The power of Congregational churches asserted and vindicated in answer to a treatise of…

Concl. 4 This we shall endeavour to prove, both by Scripture and Reason. 1. The Scripture, in the writings of the Apostles, clearly showeth, that they so understood this branch of the Church-Charter, and therefore they speak of Christian-Churches, as several and distinct from one another, 1 Cor. 11.16. and 14.33. Yea, in one and the same Country, as Galatia, Gal, 1.2. Judea, v. 22. Macedonia. 2 Cor. 8.1. Yea in Corinth, where God had much people, Act. 18.10. yet the Church there was but one Congregation, 1 Cor. 14. and, though Cenchrea was a Port near unto Corinth, yet it had a Church distinct from Corinth; Rom. 16.1. The Church also in Jerusalem, though a greater number of Believers was declared to be there, than we read of in other Cities, yet it was but one Congregation; Act. 2.41, 44, 47. and 6.2, 15. The same holdeth concerning other great Cities; the Church, in every one of them, was Congregational: and, if the number of Believers grew too great for one Congregation, doubtless more Churches were gathered in such a place ⟨p. 55⟩and case: & if several parts of the Church met in times of Persecution, now and then, here and there, as they might; yet they continued one Congregation, having the same Officers, in common, for any thing appears in Scripture to the contrary. Now let us see, why the Christian Church must be Congregational.

Concl. 4 This we shall endeavour to prove, both by Scripture and Reason. 1. The Scripture, in the writings of the Apostles, clearly sheweth, that they so understood this branch of the Church-Charter, and therefore they speak of Christian-Churches, as several and distinct from one another,