The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

BUT there is not any intimation in the Scripture of the least imparity or inequality, in Order, Degree or Authority, among Officers of the same sort, whether extraordinary or ordinary. The Apostles were all equal; so were the Evangelists, so were Elders or Bishops, and so were Deacons also. The Scripture knows no more of an Arch-Bishop, such as all Diocesan Bishops are, nor an Arch-Deacon, than of an Arch-Apostle, or of an Arch-Evangelist, or an Arch-Prophet. Howbeit, it is evident, that in all their Assemblies, they had one who did preside in the manner before described, which seems among the Apostles to have been the prerogative of Peter.

THE Brethren also of the Church may be so multiplied, as that the constant meeting of them all in one place may not be absolutely best for their Edification. Howbeit, that on all the solemn occasions of the Church whereunto their consent is necessary, they did of old and ought still, to meet in the same place for advise, consultation and consent, as was proved before. This is so fully expressed and exemplified in the two great Churches of Jerusalem and Antioch, Act. 15. that it cannot be gain-said. When Paul and Barnabas, sent by the Brethren or Church at Antioch (v. 1, 3.) were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the Church, as the Brethren are called in distinction from the Apostles and Elders, v. 4. So when the Apostles and Elders assembled to consider of the case proposed unto them, the whole multitude of the Church, that is the Brethren assembled with them, v. 6, 12. neither were they mute Persons, mere Auditors and Spectators in the Assembly, but they concurred both in the debate and determination of the Question; insomuch ⟨p. 50⟩as they are expressly joined with the Apostles and Elders in the advice given, ver. 22, 23. And when Paul and Barnabas returned unto Antioch, the multitude unto whom the Letter of the Church at Jerusalem was directed, came together about it, ver. 23.30. Unless this be observed the Primitive-Church-State is overthrown: But I shall return from this Digression.