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. _Argum_. IV. The relations which Christ's officers have unto his Church, imply and comprehend in themselves authority and power in reference to the Church, and therefore they are the proper subjects of ecclesiastical power. Thus we reason: _Major_. Whosoever they are that peculiarly stand in such relations to the Church of Christ, as imply and comprehend in themselves authority and power for governing of the Church, they are the only subject of ecclesiastical power. This proposition is evident; for, otherwise, to what end are those peculiar relations to the Church which comprehend government in them, unless such as are so peculiarly related be the only subjects of government? Shall all those relations be mere names and shadows? or shall others in the church be counted the subject of this authority and power for church government, that have no such relations to the Church at all implying any such power?