CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

¹In the second place we come to show, That there is a distinct Calling of the Ministers from the people, so that men may not as they please invade it, nor look upon Christs Ministry as a mere humane invention. The chiefest Arguments brought by the Learned to confirm this, are

¹In the second place we come to shew, That there is a distinct Calling of the Ministers from the people, so that men may not as they please invade it, nor look upon Christs Ministry as a meer humane invention. The chiefest Arguments brought by the Learned to confirm this, are

1. 1That there is a distinct Office of the MinistryThat there is a distinct O•fice of the Ministry

First, From the distinct and different titles, that the Scripture giveth them. They are called [Greek or Hebrew] scopi, Overseers, Elders, Pastors and Teachers: They are called lights and guides: They are said to be over them in the Lord; So that it's plain, that the Scripture makes this clear distinction, some are Rulers, and Guides, and Shepherds, some again are to be ruled, and are under, To the Bishops and Saints at Philippi, Phil. 1.1. Thus the whole Church is divided into it's Officers, and those that are governed. It's a wonder that any can contradict these clear places; neither may we think that the Scripture giveth them these names without reality, as they did by scorn to Christ, calling him, King of the Jews. Certainly, if there were not such distinct relations, then the Apostle might as well call the people Guides and Elders, and exhort such who were over them to submit to those that were under them.