The Beginning of Papacy

According to the Reformed conception, which is the only scriptural one, the deacons, elders, and ministers of the gospel, are, as office-bearers, of equal rank; and the presbytery or college of elders (consistory) is under Christ the only and highest judicial (not merely ethical) power in the church, which is the local congregation. According to Rome on the other hand, the church is the sum and total of local congregations; and in this community the bishop of Rome -- the pope -- is, under God...