: The true stating of this question about the divine
right of synods, and of their power, well weigh these few
considerations.

1. Synods differ in some respects from classical presbyteries, handled
in Chap. XIII., though the nature and kind of their power be the same
for substance. For, 1. Synods are more large extensive assemblies than
classical presbyteries, the members of presbyteries being sent only from
several single congregations, the members of synods being delegated from
several presbyteries, and proportionably their power is extended also.
2. The exercise of government by presbyteries, is the common ordinary
way of government held forth in Scripture. By synods it is more rare and
extraordinary, at least in great part, as in case of extraordinary
causes that fall out: as, for choosing an apostle, Acts i., healing of
scandals, &c., Acts xv.

2. All synods are of the same nature and kind, whether provincial,
national, or ecumenical, though they differ as lesser and greater, in
respect of extent, from one another, (the provincial having as full
power within their bounds, as the national or ecumenical within theirs.)
So that the proving of the divine right of synods indefinitely and in
general, doth prove also the divine right of provincial, national, and
ecumenical synods in particular: for, greater and lesser do not vary the
species or kind. What is true of ecclesiastical synods in general,
agrees to every such synod in particular.

_Object_. But why hath not the Scripture determined these assemblies in
particular?

_Ans_. 1. It is not necessary the Scripture should in every case descend
to particulars. In things of one and the same kind, general rules may
serve for all particulars; especially seeing particulars are so
innumerable, what volumes would have contained all particulars? 2. All
churches and seasons are not capable of synods provincial or national:
for, in an island there may be no more Christians than to make up one
single congregation, or one classical presbytery. Or in a nation, the
Christian congregations may be so few, or so dispersed, or so involved
in persecution, that they cannot convene in synods, &c.

3. The power of synods contended for, is, 1. Not civil; they have no
power to take cognizance of civil causes, as such; not to inflict any
civil punishments; as fines, imprisonments, confiscations, banishments,
death, (these being proper to the civil magistrate:) but merely
spiritual; they