was an Erastian: he believed and maintained that the Jewish Church had no government distinct from that of the State; and that, in a Christian country, the Church ought not to have a government distinct from that of the State. In support of his views he brought forth all the rich stores of his "Rabbinical lore." He was supported by the celebrated Lightfoot and other Erastians, and by all the Independents in the Assembly. But all in vain. He was met in debate by Gillespie, that noble young Scotch Commissioner, who, by "a speech of astonishing power and acuteness," overturned the foundation of his superstructure. "Selden himself is reported to have said, at its conclusion, 'That young man, by this single speech, has swept away the labors of ten years of my life.'"[1]
In regard to the Confession of Faith, "there prevailed," says this historian, "almost an entire and perfect harmony." Only two subjects excited difference of opinion among them: the doctrine of Election and Church government.[2]
