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

The Bishops in those days, if they turned Men out of their Pulpits, let them have a Livelihood; either some way from their Livings, or else permitted them, or connived at least, at their teaching of School. My Schoolmaster at a Grammar-School, was one that had left a Living, rather man he would Conform. And 'tis storied of old Mr. John Fox, by Doctor Heplin, that though he refused to subscribe to any thing but the Greek Testament, yet he enjoyed his Prebends place in Salisbury till his dying day.

The Bishops in those dayes, if they turned Men out of their Pulpits, let them have a Livelihood; either some way from their Livings, or else permitted them, or connived at least, at their teaching of School. My Schoolmaster at a Grammar-School, was one that had left a Living, rather man he would Conform. And 'tis storied of old Mr. John Fox, by Doctor Heplin, that though he refused to subscribe to any thing but the Greek Testament, yet he enjoyed his Prebends place in Salisbury till his dying day.

'Tis worthy our notice, that these mens Yoke was more easy than ours: And that notwithstanding they are thought to be of different Principles from the present Nonconformists, yet certain it is, that they held it lawful to preach and pray, and keep days of Humiliation in private Houses. And I was told by one Mr. W. That he never had any other Ordination but Prayers and Imposition of hand• by old Mr. Dod, and some other Ministers his Friends, in a private House.

'Tis worthy our notice, that these mens Yoak was more easie than ours: And that notwithstanding they are thought to be of different Principles from the present Nonconformists, yet certain it is, that they held it lawful to preach and pray, and keep days of Humiliation in private Houses. And I was told by one Mr. W. That he never had any other Ordination but Prayers and Imposition of hand• by old Mr. Dod, and some other Ministers his Friends, in a private House.