A disquisition concerning ecclesiastical councils. Proving, that not only pastors, but brethren delegated by…

4. The Affirmative does not agree with the Doctrine of the most Reformed Churches at this day, Whether Presbyterian or Congregational; If it had been thus Expressed, no Act of the Council shall be decisive without the major part of the Elders, it had been ⟨p. 23⟩(tho' not justifiable) yet less Exceptionable. But as it is now Expressed, it makes Ruling Elders, as well as Brethren in Councils to signify very Little. When the Scripture informs us that the Synodal Decrees of the Council at Jerusalem were Consented to by the Elders; our incomparable Parker observes, that Ruling, as well as Teaching Elders were Comprehended under that Expression. A Ruling Elder has not that Doctrinal Authority, which a Pastor has; nevertheless his Ruling Authority is Equal with the Pastors; and when as Delegates they Sit in Synods, may have an Equal Power. Hence Sutliff, (a Prelatic Protestant) complains that the Synods of the Reformed Churches send two Ruling Elders for one Pastor, and so ( says he ) the major part Carries it against their Pastors. Under the Reforming Parliament in England, there was a Presbyterian Provincial Synod, settled at London ^(p)Consisting of twelve Ministers, and twenty four Lay-Elders, (as they were called) ⟨p. 24⟩Acts to be Valid which pass by the Major part. Sir B. Whitlock, in his Memorials, p. 23. informs us, that in the year 1638. It was Determined in Scotland, that every Parish should send a Lay-man, whom they called a Ruling Elder, to their National Synod, which should have Equal Power with the Minister. The Reverend Mr. Walter Stuart, in his Collections concerning the Discipline and Government of the Church in Scotland, informs us, that their General Assembly Consists of Pastors and Ruling Elders; and that in the beginning of the Reformation, the Number of Pastors were but the fourth part of the Assembly. Their Ruling Elders are not Ordained with Imposition of Hands. He says, that the Assembly is Null where no Ruling Elders are Commissionated. He takes notice, that by the directions of the English Parliament, August 19. 1545▪ it is provided, that there be in all Assemblies a Ruling Elder, and one Minister. In the Ecclesiastical Discipline of the Reformed Churches in France, 'tis declared, that in their Provincial Synods, the Pastor shall bring one or two Elders