B20727:141
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…
The keys of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word of God / by Mr. John Cotton ...The keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof according to the word of God / by Mr. Iohn Cotton ...
London: printed by M. Simmons for Henry Overton, 1644
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But though it may not be denied, that the Brethren of the church present in the Synod, had all this power of liberty, to join with the Apostles and Elders in all these acts of the Synod; yet the authority of the Decrees lay chiefly (if not only) in the Apostles and Elders. And therefore it is said, Act. 16.4. That Paul and Silas delivered to the Churches for to keep the Decrees that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders: So then it will be most safe to preserve to the Church of Brethren their due liberties, and to reserve to the Elders their due authority.
But though it may not be denyed, that the Brethren of the church present in the Synod, had all this power of liberty, to joyn with the Apostles and Elders in all these acts of the Synod; yet the authority of the Decrees lay chiefly (if not only) in the Apostles and Elders. And therefore it is said, Act. 16.4. That Paul and Silas delivered to the Churches for to keep the Decrees that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders: So then it will be most safe to preserve to the Church of Brethren their due liberties, and to reserve to the Elders their due authority.
If it be said, The Elders assembled in a Synod, have no authority to determine or conclude any act that shall bind the Churches, but according to the instructions which before they have received from the Churches.
If it be said, The Elders assembled in a Synod, have no authority to determine or conclude any act that shall binde the Churches, but according to the instructions which before they have received from the Churches.
Answ. We do not so apprehend it; For what need Churches send to a Synod for light and direction in ways of truth and peace, if they be resolved afore-hand how far they will go? It is true, if the Elders of Churches shall conclude in a Synod any thing prejudicial to the truth and peace of the Gospel, they may justly expostulate with them at their return, and refuse such sanctions as the Lord hath not sancited. But if the Elders be gathered in the name of Christ in a Synod, and proceed according to the rule (the word)