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…

And though in a Synod they have received power from Christ, and from his presence in the Synod, to exercise Authority in imposing burdens (such as the holy Ghost layeth) upon all Churches whose Elders are present with them, Act. 15.28. (for the Apostles were Elders in all Churches) yet the Elders of every particular Church, when they walk with the brethren of their own Church in light and peace, they need not to derive from the Synod any power to impose the same, or the like burdens upon their own Churches. For they have received a power and charge from Christ, to teach and command with all authority the whole counsel of God unto their people. And the people discerning the light of the truth delivered, and walking in peace with their Elders, they readily yield obedience to their Over-seers, in whatsoever they see and hear by them commended to them from the Lord.

And though in a Synod they have received power from Christ, and from his presence in the Synod, to exercise Authoritie in imposing burthens (such as the holy Ghost layeth) upon all Churches whose Elders are present with them, Act. 15.28. (for the Apostles were Elders in all Churches) yet the Elders of every particular Church, when they walk with the brethren of their own Church in light and peace, they need not to derive from the Synod any power to impose the same, or the like burthens upon their owne Churches. For they have received a power and charge from Christ, to teach and command with all authoritie the whole counsell of God unto their people. And the people discerning the light of the truth delivered, and walking in peace with their Elders, they readily yeeld obedience to their Over-seers, in whatsoever they see and hear by them commended to them from the Lord.

3. Now we come to the third branch of the third Proposition, which was this. That the Church of a particular congregation, Elders and Brethren walking and joining together in truth and peace, are the first subject of all Church-power, needful to be exercised within themselves, whether in the election or ordination of officers, or in the censure of offenders in their own body.