astus the steward" (or as we render it, _the chamberlain_) "of the
city saluteth you."

5. _Pastor_ is ascribed to Christ's officers; Eph. iv. 11, "and some
pastors and teachers." They govern the Church as the shepherd his flock,
feeding, ruling them as well with the shepherd's staff, as with food.
This term is sometimes given to civil magistrates, Isa. xliv. 28; Micah
v. 5: sometimes to Christ the great shepherd of the sheep, 1 Pet. v. 4;
noting his authority, Matt. xxvi. 31; John x. 2, 11, 14, 16; Heb. xiii.
20; 1 Pet. ii. 25: sometimes to God himself the supreme Ruler of the
world, Ps. lxxx. 1.

6. _Governments_, a denomination given to _ruling elders_, 1 Cor. xii.
28, as hath been proved Sect. 1 of this Chapter. A metaphor from
mariners or pilots, that steer and govern the ship: translated thence,
to signify the power and authority of church governors, spiritual
pilots, steering the ship or ark of Christ's Church. This word is used
also by heathen authors, to signify political governors.[94]

_Ruler_. 1 Tim. v. 17, "Let the elders that rule well"--and,

"He that ruleth," Rom. xii. 8, and "Your rulers in the Lord," 1 Thes.
v. 12, viz. not only in the fear of the Lord,[95] nor only in those
things that appertain to God's worship,[96] but also in the Lord; i.e.
who are over you, to rule according to the will of the Lord,[97] even by
the Lord Christ's power and authority derived to them. Now these names
are among heathen authors ascribed to rulers of cities, armies, and
kingdoms.[98]

By these among other titles given to Christ's officers in Scripture, he
that runs may read a plain authority and power enstamped on them in
reference to the Church; and consequently on them that are thus
denominated, unless they be applied to them improperly, unfitly,
abusively; which we suppose no sober intelligent reader dare affirm.

2. By a denial of these and like titles to the whole Church of Christ,
or to any other members of the Church whatsoever, besides church
officers. For where can it be showed in all the book of God, that in
this sense, either the whole Church or any members thereof besides
officers, are ever styled _presbyters, bishops, governors, stewards of
God, or of the mysteries of God, pastors, governments, or rulers_? The
greatest factors for popular government must let this alone forever.
Thus, from all that hath been said, we need not fear to conclude:

_Conclusion_. Therefore Christ's own officers in the Chur