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

Answ. In him are all the Promises Yea, and in him Amen, 2 Cor.1.20. As a woman hath a right to her Jointure, by first taking the man to her wedded Husband; so Christians have a right to the Promises, and all good things, by taking Christ first for their Lord and Husband.

Answ. In him are all the Promises Yea, and in him Amen, 2 Cor.1.20. As a woman hath a right to her Joynture, by first taking the man to her wedded Husband; so Christians have a right to the Promises, and all good things, by taking Christ first for their Lord and Husband.

Quest. Is fear the chief and principal motive of a Christian to Duty and Obedience, I mean the fear of punishment?

Answ. No: The chief and best Principle is Love; I look on them as of a lower form in Religion, who only serve God for fear of Hell: Although this fear is useful, yet 'tis not the principal motive to obedience in Gods Children. And this was the Divinity of former time. I do not hold it unlawful to serve God for fear of punishment, nor hopes of Reward; yet this I say, That fear alone speaks a man a Servant, and love speaks a man a Son: And those are the best Servants to Virtue, who serve virtutis amore, for the love of Virtue. A man may hate the good he doth, and love the evil which he doth not do. ⟨p. 85⟩If then a man do that which is commanded merely or chiefly for fear of Hell, is be necessarily one of Gods best Servants? I think not; because he may at the same time hate the good he doth, and love the evil he abstains from. As for working with an eye to the Reward intuitu mercedis, 'tis justifiable and commendable; 'tis that which Moses did,