but in the common ordinary use of these words, they are appropriated to large ecclesiastical assemblies, above classical presbyteries in number and power.  These synodal assemblies are made up, (as occasion and the necessity of the church shall require.) 1.  Either of presbyters, sent from the several classical presbyteries within a province, hence called provincial synods:  2.  Or of presbyters, sent from the several provincial synods within a nation, hence called national synods:  3.  Or of presbyters, delegated or sent from the several national churches throughout the Christian world, hence called ecumenical synods, or universal and general councils.

Touching the divine warrant of synods, and their power in church affairs, much need not be said, seeing divers learned authors have so fully stated and handled this matter.[113] Yet, that the reader may have a short view hereof, and not be left wholly unsatisfied, these two things shall briefly be opened and insisted upon, viz:  1.  Certain considerations shall be propounded, tending to clear the state of the question about the divine right of synods, and their power. 2.  The proposition itself, with some few arguments adduced, for the proof thereof.

For the former, viz:  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?