_Except_. But can any think the teachers were scattered, and the
ordinary believers were not, except we suppose the people more
courageous to stay by it than their teachers?

_Ans_. It is hard to say, that those that are scattered in a
persecution, are less courageous than those that stay and suffer. In the
time of the bishops' tyranny, many of the Independent ministers did
leave this kingdom, while others of their brethren did abide by it,
endured the heat and burden of the day, "had trial of cruel mockings,
bonds and imprisonments:" now the Independent ministers that left us,
would think we did them wrong, should we say that they were less
courageous than those that stayed behind, enduring the hot brunt of
persecution.

II. From the multitude of church officers in Jerusalem, it may further
appear, that there were more congregations than one in the church of
Jerusalem. For there were many apostles, prophets, and elders in this
church of Jerusalem, as is plain, if we consider these following
passages in the Acts of the Apostles. After Christ's ascension, "the
eleven apostles returned to Jerusalem, and continued in prayer and
supplication," Acts i. 12-14. Matthias chosen by lot, was also "numbered
with the eleven apostles," Acts i. 26. "And when the day of Pentecost
was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place," Acts ii. 1.
"Peter standing up with the eleven, lift up his voice and said," Acts
ii. 14. "They were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the
rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Acts ii. 37.
"And the same day there were added about three thousand souls, and they
continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers," Acts ii. 42. "And with great power
gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus," Acts