A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schism as it was…A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schisme as it was…

I Answer (1) It is possible that an impartial account may ere long be given, of the state and ways of the first Churches after the Decease of the Apostles; wherein it will be made appear how they did insensibly deviate in many things from the Rule of their first Institution; so as that though their mistakes were of small moment, and not prejudicial unto their Faith and Order, yet occasion was administered to succeeding Ages to increase those Deviations until they issued in a fatal Apostasy. An eminent instance hereof is given us in the Discourse of Paulus Sharpius about matters Beneficiary, lately made public in our own Language. (2) The matter of Fact herein seems to me evidently to be exemplified in the Scripture. For although it may be there is not express mention made that these or those particular Churches did divide themselves into more Congregations with new Officers; yet are there Instances of the Erection of new particular Congregations in the same Province, as distinct Churches with a separate Power of Government. So the first Church in the Province of Judea was in Jerusalem: But when that Church was complete, as to the number of them who might Communicate therein unto their Edification, the Apostle did not add the Believers of the adjacent Towns and places unto that Church, but Erected other particular Congregations all the Country over: so there were different Churches in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria; that is many in each of them; Act. 9. 31. So the Apostle mentions the Churches of God that were in Judea; 1 Thes 2. 14. And no where speaks of them as of one Church, for Worship, Order, and Government. So he speaks again, that is ⟨p. 40⟩constantly, Gal. 1. 22. I was unknown by face unto the Churches of Judea. And that these Churches were neither National nor Diocesans, but particular Congregations, is as I suppose sufficiently evident. So was it in the Province of Galatia; there is no mention of any Church therein, that should be comprehensive of all the Believers in that Province. But many particular Churches there were, as it is testified chap. 1. ver. 2. So was it also in Macedonia, the first Church planted in that Province was at Philippi, as it is declared, Act. 16. And it was quickly brought into complete Order, so as that when the Apostle wrote unto it, there were in it the Saints whereof it was constituted, with Bishops and Deacons;