The synod at its first meeting chooses a minister as its moderator whose duties, though somewhat more restricted, are similar to those of presbyterial moderators.
In 1852, a change took place in its constitution.
A second synod, composed entirely of bishops, determined that Origen must be deposed from the presbyterial status.
In some instances the old episcopal power passed more or less into the hands of the civil magistrate (a state of matters which was highly approved by Erastus and his followers), in other cases it was conceded to the presbyterial courts.
In course of time there emerged from this presbyterial body a Primus inter pares, i.e.
