(2) "To decide all references made to them." (3) "To review the records of Presbyteries, and approve or censure them." (4) "To redress whatever has been done by Presbyteries contrary to order." (5) "To take effectual care that Presbyteries observe the constitution of the Church." (6) "To erect new Presbyteries, and unite or divide those which were before erected." (7) "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 the established rules, and which tend to promote the edification of the Church." (8) "To propose to the General Assembly for their adoption such measures as may be of common advantage to the whole Church." What effect has the decision of the Synod in appeal cases? The same as in Presbytery. Its decisions are not advisory, but authoritative. It may be "either to confirm or reverse, in whole or in part, the decision of the inferior judicatory; or to remit the cause for the purpose of amending the record, should it appear incorrect or defective, or for a new trial.”* In 1881 this section was changed, making the Synod in certain cases a court of final appeal, "Its decisions on appeals, complaints and references which do not affect the doctrine or constitution of the Church being final." + Wherein does the Synod differ from the lower courts? It is a court of appeal. It has no original jurisdiction, either over Ministers, as the Presbytery has, or * Book of Discipline, ch. vii., sect. iii., sub-sect. x. over the Elders and communicants, as the Session has.* It cannot institute judicial process, † and can consider such only on review, reference or complaint, or appeal from the Presbyteries. May the Synod discipline a member for absence? The Assembly took exceptions to a resolution of a Synod to make a Minister liable to suspension without trial if absent for three years from its meeting without sending his reasons.§ The Synod has no original jurisdiction over Ministers or Elders. If the members neglect its meetings or fail in their duty, they must be reported to the courts to which they are responsible.|| What power has the Synod over the Presbyteries? The power of "review and control" in the annual examination of their records-of deciding on references, appeals and complaints orderly brought from the Presbyteries. The Synod may change the boundaries of the Presbyteries. Those interested should be consulted, yet the Synod has full power to act even when they remonstrate. It may cite Presbyteries that are charged by common fame with neglects, irregularities, disobedience, heretical opinions or corrupt practices. If the wrong be an act of the Presbytery, that court may be censured and ordered to correct the evil. If the wrong be in the churches or Ministers or Elders, the Synod "shall remit the whole matter to the delinquent judicatory, with a direction to take it up and dispose of it in a constitutional manner, or *Form of Government, chs. ix., X., xi.; Presbyterian Digest, pp. 191, † See p. 242. 192. Presbyterian Digest, p. 192; Book of Discipline, ch. vii. ? Presbyterian Digest, p. 199. ¶ See p. 178. || See pp. 162, 179. to stay all further proceedings in the case, as circumstances may require." Can the Synod order a Presbytery to dissolve a pastoral relation? The Presbytery alone can form or dissolve a pastoral relation.† If the Presbytery refuse to do so, the decision may by complaint be brought before Synod, and be reversed.‡ How are references, appeals and complaints to be considered by Synod? In the same manner as in Presbytery.§ The Synod cannot order an inferior court to rehear a case already decided when no intimation of additional evidence is given. "Nor in sending back a case can the Synod pass by the Presbytery in which the case has once been adjudicated." All the decisions made by Synod are sub|| ject to review by the General Assembly. (Concerning appeals, complaints and references, see p. 184.) May Synod try an appeal by commission? It may with consent of parties.** In 1880 the Assembly recognized the right of the Synod to do so.tt The Southern Church makes a distinct provision for trial by commission: "The Synod and the General Assembly may, with consent of parties, commit any case of trial coming before them on appeal to the judgment of a commission, composed of others than members of the court from which the appeal shall come up. The com mission of a Synod shall consist of not less than fifteen, *Book of Discipline, ch. vii., sect. i., sub-sects. v. and vi.; Presbyte rian Digest, p. 541. ‡ Presbyterian Digest, pp. 193, 420. Minutes G. A. 1878, p. 34. ** See pp. 190, 218. † See p. 202. ? See p. 188. ¶ See p. 244. tt Minutes G. A. 1880, p. 65. of whom seven shall be Ruling Elders; the commission of the Assembly, of not less than twenty-seven, of whom thirteen shall be Ruling Elders. In each case two-thirds of the commissioners shall be a quorum to attend to business. The commission shall try the cause in the manner prescribed by the Rules of Discipline, and in rendering judgment shall make a full statement of the case, which shall be submitted to the court for its action as its judgment of the cause.”* What power has the Synod over members of an extinct Presbytery? Ministers of an extinct Presbytery, while in transitu, charged with an offence, may be refused admittance to the Presbytery to which they have been dismissed, and should be if there be no prospect of an impartial and efficient trial; in which case they are under the direction of the Synod. † What power has the Synod in its relation to the General Assembly? It may send overtures for the consideration of the Assembly, enforced by the approval of the Synod. Sometimes several Synods agree severally to endorse the same overture. Sometimes one or more Presbyteries ask the Synod to add its approbation to overtures which they have sent to the Assembly. What relation has the Synod to the Boards of the Church? These are the creation of the Assembly, and are accountable to it. In 1880 the Assembly resolved “that the Boards of the Church be directed to make annually, to each of the Synods, detailed reports of their work * Book of Church Order, ch. v., sect. vii., sub-sect. iii. † Presbyterian Digest, p. 152. + See p. 387. within its bounds; and that each Synod, carefully considering its own condition and wants, be directed to report to the General Assembly any suggestions or propositions with reference to the work of the Boards within its bounds as may seem to it wise; and that these suggestions or propositions be referred by the General Assembly to its Standing Committees respectively.": V. How often shall the Synod meet? "At least once each year." Adjourned meetings may be held at the will of the Synod, and pro re nata meetings as above described.† How shall its meeting be opened? "At the opening of which a sermon shall be delivered by the Moderator, or in case of his absence by some other member." This sermon is deemed necessary. Synods have been reproved by the General Assembly for its omission, and even its postponement "to the following evening."‡ How shall its Sessions be opened ? "Every particular Session shall be opened and closed with prayer." The record must notice the fact. A recess does not imply the close of a Session. § How shall the Synod close its meeting? "With singing, prayer and the apostolic benediction." || VI. What record shall the Synod keep? "It shall be the duty of the Synod to keep a full and fair record of its proceedings." This must include the reasons for its decisions. In 1874 the Assembly declared "it is contrary to the spirit and principles of the Presbyterian Church, and subversive of the true design of *Minutes G. A. 1880, p. 74. ‡ Presbyterian Digest, p. 193. † See p. 238. Minutes G. A. 1877, p. 575. || Presbyterian Digest, p. 193; General Rules for Judicatories, xliii. |