because, though magistracy in general be an ordinance of God, yet this
or that special kind of magistracy, whether monarchical, aristocratical,
&c., is of man. Thus in the Church: the Church is called _Christ's
body_, Ephes. iv. 12, to show Christ's headship, the Church's subjection
to Christ, and their near union to one another. Christians are called
_members_, Rom. xii.; 1 Cor. xii., to teach them mutual love, care, and
serviceableness to one another. Ministers are called _ambassadors of
Christ_, 2 Cor. v. _Angels of the churches_, Rev. ii., to teach them to
be faithful in their offices, and others to respect them for their
offices. _Salt of the earth_, Matt. v. 13, because they are to season
others spiritually. _Stars_, Rev. i., because they are to shine forth
for the enlightening and guiding of others, &c. 2. If this proposition
be denied, then to what end are such names and denominations, importing
authority, generally given by the Spirit of God to some sort of persons
only, and not to others? Is it for no end? That would be a dangerous
charge upon the Spirit of Christ. Is it for any end? Then what other can
be imagined, than to signify, hold forth, and instruct both themselves
and others in their duties, and to distinguish them that are vested with
authority in the Church, from them that are not?

The _major proposition_ (viz. But Christ's own officers in the Church
have such names, titles, or denominations given to them peculiarly in
the Scriptures by the Spirit of Christ, as generally have authority and
power engraven upon them in reference to the Church) may be evinced, 1.
By induction of particular names attributed to Christ's officers. 2. By
a denial of them, or the like, to any other members of the Church.

1. By induction of particular titles or denominations attributed to
Christ's officers, which generally have power and authority palpably
engraven upon them: (yea, the self-same names are given to them, by