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

Quest. Do the Nonconforming-Ministers amuse and abuse the people when they speak of Spiritual desertions?

Answ. Who so please to read Mr. Perkins his Cases of Conscience, Mr. Capel on Temptations; and Dr. Sibbs his Souls Conflict; although they never saw Dr. Goodwyn, may see a Child of Light walking in Darkness; And in such a case I would not send for, as Saul did, one to play upon at Instrument; Nor, with a Conformist Minister, that I knew, when his Daughter was in trouble of mind for her sins, counsel her to play at Cards; Or with another, how learned soever they be, send them to a Theatre; but either to some able Minister, or to Prayer & the Promises, advising them to put them in suit in the Court of Heaven; for 'tis God only that kills and makes alive, he wounds and he heals: In his presence is life; and his withdrawing or deserting of the soul, though for a time only, is as the shadow of death. If our blessed Lord on the Cross cried out, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? what so great wonder, if a Christian under the Cross, oft-times complains, Why hidest thou thy face, and I am troubled? Is the Servant above the Master? If these things be done in the green tree, what shad be done in the dry?

Answ. Who so please to read Mr. Perkins his Cases of Conscience, Mr. Capel on Temptations; and Dr. Sibbs his Souls Conflict; although they never saw Dr. Goodwyn, may see a Child of Light walking in Darkness; And in such a case I would not send for, as Saul did, one to play upon at Instrument; Nor, with a Conformist Minister, that I knew, when his Daughter was in trouble of mind for her sins, counsel her to play at Cards; Or with another, how learned soever they be, send them to a Theatre; but either to some able Minister, or to Prayer & the Promises, advising them to put them in suit in the Court of Heaven; for 'tis God only that kills and makes alive, he wounds and he heals: In his presence is life; and his withdrawing or deserting of the soul, though for a time only, is as the shadow of death. If our blessed Lord on the Cross cryed out, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? what so great wonder, if a Christian under the Cross, oft-times complains, Why hidest thou thy face, and I am troubled? Is the Servant above the Master? If these things be done in the green tree, what shad be done in the dry?