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

Answ. Far be it from me to call the Author of the Debate, Doeg, Ishmael, or Haman; yet this I may say, (without hazard of Truth or Modesty) That there it false accusation, mocking and scoffing in the Treatise; and there may be something of Haman, or ambition, suspected to be in him, who would insinuate to his Majesty, that 'tis not for his safety, nor for the peace of his Kingdoms, to suffer these Jews, &c. When the bottom of all the uproar may be this, There is perhaps some Mordecai in the Gate or in the Parish, that will not bow down to him. And yet I dare boldly say this, That the Enemy could not countervail the Kings damage, if all the Nonconformists were destroyed, or banished out of the Land.

What a fondness, folly, madness is it to imagine, that men that pretend Godliness, practise sobriety, and who are themselves, and who have their Chests, their All, in the same Ship with his Majesty and the State, should go about to blow it up, or bore holes in it, to sink the Vessel, themselves and all together?

It was the saying of Mr. Calamy (that discreet, honest, pious Mr. Calamy) before be died, That he had rather suffer under a lawful Sovereign, than be preferred under an Usurper. The Loyalty of the Nonconformists hath been experimented now above seven years together, who notwithstanding ⟨p. 93⟩they have suffered the loss of their Places, Callings, Livelihoods, yet in patience possess their Souls, and pray for his Majesty and the Government with all their hearts and souls. As for the high Conformists, I may say to them, when they boast of their Loyalty, (considering the great Honours, Profits, Preferments they enjoy under his Majesty and the Church-Government) If you do good to them which do good to you, what than have ye? What do ye more than others? Sinners also do the same.