All which, are fully and largely handled by the Reverend Assembly of Divines in a book of theirs, printed by Authority of Parliament.

2. That the Scripture speaks of Synods with Ecclesiastical Authority, this is evident from Act. 15. in which Chapter, two things are to be observed:

1. That the Apostles in that Meeting, did not act as Apostles with infallible authority, but as Elders, in such a way as makes that Meeting, a pattern for ordinary Synods.

For the proof of this, we offer these reasons.

1. Because Paul and Barnabas did willingly submit to be sent from Antioch to Jerusalem, which they needed not have done (one of them at least being an Apostle) nor could have done, had they acted as Apostles, and not as Members, for that time, of the Presbytery of Antioch, Act. 15.2.

2. Because Paul and Barnabas were sent not only to the Apostles at Jerusalem, but to the Apostles and Elders, which at that time were not a few (the Believers in Jerusalem being many thousands) which proves, that they sent not unto the Apostles as extraordinary and infallible (for then what need the advice of the Elders?) but as wise and holy Guides of the Church, who might not only relieve them by some wise counsel, but also set a president unto succeeding Ages, how Errours and Dissentions in the Church might be removed and healed; as Mr. Cotton observes, in his book of the Keyes, &c. pag. 23.

Mr. Cotton of the Keyes.

3. Because in the Synod, the Apostles did not determine the thing in question, by Apostolical Authority, from immediate revelation, but assembled together with the Elders to consider of the matter, Act. 15.6. and a Multitude of the Brethren together with them, Act. 15.12, 22, 23. And there the question was stated, and debated from Scripture in an ordinary way. Peter proves it by the witnesse of the Spirit to his Ministry, in Cornelius his Family, Paul and Barnabas by the like effect of their Ministry amongst the Gentiles. James confirmed the same by the testimony of the Prophets; with which, the whole Synod being satisfied, they determine of a judicial sentence, and of a way to publish it by letters and messages.

4. Because the Decrees of the Synod are put forth in the name, not only of the Apostles, but of the Apostles and Elders, Act. 15.22, 23. Act. 16.4. Act. 21.25.

The second thing to be observed in that Chapter, is,