Weighty questions discussed I. Whether imposition of hands in separating a person to the…

Since he mentions Preaching of the Word, I suppose he means their Officers are with them to Preach to them, and why not then as well to Administer the Lords Supper as to Preach? one Scripture against it I would gladly see. To Baptize, they do not question. There were three Teaching Elders in Dr. Owen's Church, [the only Church that I know of in England, that came up to the Apostolical Pattern] these three might meet together with their Members in times of Persecution, especially in three distinct Assembles, consequently Places, to Pray, to Preach, to Baptize, and to Administer the Lords Supper, for any thing I know out of God's Word: Then may not we meet in distinct Assemblies to such Ends, and yet be but one particular Church, as his was; but for other Ends we may meet in one place.

So in the Country Villages we may have many Elders in one particular Church, as he saith there ought to be, else I know not how we shall do for Churches in the Country.

So in the Countrey Villages we may have many Elders in one particular Church, as he saith there ought to be, else I know not how we shall do for Churches in the Countrey.

But to come to the Question: If the whole Church meeting together in one place, and at one time, be essential to a Church, and it hath no real •eing without it, then it must be proved: 1. Either from Divine Precept. Or, 2. From the Examples of the Churches planted by the Apostles. Or, 3. From forcing Reasons drawn from the Ends of Worship.