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…

And the giving of these keys, implieth, that Christ investeth those to whom he giveth them, with a power to open, and shut the gates of both. And this power lieth partly in their spiritual calling (whether it be their office, or their place and order in the Church:) and partly in the concurse and co-operation of the Spirit of Christ, accompanying the right dispensation of these keys; that is, of these Ordinances according to his will.

And the giving of these keyes, implyeth, that Christ investeth those to whom he giveth them, with a power to open, and shut the gates of both. And this power lyeth partly in their spirituall calling (whether it be their office, or their place and order in the Church:) and partly in the concurse and co-operation of the Spirit of Christ, accompanying the right dispensation of these keyes; that is, of these Ordinances according to his will.

Moreover, these keys are neither Sword nor Sceptre; No Sword, for they convey not civill power of bodily life and death; nor Sceptre, for they convey not Sovereign or Legislative power over the Church, but stewardly and ministerial. As the key of the House of David was given to Hilkiah (Isa. 22.22.) who succeeded Shebna in his office; and his office was [Greek or Hebrew] over the house, v. 15. and the same word over the house, is translated steward in the house, Gen. 43.19.

Moreover, these keys are neither Sword nor Scepter; No Sword, for they convey not civill power of bodily life and death; nor Scepter, for they convey not Soveraigne or Legislative power over the Church, but stewardly and ministeriall. As the key of the House of David was given to Hilkiah (Isa. 22.22.) who succeeded Shebna in his office; and his office was 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 over the house, v. 15. and the same word over the house, is translated steward in the house,