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

Quest. Do the Nonconformists decry all use of Reason in Theology?

Answ. They use frequently Reasons in their Sermons. Indeed they allow Reason but the second place in Divinity; to Revelation they give the first. Reason and Philosophy they make to be the Handmaids, but Divinity they honour as their Sovereign Lady and Queen. Reason is the Counsellor, but Revelation is the Law-giver. We say the Light of Reason is as the Light of a Glow-Worm, or of a Candle, or (if you will needs have it) as the Light of the Moon; but the Light of Divine Revelation, is as the Light of the Sun, when it shineth in its full strength.¹ And with a reverend and learned Doctor, we allow the use of a Candle, although we would have it snuffed; and when it is set up in the house, we would not have the Window shut, either to keep our, or at least to darken the Light of the Sun. We prefer feeding on Manna, before feeding on Acorns and Husks; the Commands of St. Paul, before the Precepts of Plato; the Mass of Gold in the Mine, before a few pieces of Silver scattered here and there in the Studies of Philosophers.

Answ. They use frequently Reasons in their Sermons. Indeed they allow Reason but the second place in Divinity; to Revelation they give the first. Reason and Philosophy they make to be the Handmaids, but Divinity they honour as their Soveraign Lady and Queen. Reason is the Counsellor, but Revelation is the Law-giver. We say the Light of Reason is as the Light of a Glow-Worm, or of a Candle, or (if you will needs have it) as the Light of the Moon; but the Light of Divine Revelation, is as the Light of the Sun, when it shineth in its full strength.¹ And with a reverend and learned Doctor, we allow the use of a Candle, although we would have it snuffed; and when it is set up in the house, we would not have the Window shut, either to keep our, or at least to darken the Light of the Sun. We prefer feeding on Manna, before feeding on Acorns and Husks; the Commands of St. Paul, before the Precepts of Plato; the Mass of Gold in the Mine, before a few pieces of Silver scattered here and there in the Studies of Philosophers.