An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…

SECT. 5. p. 234, He says, I affirm that as to the matter of fact concerning the Institution of Congregational Churches, it seems evidently exemplified in the Scripture; for which I refer the Reader unto what is now again declared in the confirmation of it. And he adds, The matter of Fact is that when Churches grew too big for one single Congregation in a City, then a new Congregational Church was set up under new Officer, with a separate power of Government; that is in that City. But this is not at all the matter of Fact. I do not say that there were originally more particular Churches then one in one City; I do grant, in the words next quoted by him, ⟨p. 355⟩that there is not express mention made, that any such Church did divide it self into more Congregations with new Officers. But this is the matter of Fact, that the Apostles appointed only particular Congregations, and that therefore they did not oblige the Christians about in a Province or Diocese, to be of that Church which was first erected in any Town or City, but they founded new Churches, with new Officers of their own, in all places where there were a sufficient number of Believers, to make up such a Church. And this I prove, from the instance of the Church of Jerusalem, which was first planted; but quickly after there were Churches gathered and settled in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. They planted Churches, [Greek or Hebrew], in the Cities and Villages as Clemens speaks. But, what saith he, is this to the proof of the Congregational way, this it is, namely, That the Churches instituted by the Apostles were all of them Congregational, not Diocesan, Provincial or National; but saith he, the thing I desired was, that when the Christians in one City multiplied into more Congregations, they would prove that they did make new and distinct Churches; He may desire it of them who grant that the Christians did multiply in one City, into more Congregations then one (which I deny) until the end of the second Century; although they might and did occasionally meet, especially in times of Persecution in distinct Assemblies. Neither will their multiplication into more Congregations without distinct Officers, at all help the cause he pleadeth for;

SECT. 5. p. 234, He says, I affirm that as to the matter of fact concerning the Institution of Congregational Churches, it seems evidently exemplyfied in the Scripture; for which I referre the Reader unto what is now again declared in the confirmation of it. And he adds, The matter of Fact is that when Churches grew too big for one single Congregation in a City, then a new Congregational Church was set up under new Officer, with a separate power of Government; that is in that City. But this is not at all the matter of Fact. I do not say that there were originally more particular Churches then one in one City; I do grant, in the words next quoted by him,