ixt these two kinds of elders, these two participles,
these two articles, evidently distinguishing one from the other, viz.
especially _they that labor in the word_, &c., intimating, that as there
were some ruling elders that did labor in the word and doctrine, so
there were others that did rule, and not labor in the word: both were
worthy of double honor, but especially they that both ruled and labored
in the word also. And wheresoever this word, here translated
_especially_, is used in all the New Testament, it is used to
distinguish thing from thing, person from person, that are spoken of;
as, "Let us do good to all, but especially to those of the household of
faith," Gal. vi. 10: therefore there were some of the household of
faith, and some that were not; and accordingly we must put a difference
in doing good to them. "All the saints salute you, especially those of
Caesar's household;" some saints not of his household: all saluted them,
but especially those of Caesar's household. "He that provides not for
his own, especially for them of his own house, he hath denied the
faith," 1 Tim. v. 8. A believer is to provide for his friends and
kindred, but especially _for those of his own house_, wife and children.
See also 1 Tim. iv. 10; Tit. i. 11; 2 Tim. iv. 13; 2 Pet. ii. 10; Acts
xx. 38, and xxvi. 3; in all which places the word _especially_ is used
as a disjunctive particle, to distinguish one thing from another,
without which distinction we shall but make nonsense in interpreting
those places. And generally the best interpreters[70] do from this text
conclude, that there were two sorts of elders, viz: the ruling elder,
that only ruled; the preaching elder, that besides his ruling, labored
in the word and doctrine also.

Now, therefore, seeing the officers here mentioned are, 1. According to
the word of Christ, (for this is the word of Christ,) styled elders; 2.
Vested with rule; 3. Approved of God in their rule; and yet, 4. Distinct
from all that labor in the word and doctrine, as hath been particularly
proved; we may conclude, that,

_Conclusion_. Therefore the officers here mentioned are the ruling
elders in the Church which we inquire after, and that by divine right.

But against this place of 1 Tim. i. 17, and the argument from it, divers
cavils and exceptions are made; let them have a brief solution.

_Except_. 1. There were two sorts of elders, some laboring in the word
and doctrine, some taking care of the p