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…

But furthermore, touching this great work of communion and consociation of Churches, give us leave to add this caution;¹ To see that this consociation of Churches be not perverted, either to the oppression or diminution of the just liberty and authority of each particular Church within it self: who being well supplied with a faithful and expert Presbytery of their own, do walk in their integrity according to the truth and peace of the Gospel. Let Synods have their just authority in all Churches, how pure soever, in determining such [Greek or Hebrew], as are requisite for the edification of all Christs Churches according to God. But in the election and ordination of Officers, and censure of offenders, let it suffice the Churches consociate to assist one another, with their counsel, and right hand of fellowship, when they see a particular Church to use their liberty and power aright. But let them not put forth the power of their community, either to take such Church acts out of their hands, or to hinder them in their lawful course, unless they see them (through ignorance or weakness) to abuse their liberty and authority in the Gospel. All the liberties of Churches were purchased to them by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus: and therefore neither may the Churches give them away, nor many Churches take them out of the hands of one. They may indeed prevent the abuse of their liberties, and direct in the lawful use of them, but not take them away, though themselves should be willing. The Lord Jesus having given equal power to all the Apostles, it was not lawful for eleven of them to forbid the twelfth to do any act of his office without their intervention. Neither was it lawful for the nine who were of inferior gifts, to commit the guidance and command of all their Apostolic administrations unto Peter, James and John, who seemed to be pillars. And that, not only because they were all (one as well as another) immediately guided by the holy Ghost: but because they were all equal in office, and every one to give account for himself unto God.

But furthermore, touching this great work of communion and consociation of Churches, give us leave to adde this caution;¹ To see that this consociation of Churches be not perverted, either to the oppression or diminution of the just libertie and authoritie of each particular Church within it self: who being well supplied with a faithfull and expert Presbyterie of their own, do walk in their integritie according to the truth and peace of the Gospel. Let Synods have their just authoritie in all Churches, how pure soever, in determining such , as are requisite for the edification of all Christs Churches according to God. But in the election and ordination of Officers, and censure of offenders, let it suffice the Churches consociate to assist one another, with their counsell, and right hand of fellowship, when they see a particular Church to use their libertie and power aright. But let them not put forth the power of their communitie, either to take such Church acts out of their hands, or to hinder them in their lawfull course, unlesse they see them (through ignorance or weaknesse) to abuse their libertie and authoritie in the Gospel. All the liberties of Churches were purchased to them by the precious blood of the Lord Iesus: and therefore neither may the Churches give them away, nor many Churches take them out of the hands of one. They may indeed prevent the abuse of their liberties, and direct in the lawfull use of them, but not take them away, though themselves should be willing. The Lord Iesus having given equall power to all the Apostles, it was not lawfull for eleven of them to forbid the twelfth to do any act of his office without their intervention. Neither was it lawfull for the nine who were of inferiour gifts, to commit the guidance and command of all their Apostolick administrations unto Peter, Iames and Iohn, who seemed to be pillars. And that, not onely because they were all (one as well as another) immediately guided by the holy Ghost: but because they were all equall in office, and everie one to give account for himself unto God.