not _only ten thousand_ in the
singular number, but _ten thousands, myriads_, in the plural number: nor
only _myriads, ten thousands_, in the plural number, but _how many ten
thousands_; we cannot in reason imagine but there were at least three
ten thousands, viz: thirty thousand believers, and how all they should
meet together in one congregation for all ordinances, let the reader
judge. Thus far of the proof, from the multitude of believers in the
church of Jerusalem.

_Except_. But the five thousand mentioned Acts iv. 4, are no new number
added to the three thousand, but the three thousand included in the five
thousand, as Calvin and Beza think.

_Ans_. 1. Then it is granted that five thousand one hundred and twenty,
besides an innumerable addition of converts, were in Jerusalem; which if
such a number, and multitudes besides, could for edification meet in one
place, to partake of all the ordinances, let the reader judge.

2. Though Calvin and Beza think the three thousand formerly converted to
be included in this number of five thousand, Acts iv. 4, yet divers both
ancient and modern interpreters are of another mind, as Augustine. There
came unto the body of the Lord in number three thousand faithful men;
also by another miracle wrought, there came other five thousand.[110]
These five thousand are altogether diverse from the three thousand
converted at the first sermon: so Lorinus, Aretius, and divers others.

3. Besides a great number of testimonies, there are reasons to induce us
to believe, that the three thousand are not included in the five
thousand, viz: 1. As the three thousand mentioned in Acts ii. 41, did
not comprehend the one hundred and twenty mentioned Acts i. 15, so it
holds in proportion that the three thousand mentioned there, are not
comprehended here in Acts iv. 4. Besides, 2. This sermon was not by
intention to the church, or numbers already converted, but by occasion
of the multitude flocking together to behold the miracle Peter and John
wrought on the "man that was lame from his mother's womb;" as Acts iii.
10-12; so that 'tis more than probable that the five thousand mentioned
Acts iv. 4, are a number superadded besides the three thousand already
converted.

_Except_. But suppose such a number as three thousand, and afterwards
five thousand were converted in Jerusalem, yet these remained not
constant members of that Church, for the three thousand were not
dwellers at Jerusalem, but strange