is the name of an ecclesiastical officer in the Presbyterian churches. His duty is to preside over a meeting or an assembly of ministers, to regulate their proceedings in session, and to declare the vote (see Presbyt. Confession, page 366 sq.). To moderate in a call is to preside over the election of a minister. When the attempt was made to introduce episcopacy into Scotland, one plan was to have perpetual moderators for presbyteries- a bishop or his vicar to be chosen to the office.