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…

Again, in all humility, we yet see not that Assembly of Apostles, Elders, and Brethren, Acts 15. to have been a formal Synod, of Messengers, sent, out of a set and combined association from neighbour Churches; but an Assembly of the Church of Jerusalem and of the Messengers from the Church of Antioch alone; that were far remote each from other, and electively now met: Nor are we for the present convinced that the Apostles to the end to make this a Precedent of such a formal Synod, did act therein as Ordinary Elders, and not out of Apostolical guidance & assistance; But we rather conceive (if we would simply consider the mutual aspects which these two Churches and their Elders stood in this conjunction, abstracting from them that influence and impression wch (that superior Sphere) the Apostles who were then present had in this transaction) this to have been a Consultation (as the learned Author doth also acknowledge it to have been in its first original, only rising up to be a General Council by the Apostles presence, they being Elders of all the Churches;) or if you will, a reference by way of Arbitration for deciding of that great controversy risen amongst them at Antioch, which they found to be too difficult for themselves; and so to be a warrant indeed for all such ways of communion between all, or any, especially neighbour Churches; and upon like occasions to be Ordinances furnished with ministerial power for such ends and purposes. Our ⟨image 5⟩reasons for this, we are now many ways bound up from giving the account of, in this way, and at this season; But however if it should have been so intended as the learned Author judgeth, and the Apostles to have acted therein as ordinary Elders, yet the lines of that proportion of power that could be drawn from that pattern would extend no further then a Ministerial Doctrinal power, &c. in such Assemblies, which we willingly grant. And it may be observed with what a wary eye and exact aim he takes the latitude and elevation of that power there held forth, not daring to attribute the least, either for kind or degree, then what that example warrants, which was at utmost but a Doctrinal decernement both of the truth of that controversy they were consulted in; as also the matter of fact in those that had taught the contrary, as belyers of them and subverters of the faith;

Againe, in all humility, we yet see not that Assembly of Apostles, Elders, and Brethren,