An humble apology for non-conformists with modest and serious reflections on the Friendly debate…

Quest. Is it proper to allege the conversion of Souls from the Error of their Ways, as a Seal to our Ministry?

Quest. Is it proper to alledge the conversion of Souls from the Error of their Ways, as a Seal to our Ministry?

Answ. The Apostle St. Paul, when his Ministry was questioned and disgraced, appealed unto this, 2 Cor. 3.2. Ye are our Epistle, (viz. of commendation to or from the Church of Corinth) written in our hearts, known and read of all men. This Epistle was the Apostles Evidence and Seal that he was a true Minister of the Lord Jesus.

But this I must have leave to say, that 'tis no evidence of a real conversion; to rail at Bishops, or the Common Prayer; nor on the other side, at Nonconformists, as Schismatics, Sectaries, Rogues, &c. I know that Religion is another thing, and teacheth other things, better things than these. And I believe there are serious, sober, ⟨p. 72⟩solid, godly persons, excellent Christians, placable, Sons of Peace, of both Persuasions; that pray to God, and would be ready to join in Petition to Authority, for some expedient for a Reconciliation: And such a spirit as this, I look on as a Gospel-spirit, and well-becoming Preachers and Professors of the Gospel of Reconciliation: and if there be any of either side, that have not attained to this or the like spirit, I look on them as of a lower form of Godliness; and on endeavours and actings contrary to this way of Peace, to be no part of their Godliness, or any evidence of their Conversion; though I will not say, they are therefore ungodly or unconverted.