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

Answ. Their Nonconformity did not cos• ⟨p. 111⟩them so much as it doth us; and in the times they lived, they were likely accused as we are now: When we are as they now, really (as well as Legally) dead, it may be we may have a good word also.

In Queen Elizabeth's days the Nonconformists were not more pliant or complying, than they are now. There were not the Tithe of the Ministers then ejected, to what since. There were more bitter Books put out then against the Hierarchy, than are now. If I mis-remember not, the Nonconformists gave the first Charge then, but now-a-days we are alarum'd and assaulted once and again, and no man appeared publicly to defend our Principles or Practices. We are loaded with Reproaches, and many grievous and heavy things laid to our charge, and no man for a long time in our name in print so much as pleaded Not Guilty, and offered to Traverse the Indictment, or put himself upon the Trial of his Country. Say not therefore that the Nonconformists of former times were better, more peaceable, more modest then these.

In Queen Elizabeth's days the Nonconformists were not more pliant or complying, than they are now. There were not the Tythe of the Ministers then ejected, to what since. There were more bitter Books put out then against the Hierarchy, than are now. If I mis-remember not, the Nonconformists gave the first Charge then, but now-a-days we are alarum'd and assaulted once and again, and no man appeared publickly to defend our Principles or Practices. We are loaded with Reproaches, and many grievous and heavy things laid to our charge, and no man for a long time in our name in print so much as pleaded Not Guilty, and offered to Traverse the Indictment, or put himself upon the Tryal of his Country. Say not therefore that the Nonconformists of former times were better, more peaceable, more modest then these.