Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances and appointments the best means to preserve…

For the clearing up of this, know that there is a three-fold derivative power, which the Lord hath given to the Church jointly, and not to Elders only: Which may be miserably abused, and so provoke the Lord to take it away from their hands till they know better how to use it; yet when 'tis used according to Christ, now not to be under the power of it, which is Christ, power delegated to it, is to cast off Christs Government. And I am confident, the bondage of all the Churches in Christendom, if ye examine the Churches, is continued, because the Lord sees hearts unwilling to submit to him in the government of Churches; and will continue it till Churches know how to use it, and men lye down to the power of it.

For the clearing up of this, know that there is a three-fold derivative power, which the Lord hath given to the Church joyntly, and not to Elders only: Which may be miserably abused, and so provoke the Lord to take it away from their hands till they know better how to use it; yet when 'tis used according to Christ, now not to be under the power of it, which is Christ, power delegated to it, is to cast off Christs Government. And I am confident, the bondage of all the Churches in Christendome, if ye examine the Churches, is continued, because the Lord sees hearts unwilling to submit to him in the government of Churches; and will continue it till Churches know how to use it, and men lye down to the power of it.

1. They have a power given them from Christ, of §1opening and shutting the doors of the Church, the Kingdom of God on earth: i. e. of letting in, and keeping out any according to Christ; into, or out of their communion: and this I conceive to be one part of the power of the Keys, committed to the Church: The chief office of which, is to open and shut; to receive in, and keep out according to Christ; and hence the three thousand were added to the Church, though the Apostles were guides therein: and Acts 9. 26. Paul would have joined himself, but they would not accept of him; because, they were afraid of him. No body natural or politic, but they have power to receive to them the useful, & keep from them the hurtful; so, much more Christs spiritual body. And hence, the Church of Ephesus is commended,