“The office sustained by ministers of the gospel is designated in scripture by a variety of names. They are sometimes called Bishops, because they are overseers of the flock committed to their charge.

They are frequently styled Presbyters, or Elders, which are words of the same import, because, if not really advanced in age, they are bound to maintain the dignity and gravity of ecclesiastical rulers.

They are denominated Pastors, because it is their duty to feed the flock of God.

They are called Doctors and Teachers, because they are required to instruct those committed to their care, in the doctrines and duties of religion.

They are said to be Ambassadors, importing that their duty is to declare the will of their Sovereign, and to negotiate a peace between the offended Majesty of heaven and guilty men.

They are represented as Ministers or Servants, because in all that they lawfully say and do, they act under the authority of a Master, whose declared will is their guide.

They are Stewards of the mysteries of God, having the spiritual provisions of his house committed to them to be dispensed.

They are Watchmen, being placed to guard the welfare of Zion, to give notice to men of their danger, and to exercise a vigilant care over all the interests of the Redeemer’s kingdom.

They are Shepherds, inasmuch as they are appointed to feed, protect, guide, and govern the flock, under the direction of the Chief Shepherd.

And, finally, according to the language of scripture, they are Workmen and Labourers, because they have a particular task assigned them; and because a faithful discharge of their duties requires diligence, exertion, and persevering labour.” — Samuel Miller, Letters Concerning the Constitution and Order of the Christian Ministry (1807), pp. 4-5