ON

Protestant Nonconformity.

BY JOSIAH CONDER.

"We are to be concerned for this interest, not merely as the cause of
a distinct party, but of truth, honour, and liberty; and I will add, in a great
measure, the cause of serious piety too."

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

DODDRIDGE.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR JOSIAH CONDER, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD,

MDCCCXVIII.

PREFACE.

THE present Work is an attempt to redeem the subject of which it treats, from the disadvantages of fugitive controversy. Hitherto, the principles of Nonconformity have never been fairly and explicitly exhibited, as a coherent system of religious and political truth; owing, in part, to a circumstance which must be allowed to reflect some credit upon the Dissenters. All, or nearly all, the publications upon the subject have been, on their side, of a defensive nature, originating in some unprovoked polemical aggression on the part of their opponents. This was the case in the controversy between Archbishop Whitgift and Cartwright; it was the case with the "Melius In"quirendum," the "Mischief of Imposition," by Vincent Alsop, and the other replies to Bishop Stillingfleet, by Richard Baxter, John Howe, and Dr. Owen; with Pierce's learned "Vindication," in reply to Dr. Nichols, and De Laune's "Plea ;" with Boyce's Reply to the Bishop of Derry; and lastly, with Towgood's "Letters to White." In all of these, consequently, the reader's attention is disproportionately occupied with the business of personal