The keys of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word…The keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word…

5. It is an act of the key of Authority, that the Elders open the doors of speech and silence in the Assembly. They were the Rulers of the Synagogue, who sent to Paul and Barnabas to open their mouths in a word of exhortation, Act. 13.15. and it is the same power which calleth men to speak, to put men to silence when they speak amiss. And yet when the Elders themselves do lie under offence, or under suspicion of it, the Brethren have liberty to require satisfaction, in a modest manner, concerning any public breach of rule, as hath been mentioned above out of Act. 11.2, 3, &c.

5. It is an act of the key of Authoritie, that the Elders open the doores of speech and silence in the Assembly. They were the Rulers of the Synagogue, who sent to Paul and Barnabas to open their mouthes in a word of exhortation, Act. 13.15. and it is the same power which calleth men to speak, to put men to silence when they speak amisse. And yet when the Elders themselves do lie under offence, or under suspition of it, the Brethren have liberty to require satisfaction, in a modest manner, concerning any publick breach of rule, as hath been mentioned above out of Act. 11.2, 3, &c.

6. It belongeth to the Elders to prepare matters beforehand, which are to be transacted by themselves, or others in the face of the Congregation, as the Apostles and Elders being met at the house of James, gave direction to Paul, how to carry himself, that he might prevent the offence of the Church, when he should appear before them. Act. 21.18. Hence when the offence of a brother is (according to the rule in