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…

7. In the handling of an offence before the Church, the Elders have authority both Jus dicere, and Sententiam sere; When the offence appeareth truly scandalous; the Elders have power from God to inform the Church, what the Law (or Rule and will) of Christ is for the censure of such an offence: And when the Church discerns the same, and hath no just exception against it, but condescendeth thereto, it is a further act of the Elders power, to give sentence against the offender. Both these acts of power in the Ministers of the Gospel, are foretold by Ezekiel, Chap. 44.23, 24. They shall teach my people the difference between holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgement, and they shall judge it according to my judgement, &c.

7. In the handling of an offence before the Church, the Elders have authoritie both Jus dicere, and Sententiam serre; When the offence appeareth truly scandalous; the Elders have power from God to informe the Church, what the Law (or Rule and will) of Christ is for the censure of such an offence: And when the Church discerns the same, and hath no just exception against it, but condescendeth thereto, it is a further act of the Elders power, to give sentence against the offender. Both these acts of power in the Ministers of the Gospel, are foretold by Ezekiel, Chap. 44.23, 24. They shall teach my people the difference between holy and prophane, and cause them to discerne between the uncleane and the cleane. And in controversie they shall stand in judgement, and they shall judge it according to my judgement, &c.

8. The Elders have power to dismiss the Church, with a blessing in the name of the Lord, Num. 6.23. to 26. Heb. 7.7.

8. The Elders have power to dismisse the Church, with a blessing in the name of the Lord,