Spiritual Per fec` ion. verily. For Eftátes and Honours, con- veyed by Defcent, are not poffefs'd till the death of the Fathers, but we par- take of the heavenly Inheritance becaufe our Father lives : and we muff dye that we may enjoy it : for flefb and blood can- not .inherit the kingdom ofHeaven. What . manner of love is it, than we /borsht be the Sons of God ? When Pharaoh's Daugh- ter compaflàonately preferved Mofes, an expos'd Infant, and adopted him to be her Son, 'twas rare and wonderful Good- nefs. The Priviledge was fo high, that the Self -denial of Mores is Recorded with this Illuftrious proof of it, that he refus'd to be card the fan of Pharaohs daighterr. But the had no Son of her own. Adop- tion is a Legal Supply, for the want of Natural Progeny. But God had an E- ternal Son the Heir of his Love and Glo- ry, the adequate Objea of his Compla- cency, yet he railed us to fo near an Alliance.Menadopt Sons for their Support and Comfort, and ufually thole in whom fome praife-worthy qualities appear. God did not want a Son, but we wanted a Father : in thee the fatherleßfind mercy. There was nothing in us but Sin and Mifery, an occafion of his Mercy. 'Tis added by the Apolle, we are co- heirs with Chrift. This may Eem to be a Ufurpation upon his Prerogative, who U 3 is 293
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