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…

Having spoken then of that first key of order, namely, the key of power, (in a more large sense) or liberty in the Church, there remaineth the other key of order, which is the key of Authority or of Rule, in a more strict sense, which is in the Elders of the Church.

Authority is a moral power, in a superior order (or state) binding or releasing an inferiors in point of subjection.

Authoritie is a morall power, in a superiour order (or state) binding or releasing an inferious in point of subjection.

This key when it was promised to Peter, Matth. 16.19. and given to him with the rest of the Apostles, Joh. 20.23. they thereby had power to bind and loose: and it is the same Authority which is given to their successors the Elders whereby they are called to feed and rule the Church of God, as the Apostles had done before them. Act. 20.28. And indeed by opening and applying the Law (the spirit of bondage accompanying the same) they bind sinners under the curse, and their consciences under guilt of sin, and fear of wrath, and shut the kingdom of heaven against them. And by opening and applying the Gospel (the Spirit of Adoption accompanying the same) they remit sin, and loose the consciences of believing repenting souls from guilt of sin, and open to them the doors of heaven. By virtue of this key, as they preach with all authority, not only the doctrine of the Law, but also the Covenant of the Gospel; so they administer the seals thereof, Baptism, and the Lords Supper. By virtue also of this key, they with the Church do bind an obstinate offender under excommunication,