4. Steward, dispenser.  “Stewards of the mysteries of God,” is the title given to ministers, 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2.  “Steward of God,” Tit. i. 7.  “That faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household,” &c., Luke xii. 42.  This also is a title of power given to them that are set over families, as Gal. iv. 2, “he is under tutors and stewards.”  And to them that are set over cities—­as Rom. xvi. 23, “Erastus 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 Church are the proper, immediate, and only subjects or receptacles of ecclesiastical power.