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 Him; thus indicating that they are born, not for ourselves, but for God, and, as God’s offspring, they claim our most profound respect.

4. Hence, in Malachi, children are called the seed of God, where arises the offspring of God.

5. For this reason the eternal Son of God, when manifested in the flesh, not only willed to become the participator of the nature of children, but likewise deemed children a pleasure and a delight. Taking them in His arms, as little brothers and sisters, He carried them about, and kissed them and blessed them.

6. Not only this, He likewise uttered a severe threat against any one who should offend them, even in the least degree, commanding them to be respected as Himself, and condemning, with severe penalties, any who offended even the smallest of them.

7. Should any one wish to inquire why He so delighted with little children, and so strictly enjoined upon us such respectful attention to them, many reasons may be ascertained. And first, if at present the little ones seem unimportant to you, regard them not as they now are, but as, in accordance with the intention of God, they may and ought to be. You will see them, not only as the future inhabitants of the world and possessors of the earth, and God’s vicars amongst His creatures when we depart from this life, but also equally participators with us in the heritage of Christ, a royal priesthood, a chosen people, associates of angels, judges of devils, the delight of heaven, the terror of hell—heirs of the most excellent dignities throughout all the ages of eternity. What can be imagined more excellent than this?

8. Philip Melanchthon, of pious memory, having upon