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…

2. A second Argument to prove that a Synod is the first subject of power, to determine and judge errors and variances in particular churches, is taken from the pattern set before us in that case, Act. 15.1. to 28. when certain false Teachers, having taught in the church of Antioch, a necessity of circumcision to salvation, and having gotten a faction to take part with them, (as appeareth by the [Greek or Hebrew] & [Greek or Hebrew] of Paul and Barnabas against them) the church did not determine the case themselves, but referred the whole matter to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem, Act. 15.1, 2. Not to the Apostles alone, but to the Apostles and Elders. The Apostles were as the Elders and Rulers of all churches; and the Elders there were not a few, the Believers in Jerusalem being many thousands. Neither did the Apostles determine the matter (as hath been said) by Apostolical authority from immediate revelation; but they assembled together with the Elders, to consider of the matter, v. 6. and a multitude of Brethren together with them (v. 12.22, 23.) and after, searching out the cause by an ordinary means of disputation, v. 7. Peter cleared it by the witness of the Spirit to his Ministry in Cornelius his family; Paul and Barnabas by the like effect of their ⟨p. 49⟩Ministry among the Gentiles • James confirmed the same by the testimony of the Prophets, wherewith the whole Synod being satisfied, they determine of a judicial sentence, and of a way to publish it by letters and messengers; in which they censure the false Teachers, as troublers of their Church, and subverters of their souls; they reject the imposition of circumcision, as a yoke which neither they nor their fathers were able to bear: they impose upon the churches none but some necessary observations, and them by way of that authority which the Lord had given them, v. 28. Which pattern clearly showeth us to whom the key of authority is committed, when there groweth offence and difference in a church. Look as in the case of the offence of a faithful brother persisted in, the matter is at last judged and determined in a church, which is a Congregation of the faithful: so in the case of the offence of the church or congregation, the matter is at last judged in a congregation of churches, a Church of churches: for what is a Synod else but a Church of churches?