The Divine Right of Church Government

This work presents a careful defense of the Presbyterian form of church government, arguing that the system of preaching and ruling elders—organized in sessions, presbyteries, and synods—holds a unique scriptural claim to divine authority. Drawing on biblical passages and the writings of early reformers, the authors lay out a systematic case for why this structure best reflects Christ’s intended order for the church, contrasting it with the views of contemporary independents and other dissenters.

Written in the late eighteenth century, the treatise responds to the growing tide of religious innovation and challenges the reader to consider the practical implications of church discipline, ministerial authority, and the rights of congregations. An accessible appendix offers concise summaries, question‑and‑answer sections, and excerpts from notable opponents, making the arguments approachable for both scholars and laypersons eager to understand the foundations of Presbyterian polity.