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…

3. A third argument to prove this, is usually and justly taken from the practice and example of the Church of Corinth, in the excommunication of the incestuous Corinthian, 1 Cor. 5.1. to 5.

Obj. 1. The excommunication of the incestuous Corinthian, was not an act of judicial authority in the church of Corinth, whether Elders or Brethren, but rather an act of subjection to the Apostle, publishing the sentence, which the Apostle had before decreed and judged: for (saith the Apostle) I though absent in body, yet present in spirit, have judged already, concerning him that hath done this deed, &c.

Obj. 1. The excommunication of the incestuous Corinthian, was not an act of judiciall authority in the church of Corinth, whether Elders or Brethren, but rather an act of subjection to the Apostle, publishing the sentence, which the Apostle had before decreed and judged: for (saith the Apostle) I though absent in body, yet present in spirit, have judged already, concerning him that hath done this deed, &c.

Answ. 1. Though Paul (as a chief Officer of every church) judged before-hand the excommunication of the incestuous Corinthian: ⟨p. 45⟩yet his judgement was not a judicial sentence, delivering him to Satan, but a judicious doctrine and instruction, teaching the Church what they ought to do in that case.

Answ. 1. Though Paul (as a chiefe Officer of every church) judged before-hand the excommunication of the incestuous Corinthian: ⟨p. 45⟩