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

Answ. The Intent and Design of Laws, is the Conservation of the Public Peace. The Law is Just, Uniform, and no Respectre of Persons, whether Conformists, or Non-Conformists, but binds all to the Peace and Good Behaviour alike, doth not hold one Mans Hands, whilst Another cuts his Throat, or stabs him under the fifth Rib. If a Man be once and again violently assaulted, he may lawfully defend himself. The Author of the Debate hath smitten us on the one Cheek, and on the other also; hath reviled us, and with his Pen persecuted us, and said all manner of evil against us falsely. In this case, a dead and stupid silence, might argue we were verily guilty concerning the Crimes laid against us. If a man that is Charged, Indicted, and Arraigned, refuseth to plead, the Law adjudgeth him to be pressed to death. Our blessed Saviour himself Apologized for himself and his Disciples. So did Justin Martyr and Tertullian, for the Primitive Christians. The great and soul Blots which have been cast upon our Names by that Author, would not soon out, if no means or endeavours should be used to wipe them off.

Answ. The Intent and Design of Laws, is the Conservation of the Publick Peace. The Law is Just, Uniform, and no Respecter of Persons, whether Conformists, or Non-Conformists, but binds all to the Peace and Good Behaviour alike, doth not hold one Mans Hands, whilst Another cuts his Throat, or stabs him under the fifth Rib. If a Man be once and again violently assaulted, he may lawfully defend himself. The Author of the Debate hath smitten us on the one Cheek, and on the other also; hath reviled us, and with his Pen persecuted us, and said all manner of evil against us falsly. In this case, a dead and stupid silence, might argue we were verily guilty concerning the Crimes laid against us. If a man that is Charged, Indicted, and Arraigned, refuseth to plead, the Law adjudgeth him to be pressed to death. Our blessed Saviour himself Apologized for himself and his Disciples. So did Justin Martyr and Tertullian, for the Primitive Christians. The great and soul Blots which have been cast upon our Names by that Author, would not soon out, if no means or endeavors should be used to wipe them off.

Quest. But is every Transgression of a Humane Law, though but penal, so culpable of criminous as is pretended?