The reasons of the Dissenting Brethren against the third proposition, concerning presbyterial government· Humbly…

Reasons and Answers to the Appendix added to the former Proofs, viz. That the dispersion mentioned in Acts 8. 1. doth not simply prove such a scattering, as that there might not remain more Congregations then one in that Church, Acts 9. 31. Acts 12. 24. Acts 21. 20.

Reasons and Answers to the Appendix added to the former Proofes, viz. That the dispersion mentioned in Acts 8. 1. doth not simply prove such a scattering, as that there might not remaine more Congregations then one in that Church, Acts 9. 31. Acts 12. 24. Acts 21. 20.

Thus having showed the multitudes not arising to that number, but, that they might meet in one, now after the dispersion much less, and to that end let the greatness of the Persecution be considered to demonstrate the greatness of this dispersion; Its called not a Persecution only, but a great Persecution, both extensively and intensively, for the extent of it to all sorts of persons, entering into every house, vers 3. and for the height of it, it being to imprisonment, even unto death, Chap. 22. 4. Acts 26. 10. It is also called, a making havoc of the Church, vers. 9. The object of this Persecution was not Preachers only but Christians of all sorts indifferently, for it is said indefinitely to be upon the Church, vers. 1. and vers. 3. It is called an entering into every house, hailing men and women: and in Chap. 26. Paul speaking of this very Persecution (wherein he had a special hand) says vers. 10. that he imprisoned many of the Saints (not Preachers only) and ver. 9. his aim was promiscuously against the Name of Jesus, and so any that professed his Name: Unto this end compare the varying the expression used by the Holy Ghost,