this synod, Acts xv., was such a one; and that this synod is a pattern
to us;--all this is most ingenuously acknowledged and asserted by that
learned Independent, Mr. John Cotton, in these words, viz:

"IV. Proposition, in case a particular church be disturbed with errors
of scandal, and the same maintained by a faction among them. Now a synod
of churches, or of their messengers, is the first subject of that power
and authority, whereby error is judicially convinced and condemned, the
truth searched out and determined; and the way of truth and peace
declared and imposed upon the churches.

"The truth of this proposition may appear by two arguments

"_Argum_. 1. From the want of power in such a particular church, to pass
a binding sentence where error or scandal is maintained by a faction;
for the promise of binding and loosing which is made to a particular
church, Matt, xviii. 18, is not given to the church when it is leavened
with error and variance. And the ground----If then the church, or a
considerable part of it, fall into error through ignorance, or into
faction; by variance, they cannot expect the presence of Christ with
them according to his promise, to pass a blind sentence. And then as
they fall under the conviction and admonition of any other sister
church, in a way of brotherly love, by virtue of communion of churches;
so their errors and variance, and whatsoever scandals else do accompany
the same, they are justly subject to the condemnation of a synod of
churches.

"2. A second argument to prove that a synod is the first subject of
power, to determine and judge errors and variances in particular
churches, is taken from the pattern set before us in that case, Acts xv.
1-28: when certain false teachers having taught in the church of Antioch
a necessity of circumcision to salvation, and having gotten a faction to
take part with them, (as appeareth by the dissension and disputation of
Paul and Barnabas against them,) the church did not determine the case
themselves, but referred the whole matter to the _apostles and elders at
Jerusalem_, Acts xv. 1, 2. Not to the apostles alone, but to the
apostles and elders. The apostles were as the elders and rulers of all
churches; and the elders there were not a few, the believers in
Jerusalem being many thousands. Neither did the apostles determine the
matter (as hath been said) by apostolical authority from immediate
revelation: but they assembled together with the