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

Answ. The greater number of them, I presume, speak as others do; and conform to that ordinary phrase, Well, I thank God. If any when enquired of about their Health, say, I am well, through Mercy; they do but as the French Protestants ⟨p. 104⟩do; they are surely few in comparison that say so commonly; and I do not remember one Minister that useth to say so; they that do, possibly have recovered from some sickness, or escaped some danger, which occasions them to use this expression: But if you will be critical, some think it a sign of a greater humility to say, I am well through mercy, than the other, I am well I thank God; However it is not so liable to exception as to say, I am well y' faith, as I have heard that some Conformists do, although Bishop Saunderson doth not approve of that language in common discourse. We do not hold it unlawful to use the name of God in our Salutations as Boaz did; and can say and pray, God save the King as heartily as your selves. I know •o Nonconforming-Ministers that hold it unlawful to teach Children their Catechism & Prayers lest they should take God's Name in vain. And yet I must have leave to say, that a reverend Bishop doth reckon that we sin against the third Commandment, by an irreverend and customary mention of God's great and glorious Name upon trivial occasions; and a learned Doctor in his Exposition of the third Commandment, makes it a duty not to use the Name of God but with great reverence. See Dr. Pat. Catech.

Quest. Are Nonconformists most guilty of breaking the third Commandment in the main sense? See Cont: p. 4.

Answ. Mr. Case, Mr. Edwards, and the London Ministers (cited by the Author of the Debate in his Continuation) all prove they were very tender of the breach of an Oath, desirous to keep far from it themselves; and to save others, with fear plucking them out of the fire; and the present ejected and dejected estate of the Nonconformists may testify, that they are such as fear an Oath. The Presbyterians are bold to say in one of their Papers to his Majesty, That the Obligation of the Covenant upon the Consciences of the Nation, was not the weakest Instrument of his Return. As to your citations out of Mr. John Goodwyn and Mr. John Lilborne, I say there lieth an Exception against the Witnesses in the Case; as I suppose you might say, if their Testimonies were produced against the Hierarchy, Liturgy, and Ceremonies.