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…

3. The Brethren of the Church have power and liberty of propounding any just exception against such as offer themselves to be admitted unto their communion, or unto the seals of it: Hence Saul, when he offered himself to the communion of the Church at Jerusalem was not at first admitted thereto, upon an exception taken against him by the Disciples till that exception was removed, Act. 9.26, 27. and Peter did not admit the family of Cornelius to Baptism, till he had inquired of the Brethren, if any of them had any exception against it, Act. 10.47.

3. The Brethren of the Church have power and liberty of propounding any just exception against such as offer themselves to be admitted unto their communion, or unto the seales of it: Hence Saul, when hee offered himself to the communion of the Church at Jerusalem was not at first admitted thereto, upon an exception taken against him by the Disciples till that exception was removed, Act. 9.26, 27. and Peter did not admit the family of Cornelius to Baptisme, till he had inquired of the Brethren, if any of them had any exception against it, Act. 10.47.

4. As the Brethren have a power of order, and the privilege to expostulate with their Brethren, in case of private scandals, according to the rule, Mat. 18.15, 16. So in case of public scandal, the whole Church of Brethren have power and privilege to join with the Elders, in inquiring, hearing, judging of public scandals; so as to bind notorious offenders and impenitents under censure, and to forgive the repentant: For when Christ commandeth a brother, in case that offence cannot be healed privately, then to tell the Church,