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 whether the Church hath power or liberty for proceeding to the utmost censure of their whole Presbytery, is a Question of more difficulty.

But whether the Church hath power or libertie for proceeding to the utmost censure of their whole Presbytery, is a Question of more difficultie.

For 1. It cannot well be conceived that the whole Presbytery should be proceeded against, but that by reason of their strong influence into the hearts of many of the Brethren, a strong party of the Brethren will be ready to side with them: and in case of finding dissension and opposition, the Church ought not to proceed without consulting with the Synod. As when there arose dissension in the ⟨p. 16⟩Church at Antioch, and SIDING, (or as the word is [Greek or Hebrew]) they sent up to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem, who in way of Synod determined the business, Act. 15.2. to 23. A precedent and pattern of due Church proceedings in case of dissension, when some take with one side, some with another. But of that more here after.

For 1. It cannot well be conceived that the whole Presbytery should be proceeded against, but that by reason of their strong influence into the hearts of many of the Brethren, a strong partie of the Brethren will be ready to side with them: and in case of finding dissension and opposition, the Church ought not to proceed without consulting with the Synod. As when there arose dissension in the ⟨p. 16⟩Church at Antioch, and SIDING, (or as the word is 〈non-Latin alphabet〉) they sent up to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem, who in way of Synod determined the businesse, Act. 15.2. to 23. A precedent and patterne of due Church proceedings in case of dissension, when some take with one side, some with another. But of that more here after.