Three letters to the bishop of Bangor

Muslims original: "Turks" and Deists Those who believe in God based on reason rather than revelation are on as good a foundation original: "Bottom" and as secure in the favor of God as the most sincere Christian.

For your Lordship says it is sincerity, on its own, that procures the favor of God. If it is sincerity on its own, then it is sincerity independent and exclusive of any particular way of worship. And if the favor of God equally follows every equal degree of sincerity, then it is impossible there should be any difference, either in merit or happiness, between a sincere martyr and a sincere persecutor. Thus, he that burns the Christian—if he is only in earnest—has the same title to a reward for it as he who is burnt for believing in Christ.

Your Lordship says you cannot help it if people charge you with The asterisk points to the footnote below. evil intentions and bad views. I intend no such charge. But I wonder that your Lordship should think it hard that anyone should infer from these passages that you are against the interest of the Church of England.

For, my Lord, cannot the Quakers, Muggletonians A radical Protestant sect founded in the 1650s, Deists, and Presbyterians claim you are as much in their interest as we can? Have you said anything for us, or done anything for us regarding this prerogative The exclusive rights or authorities of the established Church, but what you have equally done for them? Your Lordship is ours only in that you fill a bishopric; but we are at a loss to discover from this discourse what other interest we have in your Lordship. For you openly expose our communion The Church of England’s fellowship and practices and give up all the advantages of it by

* An Answer to the Representation of the Committee of the Lower House of Convocation, Page 46.