NMI 20 The `Preface. was left unto them. And hencedid Lome of the Clergy begin to affume to themfelves, and to,afcribe untoone another, great fwelling Titles ofHonour, and names of, Dignity, (amongft which the Blafphemous Title of His Holineff was at length appropriated unto the `I3ijl.>op of Conte) whereinthey openly departed from Apoflolical Simplicity and Gravity. But there things fell out after the writing' of the Epiftle of Clemens, of thole ofthe ChurchofVienna, and Smyrna, wherein no filchTitlesdo appear. (a.) Many of the Particular Churches of the firft `Plantations, encreafing greatly in the number of their Members, it was neither convenient nor fafe' that the whole Multitude lhould on all oecations come together its they did at firft, to confult about their common con- cerns, and difcharge the Duties of their Communion. For by Reafon of Danger from their, numerous Conventi- ons, they met in feveral Parcels,' as they had opportu- nity. Herewith they were contented, únlefs it wereup= on the greater occafions ofchon!ing their Officers and the like,whereonthe whole Churchmet together. This made them leave the ordinary Adminiftrationof all things in the Church, unto the Elders ofit, not concerning them- felves further therein, but Bill confirming Members of the fame particular Church. It is altogether improbable what Platina fromDaníafís affirmes in the Life ofEva ri/1irs about the End ofthe firft Century, that he difiri buted the Faithful at Rome into diftin& Titles or Pa- rifhes, with d ine# `Presbyters of their own. For it is.. apparent that in thole days wherein Perfecution was at its height, that the Meetings of Believers' were cccalional, with refpeCt unto their , Security, oft-times by Night, fometimes in' Caves tinder the Earth,. or in deferted Burial
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