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…

II. Propos. The Apostles of Christ were the first subject of Apostolical power; Apostolical power stood chiefly in two things: First, in that each Apostle had in him all ministerial power of all the officers of the Church. They by virtue of their office might exhort as Pastors, 1 Tim. 2.1. teach as Teachers, 1 Tim. 2.7. rule as Rulers. 2 Tim. 4.1. receive and distribute the oblations of the Church as Deacons, Act. 4.35. yea, any one Apostle or Evangelist carried about with him the liberty and power of the whole Church; and therefore might Baptize; yea, and censure an offender too, as if he had the presence and concurrence of the whole Church with him. For we read that Philip baptized the Eunuch without the presence of any Church, Act. 8.38. And that Paul himself excommunicated Alexander, 1 Tim. 1.20. and it is not mentioned that he took the consent of any Church or Presbytery in it. It is true indeed, where he could have the consent and concurse of the Church and Presbytery in exercise of any act of church-power, he willingly took it, and joined with it, as in the ordination of Timothy (2 Tim. 1.6. with 1 Tim. 4.14.) and in the excommunication of the incestuous Corinthian, 1 Cor. 5.4, 5. But when both himself and the person to be baptized, or ordained, or excommunicated, were absent and distant from all churches, the Apostles might proceed to put forth their power in the administration of any church act without them. The amplitude and plenitude of power, which they received immediately from Christ, would bear them out in it. As my Father sent me (saith Christ) to wit, with amplitude and plenitude of sovereign power, so send I you (with like amplitude and plenitude of ministerial power)