TO A SOUND CONVERSION. 335 lasting life to all that by true repentance, and by faith in Christ, are converted unto God. Like an act of obli- vion, which is made by a prince to a company of rebels, on condition they will lay dowp their arms, and come in and be loyal subjects for the time to come. But, because the Lord knows that the heart of man is grown so wicked, that men will not accept of the remedy if they be left to themselves, therefore the Holy Ghost has undertaken it as his office to inspire the apostles, and seal the scripture by miracles ; and to illuminate and convert the souls of men. So that you see, as there are three persons in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; so each of these persons have their several works, which are eminently ascribed to them. The Father's works were, to create us, to rule us as his rational creatures, by the law of nature; and judge us thereby : and in mercy to provide us a Redeemer when we were lost; and to send his Son, and accept his ransom. The works of the Son, for us, were these: to ransom and redeem us by his sufferings and righteousness; to give out the promise or law of Grace; and rule and judge the world as their Redeemer, on terms of grace; and to make intercession for us, that the benefits of his death may be communicated; and to send the Holy Ghost, which the Father also does by the Son. The works of the Holy Ghost, for us, are these : to indite the holy scriptures, by inspiring and guiding the prophets and apostles; and sealing the word by his mi- raculous gifts and works ; and the illuminating and exciting the ordinary ministers of the gospel, and so en- abling them and helping them to publish that word ; and by the same word illuminating and converting the souls of men. So that as you could not have been rea- sonable creatures, if the Father had not created you ; nor have had any access to God, if the Son had not re- deemed you ; so neither can you be saved, except the Holy Ghost do sanctify you. So you may see the several causes of this work. The Father sends the Son : the Son redeems us, and makes
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