); as for the Smock, he sends for an Officer that belonged to the Kitchen, and caused a fire to be made, and there burnt the Smock. Had the Doctor ordered it to be burnt to Tinder, and not to ashes, he might have made as significant a Ceremony of it, though it was black, as his white Surplice was. And I may say of it as it is said of these Ceremonies, they are so set forth, that every man may understand what they mean.

Ans. This apt similitude of the Frock, whereby the Fr. Deb. would illustrate the Knavery of the Nonconformists, puts me in mind of a story which a Conformist and neighbour-Minister told me, being about four years standing in the Colledg of Dublin, when the thing was done. A Laundress bringing home a Scholars Linnen, instead of his Surplice, leaves him a Smock, (I suppose unwittingly), Dr. Chappel was then Provost (if that be the title they give the Head) of the Colledg; if it were that Chappel, who was fellow of Christs Colledg in my time, he was a severe man indeed, and fit for Bishop Laud's purpose. The Bell ringing to Chappel early in Winter-time, the Lad puts on the Smock (and why not? for I suppose the significancy lyes in the whiteness) instead of the Surplice; when he comes into Chappel, the paultry boys were fain to stop their mouths with their Surplices till Service was done, lest they should laugh out-right; but when Service was finished, there was no little noise made in the Chappel. The Doctor hearing it, sent to know what the matter was? answer is returned; the Lad is sent for, he makes his excuse; but that would not serve his turn, the Lad was punished I forgot to ask the kind of punishment); as for the Smock, he sends for an Officer that belonged to the Kitchin, and caused a fire to be made, and there burnt the Smock. Had the Doctor ordered it to be burnt to Tinder, and not to ashes, he might have made as significant a Ceremony of it, though it was black, as his white Surplice was. And I may say of it as it is said of these Ceremonies, they are so set forth, that every man may understand what they mean.