According to this sense the words of the text have a plain and obvious signification, which at first view presents itself unto the common sense and understanding of all men.  On the first proposal of this text, that the elders that rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine, a rational man, who is unprejudiced, and never heard of the controversy about ruling elders, can hardly avoid an apprehension that there are two sorts of elders, some that labor in the word and doctrine, and some who do not.  This is the substance of the truth in the text.  There are elders in the Church; there are or ought to be so in every church.  With these elders the whole rule of the Church is intrusted; all these, and only these, do rule in it.  Of these elders there are two sorts; for a description is given of one sort distinct from the other, and comparative with it.  The first sort doth rule, and also labor in the word and doctrine.  That these works are distinct and different was before declared:  yet by the institution of Christ the right of rule is inseparable from the office of pastors or teachers.  For all that are rightly called thereunto are elders also, which gives them an interest in rule.  But there are elders which are not pastors or teachers.  For there are some who rule well, but labor not in the word and doctrine; that is, who are not pastors or teachers.

Elders which rule well, but labor not in the word and doctrine, are ruling elders only; for he who says, The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine, saith that there are, or may be elders who rule well, who do not labor in the word and doctrine; that is, who are not obliged to do so.

The argument from these words may be otherwise framed, but this contains the plain sense of this testimony.

Our next testimony is from the same apostle, Rom. xii. 6, 7, He that ruleth with diligence.  Our argument from hence is this:  there is in the Church one that ruleth with authority by virtue of his office.  For the discharge of this office there is a differing peculiar gift bestowed on some, ver. 7, and there is the special manner prescribed for the discharge of this special office, by virtue of that special gift; it is to be done with peculiar diligence.  And this ruler is distinguished from him that exhorteth, and him that teacheth, with whose special work, as such, he hath nothing to do; even as they are distinguished from those who give and show mercy; that is, there is an elder by office in the Church, whose work and duty it is to rule, not to exhort or teach ministerially, which is our ruling elder.  He that ruleth is a distinct officer, and is expressly distinguished from all others.  Rule is the principal part of him that ruleth; for he is to attend unto it with diligence; that is, such as is peculiar unto rule, in contradistinction unto what is principally required in other administrations.