, and John xx. 21-23;
so that originally the apostles and their successors were the only first
subject and immediate receptacle of all the keys from Christ. And though
since, for assistance and case of the pastor, they are divided into more
hands--viz. of the ruling elder, Rom. xii. 8; 1 Cor. xii. 28; 1 Tim. v.
17--yet originally the subject was but one. Further, here is just ground
for many particular exceptions: as, 1. That every believer, whether
joined to any particular church or not, is made the first subject of the
key of knowledge, which seems to be extremely absurd: for then every
particular believer, gifted or ungifted, strong or weak, man, woman, or
child, hath power to preach, (taking the key of knowledge here for the
key of doctrine, as it ought to be taken, or else it is no
ecclesiastical key at all,) which is one of the highest offices, and
which the great apostle said, "Who is sufficient for these things?" 2
Cor. ii. 16. How unscriptural and irrational this is, all may judge.
Then also some of the keys may be committed to such as are without the
Church. Then finally, it is possible to be a believer, and yet in no
visible church; (for Independents hold there is no church but a
particular congregation, which is their only church:) but a man is no
sooner a true believer, but he is a member of the invisible Church: he
is no sooner a professed believer, but he is a member of the general
visible Church, though he be joined to no particular congregation. 2.
That a particular congregation of saints is made the first subject of
all the church offices, with all their spiritual gifts and power, 1 Cor.
iii. 22. But is the word subject used here properly, for the first
subject recipient of all church offices, with all their gifts and power?
Then the congregation of saints are either officers themselves formally,
and can execute the function of all sorts of officers, and have all
gifts to that end; what need then is there of any select officers? for
they can make officers virtually, and furnish those officers with gifts
and power to that end; but who gave them any such authority? Or what
apostolical church ever assumed to themselves any such thing? Officers,
not churches, are the first subject of such gifts and power. Is the word
subject here used improperly, for object, whose good all offices with
their gifts and power are given? Then not any particular congregation,
but the whole general visible Church is the object fo