up from presbyteries-to review their proceedings and generally, to take such order with respect to the presbyteries, sessions, and people, under their care, as may be in conformity with the word of God, and for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ.

172. Is there any appeal from the judgment of the synod?

Yes there is an appeal to the General Assembly, the greatest and highest court of the church.

SECTION VIII.

Of the General Assembly.

173. How then do you describe the General Assembly?

It is the highest judicatory of the church, representing in one body or court-through their bishops and elders, which are delegated by the Presbyteries-all the particular congregations under its jurisdiction; it being in fact a larger synod.

174. Is there any warrant for such an assembly of the rulers of the church, in the scriptures?

There is a warrant for it in the council held at Jerusalem, as recorded in the fifteenth chapter of Acts.

1 Cor. xiv, 40. Let all things be done decently, and in order. Ezek. xliii, 12. This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain, the whole limit thereof round about shall be most

E

holy. Behold, this is the law of the house. See also 2 Chron. xix, 8.

175. Will you state the grounds of this opinion?

First, a question which arose at Antioch, affecting the faith and practice of all the churches of Christ, was referred for settlement to this Assembly.

Acts xv, 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this ques

tion.

Secondly, this assembly consisted of the rulers of the church, while it was open to the people.

Acts xv, 6, 12. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Thirdly, this assembly decided the question submitted to it, not by inspiration, but after discussion; and as would appear, under the ordinary guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Acts xv, 7, 22, 28. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.

Fourthly, we find, that in this assembly, one member proposed a resolution, which was unanimously adopted as the opinion of the whole body.

Acts xv, 19, 22. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren.

Fifthly, the decision which was thus made, was authoritative, extended to all the churches, and was sent down to them, and read in them.

Acts xv, 28. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. Acts xvi, 4. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

And, sixthly, the members of this synod were delegated, not by any single individual or prelate, but by the presbytery of Antioch, in conjunction with the other churches.

Acts xv, 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

SECTION IX.

Of the other bodies appointed by the church.

176. Who has the power of calling these several councils, or church courts, together?

The right of calling, and dissolving all ecclesiastical courts, is by the Head of the church, exclusively vested in church officers.

Matt. xvi, 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

177. While these are the regular, and constitutional courts of the church, is it lawful and proper, for the church to appoint other bodies, for the purpose of carrying out its plans, and executing its will?

These several courts of the church, certainly have power to appoint any body, to carry into execution any plans, or operations, which it is competent for these courts severally to undertake; provided, they do not themselves transcend the powers given to them by the constitution, or give to these bodies, powers greater than they themselves possess.

178. What bodies of this kind, are employed by the several courts of the church?

There are committees to prepare, or finish any assigned business; agents to discharge any specified duty, on behalf of the body appointing them and Boards or Committees, to whom is entrusted the management of the various benevolent operations in which the church is engaged.

CHAPTER V.

POWER OF THE CHURCH.

SECTION I.

Of the nature of church power.

179. Do the officers of the church possess any authority over its members?

Every office implies some authority; and a church officer without power to sustain his office, would be an anomaly.

180. Why is such power necessary to the officers of the church?

Because the members of the church, as such, are separated from the rest of mankind, and profess to believe in Christ; and it is made the duty of church officers, to preserve this character of the church.

181. Is this power clearly ascribed to the officers of the church, in scripture?

Yes, obedience is required from all the members of the church, to those who rule over them in the Lord.