2.  Because the manner of proceeding in this synod convened, was not extraordinary and apostolical, as when they acted by an immediate infallible inspiration of the Spirit, in penning the Holy Scriptures, (without all disputing, examining, or judging of the matter that they wrote, so far as we can read,) 2 Tim. iii. 16,17; 2 Pet. i. 20, 21; but ordinary, presbyterial, and synodal; by ordinary helps and means, (as afterwards shall appear more fully;) stating the question, proving and evidencing from Scripture what was the good and acceptable will of God concerning the present controversy, and upon evidence of Scripture concluding, It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, Acts xv. 28; which words, any assembly, having like clear evidence of Scripture for their determination, may without presumption use, as well as this synod did.[114]

3.  Because the elders and brethren (who are as authoritatively members of the synod as the apostles) did in all points as authoritatively act as the apostles themselves.  For, 1.  Certain other of the church of Antioch, as well as Paul and Barnabas, were sent as delegates from the church of Antioch, Acts xv. 2. 2.  They were all sent as well to the elders, as to the apostles at Jerusalem, about this matter, ver. 2. 3.  They were received at Jerusalem, as well by the elders, as the apostles, and reported their case to them both, ver. 4. 4.  The elders, as well as the apostles, met together to consider thereof, ver. 6. 5.  The letters containing the synodal decrees and determinations, were written in the name of the elders and brethren, as well as in the name of the apostles, ver. 23. 6.  The elders and brethren, as well as the apostles, blame the false teachers for troubling of the Church, subverting of souls; declaring, that they gave the false teachers no such commandment to preach any such doctrine, ver. 24. 7.  The elders and brethren, as well as the apostles, say, “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us,” ver. 28. 8.  The elders and brethren, as well as the apostles, did impose upon the churches “no other burden than these necessary things,” ver. 28. 9.  The elders, as well as the apostles, being assembled, “thought good to send chosen men of themselves,” viz. Judas and Silas, with Paul and Barnabas, to Antioch, to deliver the synodal decrees to them, and to tell them the same things by mouth, ver. 22, 25, 27. 10.  And the decrees are said to be ordained as well by the elders, as by the apostles at Jerusalem, Acts xvi. 4.  So that through this whole synodal transaction, the elders are declared in the text to go on in a full authoritative course of judgment with the apostles, from point to point.  And therefore in this synod, the apostles acted as ordinary elders, not as extraordinary officers.