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

Answ. Many of them have taken the Oxford Oath, and are legally qualified to live in Corporations. ⟨p. 5⟩Others cannot possibly live in the Countries, for want of a Livelihood. I have heard of a Reverend Minister, that going abroad to seek maintenance from well-disposed Christians, being benighted, lost his Way and his Life both, being through cold starved to death. Others perhaps will plead they cannot live peaceably in the Country: I heard one, and a principal one, say, He never looked towards the City, nor ever should, if he had not been driven out of the Country. The Law of Nature teaches the Hart, the Hare, and all Creatures that are pursued, to fly to the nearest and thickest Covert, or hiding place. I have heard Huntsmen talk of giving the Hare Law; I do not well understand Forrest Law: but I believe this is not meant by it, That she shall have no mercy if she seeks to hide or to save her self by flight from those that pursue her. There are also some amongst the Nonconformists, that think themselves bound to preach the Gospel; and though they will not intrude into Churches, which are at the Magistrates disposal, yet they look upon it as their Duty to preach in private Houses: And for that in London and other Cities, the multitude of those that desire to hear, are greater than in other places, and their Meetings here may be least taken notice of, therefore probably they repair to these places of concourse. And what Fowler had not rather shoot at a Flock, than at two or three single Birds? ⟨p. 6⟩And what Fisherman would not choose father to cast his Net into the main Sea, than into a small Brook? The Quarrel of Fimbria against Scevola, was, That he would not receive the Weapon of Death far enough into his Body; and the same is the Quarrel that some of our Brethren have against us, That there being such sharp Laws made against us, we are not willing to present our naked Breasts to the point of them, and let our Brethren gage us with their Weapons, but choose rather to fly from Country to City, and from City to City, to hide our selves. Some there are, who can say they hold no Meetings contrary to Law. There are that hold some private Meetings, but first they and their Auditors go to Church, and hear Common-Prayer and Sermon there.

Answ. Many of them have taken the Oxford Oath, and are legally qualified to live in Corporations. ⟨p. 5⟩