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

Quest. Do the Nonconformists teach the people railing language, particularly to call all they like not, Antichristian and Babylonish? Vid. Contin, p. 155, & 266, &c.

Answ. Time was when Reverend and Renowned Mr. Vines (that lost the Mastership of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge, because he would ⟨p. 137⟩not subscribe the Engagement; as did also Dr. Spurstow the Master of Katherine-Hall, and Mr. Young of Jesus-College for the same cause preaching before the Parliament, said, Henceforward he should take Antichrist for a better man than ever he thought him to be, there were so many good things charged upon him. And another Presbyterian, now a Nonconformist, preaching to the same Auditors, preached that Antichristian and Babylonian, were terms sooner imputed or charged, than proved.

Answ. Time was when Reverend and Renowned Mr. Vines (that lost the Mastership of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge, because he would ⟨p. 137⟩not subscribe the Engagement; as did also Dr. Spurstow the Master of Katherine-Hall, and Mr. Young of Jesus-Colledge for the same cause preaching before the Parliament, said, Henceforward he should take Antichrist for a better man than ever he thought him to be, there were so many good things charged upon him. And another Presbyterian, now a Nonconformist, preaching to the same Auditors, preached that Antichristian and Babylonian, were terms sooner imputed or charged, than proved.

But if the Nonconforming-Ministers or People were yet ignorant, and to seek for scoffing and reviling language, they might have a Dictionary of such hard words out of the Friendly Debate. If there be in Private-meetings that use railing and reviling speeches (as too many too often have is public Congregations) I would rather advise people to sit quietly at home, if they will not go to Church, than to go or step out of doors to learn their language. I do not love a biting tongue; and I take a black mouth to be as venomous in a man, as 'tis accounted wholesome in a dog. And if there be any printed Book wih such railing speeches or phrases in them, (I will promise you) it shall never have my Imprimatur, without an Index expurgatorius in the next Edition.