Theory of the Eldership [pp. 702-759]

Theory of the Eldership.
tles and presbyters, who "came together to consider of this
matter." Now admitting all that Presbyterian writers have
ever said on the conclusiveness of this proof of the Divine warrant of government by presbyteries and synods, the question
arises, Who composed the body? Was it composed of apostles
only, so far as a right to deliberate, and decide, and give judgment was concerned, as Romanists affirm; or of apostles and
and presbyters, as Prelatists teach; or of apostles, presbyters,
and members of the church at large, as Congregationalists
affirm; or of apostles, presbyters, and representatives of the
people, as Presbyterians maintain? This question depends very
much on the genuineness and meaning of the terms "certain
men," "certain others also," "the brethren," by which the
words "church" and "the whole church," are restricted; and
by whose concurrent voice the matter was decided, and the
decree promulgated.
Dr. Breckinridge and Dr. Killen both attach great importance to this Synod. The former however makes nothing of these
terms, and the parties they represent. They are in the record,
but they are not in his book. He ignores them altogether, and
assumes that as presbyters included both teaching and ruling
elders, these were merely "lookers on in Venice." Dr. Killen,
however, found them lying across the track of this theory of
the ruling and teaching presbyters; and designating, IN ADDITION to apostles, teaching presbyters, and ruling presbyters,
"certain others also," called THE BRETHREN. They must
therefore be put out of the way, since in them there is an evident reference to "representatives of the people," who were
different and distinct from "the presbyters." He calls, therefore, to his aid every one who can lend a hand towards clearing
the track. Congregationalists take hold, and at once identify
"the brethren" with "the whole church," or "the whole assembly present." (See Ancient Church, p. 84.) But as this would
not help the cause, Prelatists and Romanists are set to work;
and it is decided that they only intimate that the decision "met
the universal approval of the meeting;" or "they were gifted
members;" or what settles the question, the true reading, as
"now recognized by the highest critical authorities, and sustained by the whole narrative," is, "the apostles and pres
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