The family of God is named after him, and he is the first-born of many brethren.

What a mercy that Christ calls himself 'a _Brother_!' My little girl, he is _your_ Brother; and will not be ashamed to own you, and present you to his Father at the last day, as one that he has purchased with his blood." "I wish I could love my Father and my Brother which are in heaven better than I do.

Lord be merciful to me a sinner! I think, sir, if I am a child of God, I am often a rebellious one.

He shows kindness to me beyond others, and yet I make a very poor return.
'Are these thy favours day by day, To me above the rest?
Then let me love thee more than they, And strive to serve thee best.'" "That will be the best way to approve yourself a real child of God.

Show your love and thankfulness to such a Father, who hath prepared for you an inheritance among the saints in light, and made you 'an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven, as well as a member of Christ, and a child of God.' Do you know what 'the kingdom of heaven' means ?" Just at that instant her mother entered the house below, and began to speak to a younger child in a passionate, scolding tone of voice, accompanied by some very offensive language; but quickly stopped on hearing us in conversation up stairs.
"Ah, my poor mother!" said the girl, "you would not have stopped so short, if Mr.--- had not been here.