the hope of eternal Hfe." The justification of sinful man was a concern so dear to God, that he gave his only-begotten Son in order to effect it ; and so pre- cious were our souls in the sight of Christ, that he willingly laid down his life for them. The Holy Spirit also cheerfully undertook his part in the economy of redemption. But it was a free justifi- cation, i.e. a justification by mere grace, that each Person of the Trinity had in view ; they would cut off most effectually all boasting on the part of man, and reserve the whole glory to God alone. They have therefore freely offered it from first to last. The Father freely provided, the Son freely executed, and the Spirit freely applies, that salvation. Nor is it merely our justification, but our glorification also, which has been provided for. The Scriptures pro- mise us eternal life, and encourage us to hope for it. They set it forth as an inheritance to which we are constituted heirs : and that, as heirs, we may in due time take possession of it, was the united design of the Three Persons in the Godhead. How astonishing that such an end should ever be proposed, and that such wonderful things should ever be done for the accomplishment of it ! Well may we admire the kindness and love of God ! well may we stand amazed at the condescension and compassion of the Son ! and well may we burst forth into praises and thanksgivings for the grace and goodness of the Blessed Spirit ! and indeed, " if we can hold our peace, surely the very stones will cry out against us."
We shall now conclude with a few inferences from what has been said. And,
1. We may see how secure is the salvation of every believer —
The Three Persons in the Trinity are engaged to each other, as well as unto us. The Father gave his elect to Christ, on condition that he would make his soul an offering for them : and Christ laid down his life, on condition that the Spirit might be sent down into their hearts, to make them meet for his