§. 128. Of Christs children.
THey who are brought in to God by the Gospel, are styled * 1.1 children; and that in relation to Christ, as he was a Prophet, and begat them by the Gospel, (as was shewed §. 122.)
This very title is given by Christ to his Disciples, Ioh. 21. 5. According to the Greek notation, it signifieth such as are instructed. A a 1.2 Greek word, that signi∣fieth to instruct, is thence derived. The Greek word here used, is a b 1.3 diminutive, and translated little children, Matth. 18. 3. & 19. 13, 14. for little children are spe∣cially to be instructed. Train up (or c 1.4 instruct) a childe, Prov. 22. 6. The LXX use the * 1.5 same word there in the singular number, which the Apostle doth here in the plurall.
Other Ministers, who are means of converting men, which is a spirituall be∣getting of them, are styled Fathers, (1 Cor. 4. 15.) and they who are begotten, sonnes (1 Cor. 4. 14.) or children. The d 1.6 Greek word there used by the Apostle, signifieth such as are begotten: for it is derived from a e 1.7 Verb that signifieth to bring forth or beget.
f 1.8 The very word used in this Text, is also put for such as are begotten by the Ministry of men, and translated little children, 1 Joh. 2. 13, 18.
If they who are instructed by mén (who are but Ambassadors for Christ, and in∣struct in Christs stead, in whom Christ speaketh, 2 Cor. 5. 20. & 13. 3.) are called and accounted their children, much more justly are they to be called and accounted children of Christ, who is the highest and chiefest Doctor: and by whose Word and Spirit, they are most properly begotten.
Of this relation betwixt Christ and Saints, his children, see more on §. 90.