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

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.

First, From the distinct and different titles, that the Scripture giveth them. They are called 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 scopi, Overseers, Elders, Pastours 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.

Secondly, The Scripture doth attribute hereby unto them distinct work and employment. They are to feed them, they are to preach to them, they are to watch over them, they are to admonish, rebuke and cast out unruly persons; they are to give themselves to reading, to be in these things, as the Apostle calls it: Now if this did belong to all, every one would be bound to leave their Calling; for he that is in this Office, is commanded wholly to attend to it.