§. 33. Of the paternal and child-like relation betwixt pastor and people.
TO make the foresaid exhortation to be the more heeded, the Apostle addeth the expresse words of Scripture, wherewith it was first set down, but quoteth •…•…either Book, Chapter, nor Verse. Hereof see Chap. 2. v. 6. §. •…•…0.
The Text is taken out of Prov. 3. 11, 12. In quoting it the Apostle holdeth close •…•… the interpretation of the ancient lxx. Of whom see Chap. 1. v. 6. §. 72. Only there is one little difference: for the lxx do not expresse this relative pronoun, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, But yet by speaking to one in the vocative case do understand that pro∣•…•…. In the a 1.1 Hebrew it is expresly set down.
This title, b 1.2 my Son, as here used, and as used by the wise man, seemeth to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reference to the Minister that utters it: because he hath herein reference to the Lord as to a third person: thus, My Son despise not thou the cha•…•…ening of the Lord.
I will not deny, but that this compellation, My Son, may be taken in reference to God: because Ministers, borh extraordinary, and ordinary, stand in Gods room: and in Gods room speak to Gods people: yea God in the mouth of his Ministers, speaketh to his people. Thus it confirms Gods Fatherly respect to his people, whereof see §. 32.
If it be taken in reference to the Prophet, it sheweth that Gods Ministers, are as* 1.3 Fathers to Gods people: and Gods people as children to them. Frequently is this relation mentioned betwixt Gods Ministers and people.
- 1. Ministers are means of their peoples regeneration, 1 Cor. 4. 14, 15. Philem. v. 10.
- 2. Ministers provide for the soules of people, as parents do for their childrens bo∣dies. Their care is to nourish, and build them up in grace, 2 Cor. 12. 14.
- 3. Ministers bear a fatherly affection and respect to Gods people, 2 Cor. 6. 11, 13. •…•…il. 4. 1.
This relation directeth both Ministers and people how to be affected, and how to •…•…rry themselves one towards another.