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…

5. A fifth and last Corollary arising from the former discourse, touching the independency of churches, may be this; Though the church of a particular Congregation, consisting of Elders and Brethren, and walking with a right foot in the truth and peace of the Gospel, be the first subject of all church-power needful to be exercised within it self; and consequently be independent from any other church or Synod in the use of it; yet it is a safe and whole some, and holy Ordinance of Christ, for such particular churches to join together in holy Covenant or Communion, and consolation amongst themselves, to administer all their church affairs, (which are of weighty, and difficult and common concernment) not without common consultation and consent of other churches about them. Now church-affairs of weighty and difficult and common concernment, we account to be ⟨p. 55⟩the election and ordination of Elders, excommunication of an Elder, or any person of public note, and employment: the translation of an Elder from one Church to another, or the like. In which case we conceive it safe and wholesome, and an holy ordinance to proceed with common consultation and consent. Safe, for in multitude of counsellors there is safety (as in civill, so in Church affairs) Prov. 11.14. And though this or that Church may be of a good and strong constitution, and walk with a right foot in the truth, and peace of the Gospel: yet all Churches are not in a like athletic plight, and they will be Joath to call in, or look out for help as much or more then others, though they have more need then others: yea, and the best Churches may soon degenerate, and stand in as much need of help as others, and for want of it may sink and fall into deep Apostasy, which other Churches might have prevented, had they discerned it at first.

5. A fifth and last Corollary arising from the former discourse, touching the independency of churches, may be this; Though the church of a particular Congregation, consisting of Elders and Brethren, and walking with a right foot in the truth and peace of the Gospel, be the first subject of all church-power needfull to be exercised within it selfe; and consequently be independent from any other church or Synod in the use of it; yet it is a safe and whole some, and holy Ordinance of Christ, for such particular churches to joyn together in holy Covenant or Communion, and consolation amongst themselves, to administer all their church affairs, (which are of weighty, and difficult and common concernment) not without common consultation and consent of other churches about them. Now church-affaires of weighty and difficult and common concernment, wee account to be