THE Apostle Paul, a Ser­vant of Christ, in this Chapter enumerates the principal Christian Privileges, and Blessings, that were given to, and [Page 2] conferred on Believers thro' Christ, which were the occasion of his Doxology and Solemn Thanks­giving, verse the third. Blessed, (says he) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us, that is, us Believers, with all spiritual blessings in heaven­ly places, or things, in Christ Jesus. Whence note, That Christ is the Foundation of all those Spiritual Blessings that are given and be­stowed on the Saints. Secondly, That God the Father is to be bles­sed, that is, praised and glorified, for these spiritual Blessings, who is the Donor of them through Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Fa­ther, &c. What these rich Bles­sings are, which are bestowed on Believers, in and through Christ, the Apostle shews, from the 4. to the 13 v. and numbers them up, which are;

1. Election before the Founda­tion of the World, or from Eter­nity, in Christ, v. 4. according as he (viz. God) hath chosen us in him, (viz. Christ) before the foun­dation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love. Where observe four things. 1. That the efficient cause of Election is the love of God, 2 Tim 1. 9.

Secondly, That the Election of Persons is sounded in Jesus Christ, chosen us in him. Christ is the Elect of God, and all the Elect are chosen of God in Christ.

Thirdly, Election of certain Per­sons in Christ is not after they are born, or do believe, but before, even from Eternity: he hath cho­sen us in him: when? before the foundation of the world, that is, from Eternity. Election is from Ever­lasting, though Vocation is in time.

Fourthly, That God hath not chosen Persons to happiness only, but to holiness; that we should be holy, &c. Happiness is the End, Holiness, through Christ, the means to that End: Though God has chose some to happiness, and they shall all certainly be Saved, he having set his Seal upon them; yet they that name Christ's Name, must depart from Iniquity. So saith the Apostle, 2 Tim. 2. 19.

Secondly. Another Blessing is Predestination unto the Adoption of Children, by Jesus Christ, ac­cording to the good will and plea­sure of God; to the Glory and Praise of his rich Grace, v. 4. and 5.

Thirdly. Acceptance with God, (both of our Persons and Services) in, and through Christ, who is the beloved, is another Blessing, v. 6. to the praise and glory of his grace, wherein he, (viz. God) hath made us accepted in the Beloved.

Fourthly. Redemption from sin and wrath, through the Blood of Christ, which is precious Blood, that only makes peace with God for us, v. 7. In whom, through or by whom, we have Redemption through his Blood, Colos. 1. 20.

Fifthly. Forgiveness of Sins, which is a Soul-inriching Blessing. This comes through the bitter ago­ny and blood-shed of Christ to us, Heb. 9. 22. We have not only Re­demption, but Pardon and For­giveness of Sins through Christ, according to the riches of his grace, bounty or goodness, v. 7.

Sixthly. A manifestation and discovery of the mystery of God's Will, through Christ, in the Gos­pel, concerning the Salvation of Sinners, &c. according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself, v. 9. Whence observe, That not only the Election, but also the vocation of the adopted [Page 6] Sons of God, proceedeth from meer free Grace in Christ, and no­thing else.

Seventhly. Union with Christ, the Head of all the Faithful; this is a great blessing and priviledge, mentioned v. 10. That in the dis­pensation of the fulness of times (that is, in the time prefixed by the Lord, who is the disposer of times and of order in all things, for the accomplishment of the Promises that concerned Christ the Messiah, and that concerns all the Elect in him) he might gather in one all things in Christ; reduce into one capital sum, or bring under one head, so the word signifies, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. Some understand here the Faithful, whereof some are now in Heaven, and others are yet upon the Earth, which are cal­led and gathered into one body, and under one head. The Faithful [Page 7] may be said to be gathered toge­ther in Christ (which holds forth their mystical Union with him) because they are joined together with him by Faith, and so are be­come, as it were, one Man. But,

Eighthly. In the 11. and 12. v. you have the vocation, or calling, both of Jew and Gentile, to the participation of that Redemption in Christ, according to God's good pleasure and purpose; of the Jew first, and afterwards of the Gentile. In whom also we have obtained an Inheritance, being predestinated ac­cording to the purpose of him, who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will, that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted (or hoped) in Christ. Where observe four things. 1. That the calling of Jew and Gentile by Grace in Christ here, and their obtain­ing Heaven and Glory hereafter, is all according to the good pleasure, and wise purpose of God.

2dly. All things are attributed to the Free Grace of God through Christ, without exception, who worketh all things; yet we are not stocks, for he giveth us Grace both to will and to do those things that are good, Phil. 2. 13.

3dly. God's working all things, not simply according to his will, but according, or after the coun­sel of his own will, teach us thus much, That God, as an intelligent and most wise Agent, doth all things upon most just and prudent grounds, known to himself; and he hath always a reason for his will, tho' to us his will must stand for the supream Reason. Stat pro ratione volunt as, Matth. 11. 26.

4thly. Observe the great end of all this, viz. the praise and glory of his Grace, i. e. of his glorious Grace; that as his bountiful good­ness, and love in Christ, deserveth all praise, so also it should be set forth and published.

Ninthly. In the 13, 14. Paul speaks particularly of the vocation of the Ephesians, to whom he wrote. And that 1. by the operation of the word of truth, which they heard. 2. By the obsignation of the spirit, in whom also they trusted after that they heard the word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. In whom also, af­ter that ye believed, ye were Sealed with the Spirit of Promise. Here is another Blessing, which is not one of the least, though it be one of the last named.

In this one Verse (part of which is our Text) we have two noble acts of Faith spoken of and dis­play'd.

1. A direct act, called trusting, In whom also ye trusted, &c.

2. A reflex Act, which in or­der of Nature and Time follows it, which act is implied in the word Sealing. In whom also, after [Page 10] that ye believed, ye were Sealed, &c. In which words are these four parts; as,

1. The Subjects of this Sealing, or Assurance, and they are Believ­ers; such as have closed in with Christ by Faith. An Unbeliever, as such, was never sealed, unless to damnation. 'Tis Believers only that are sealed to Salvation. In whom after that ye believed, &c.

2. The nature of this Assurance. Paul calls it a Sealing; ye were seal­ed, &c. Assurance (says one) is like to a Seal for three things.

1. It confirms the Grants of God. And,

2. It declares the purpose of God. And,

Lastly, It distinguishes the Per­sons so priviledged, from other Persons.

3. Here is the Author of this Sealing, viz. The Holy Spirit of Promise. Ye were Sealed by the Holy [Page 11] Spirit of Promise. It is he (Belov­ed) that keeps the great Seal of Heaven, and it is his Office to Seal, and to confirm, to Believers, their Interest in Christ by Faith, and right to Heaven, and Glory: As it is his work to sanctifie, so also to seal Believers, and witness to them their Adoption, Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit witness with our Spi­rits, that we are the children of God.

4. You have the quality of this Spirit that seals Believers; he is a Holy Spirit, and he seals the Saints as an Holy Spirit of Promise. Now the Spirit's sealing thus, 1. as an holy Spirit, relates to his previous work of Sanctification in the Souls of them he seals: the Spirit first sanctifies, and then seals the Soul.

2. As a Spirit of Promise; this respects the Medium, or Instru­ment made use of by him in his sealing of Believers, viz. the Pro­mises [Page 12] of God, which are made in, or with Christ the Head, for all Believers, and given to them thro' him, 2 Pet. 1. 4. The Spirit opens and applies the Promises of the Gospel to Believers, in order to their sealing.

Thus having opened the Text, and given the Analyses of it, we shall note two Doctrines.

I shall not inlarge upon this, on­ly beseech you in Christ's stead, to examine your selves, whether you have this holy Spirit of Promise dwelling in you; know this, that if you have not the Spirit of Christ (Profess what you will) you are none of his, Rom. 8. 9. Have you therefore the Spirit or not? If you have, then you are Christ's, and transform'd into his Image and Likeness; you are made comely, through his comeliness put upon you, Ezek. 16. 14. If you have not the Spirit, you are still under the power of Satan, led captive by him at his will, 2 Tim. 2. 26. He rules in your hearts, and has his throne there, Eph. 2. 2, 3.

Quest. How shall we know we have the Spirit?

Answ. By his blessed Operations and Fruit in your Souls; where [Page 14] the Spirit is, the Soul is changed and renewed; and there's Faith, Love, Patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit, 1 Cor. 5. 17. Gal. 5. 21, 22.

For the prosecution of this great Truth, for your Edification and building up in Christ Jesus, I shall

1. Shew you what the sealing of the Spirit is, and how it is per­formed by him in the Soul.

2. Shew you why none are sealed with the Spirit, till after they do believe, and close in with Christ by Faith.

3. Shew, whether all Believers are sealed by the Spirit.

[Page 15]4. Shew you the great Privi­ledges of them that are Sealed.

5. Then sum up all by way of Application.

1. Shew you what the Spirit's Sealing is, and how it is performed by him in the Soul.

In general: the Sealing of the holy Spirit is his giving a sure and certain testimony to the reality and truth of that Grace, whichhe hath wrought in their Souls, and to their saving Interest in Jesus Christ, and propriety in all the promises of the Gospel, that are made in Christ, for all true Be­lievers: This is the Spirit's Seal­ing, whereby he resolves the fears, and satisfies the Souls of Believers, whom he seals, about their state and condition.

This sealing Work is alone by the Spirit, none else need do it, and no meaner Person than he can do it. The Holy Ghost delight­eth [Page 16] to speak in our Language, that we may understand him; and because we cannot rise to him, he therefore stoopeth unto us.

Under the Law we find that a matter of great concernment and weight, was to be proved and confirmed by two sufficient Wit­nesses, Deut. 19. 15. One witness shall not rise up against a Man for any iniquity, &c. at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three, shall the matter be est ablished, or confirmed. Now the sincerity or uprightness of our Souls before God, and our saving Interest in Jesus Christ, are matters of great, yea, greater concernments to us, than all in the World. And being so, they need a further Witness to confirm them, than our own Spi­rits; therefore the Spirit of God witnesseth with our Spirit, that we are the Children of God, thro' Christ Jesus: 'tis by him that we [Page 17] know God is our Father, and that we are enabled to call upon him in Christ as our Father, Gal. 4. 5, 6. He hath given us the Spirit of his Son, whereby we cry Abba Father.

This Sealing is not only a wit­nessing to us, but it is a work upon us, and in us, carrying the Image of him that Sealeth us; whereby (saith Dr. Sibbs) we are not only assured of the Good pro­mised to us, but freed for the re­ceiving of it. God prepares no Good for any, but whom he pre­pares and fits by his Spirit for that good, 2 Cor. 5. 4, 5, 6.

There be three things that the Spirit doth in Sealing Believers, which things all concur together, and must be in this Sealing Work.

1. The Spirit Sanctifies the Soul, and makes it holy; he never Seals before he Sanctifies; this is the Spirit's material and objective Seal; where he is a Sealing Spirit, [Page 18] there he is a Spirit of Sanctifica­tion: he renews and changes the Soul, and forms Christ's glorious Image upon it: where the Spirit Seals, he subdues Sin, makes the Heart anew, and enables them he Seals, to cast off the works of darkness, and put off the old man, after the flesh, with his deeds, and put on the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4. 22, 23, 24. He Sanctifies them throughout, in Body, Mind and Spirit, 1 Thes. 5. 20. and makes them that were darkness to be light in the Lord, Eph. 5. 4, 5. Ye, were sometimes dark­ness, but now are ye light in the Lord.

2. The Spirit irradiates and clears this up to the Souls of them whom he Seals, that they are San­ctified, and made holy; that their Hearts are changed, and Grace wrought in them, which was not there before, and that now they [Page 19] are new Creatures, being in Christ. 2 Cor. 5. 17. For if any man be in Christ, he is a new Creature, old things are done away, and all things are become new. This the Spirit shows to the Soul, in his Sealing Work; and by this, enables Be­lievers to say, doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham know us not; or be ignorant of us. Thou O Lord, art our Father, our Re­deemer, [...] Name is from Ever­lasting, Isa. 63. 16. This God is our God for ever and ever, he will be our guide even unto death, Psal. 46. 14. The Lord is my portion, saith my Soul, therefore will I hope in him, Lam. 3. 24. My beloved is mine, and I am his, Cant. 1. 16. Now Believers know this from the Holy Spirit, who clears these things to their Souls, when he Seals them.

3. The blessed Spirit, after all this is done, in order to Sealing, [Page 20] he enables the Soul he Soals, to lay hold on, and to apply the precious Promises to its self; so that when­ever a Promise is read or spoken of, the Soul may apply it, and say, this is mine, and the other Promise is mine, they are a Legacy left me, may the Soul say, by my dear Husband, and Head, Christ. This Divines call the Formal Seal­ing of the Spirit. There is none but the Holy Spirit that can thus Seal Believers, viz. by clearing up to them their title to, and interest in Christ, and the Promises, as there's. For he only knows the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2. 10. 11. And besides, 'tis his office to clear and witness this to Believers, who is a Spirit of Truth, and therefore he cannot, neither will deceive us, John 14. 17. My Beloved, the Spirit's Testimony in this, is more than a voice from Heaven, or than if an Angel should come [Page 21] and say, Christ has sent me to tell you, That he loves you, and shed his blood for you. This could not sa­tisfie as the internal Sealing of the Spirit to the Minds or Souls of Be­lievers; the other may be a Delu­sion, but this of the Spirit is cer­tain, and may be depended upon. The witness of a Man's Spirit may come to a probability, but the wit­ness of the Spirit is clear demon­stration. 1 John 4. 12, 19. No man (saith he) hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is per­fected in us: hereby we know that we dwell in him, and he in us: how? because he hath given us of his spirit. The Spirit receives of Christ's, and gives it to Believers, John 16. 18, 19. As it is the Devil's work to cast in Fears into the Soul, to per­plex and disquiet the heart; he be­ing the red Dragon that disturbs the Waters of the Saints Peace. [Page 22] So it is the Spirit's work to clear things up, to settle the Sanctified Soul, and fill it with peace, joy, and comfort, John 16. 7. As it is his work to convince of Sin, to Sanctifie, so to establish, and set­tle the Heart, and give that peace and comfort to it, which none can give, nor take away, Rom. 14. 17.

The Spirit in this work of Seal­ing, attests and witnesseth, both first, to the Doctrine, or Object of Faith, and secondly, to the infused habit of the Grace of Faith in the Soul; of the former he saith, this is my word, I indicted it, do you there­fore believe and imbrace it: of the latter, he saith, this is my work within you; this Grace, this Faith, this Love, Patience, Self-denial, is my work in you; I have pro­duced all these things in your Souls. So that (Beloved) this Sealing Work of the Spirit is evermore a­greeable [Page 23] to the written word of God, Isa. 8. 20. What he speaks in his holy Word, and in our Hearts, are all harmonious Testi­monies.

The Spirit in Sealing Believers, makes not use of an audible voice, as to say vocally, Thomas, or John, thy Sins are pardoned, &c. nor of immediate and extraordinarily Re­velations; therefore expect them not; for he makes use of the spiri­tual Graces that are wrought in the Soul, and of the precious Pro­mises writ in the Word: By these means the holy Spirit comforts the Heart, and usually brings the Soul to rest and joy.

Secondly, Shew you, why none are Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, till after they do believe in Christ. In whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed, &c.

Before I Answer directly, or give the Reasons, let me promise this [Page 24] one thing, viz.

That there be many who are in the state of Nature, and have not one dram of Grace in their Souls, nothing but Sin and Cor­ruption, and yet these have, and may have, many false hopes, and vain confidences, which will de­ceive their Souls: you read of the hope of the Hypocrite, and the House which he leans upon, that will fall, and leave him in utter despair. For what is the vain hope and confidence of the Hypocrite, when God shall take away his Soul, Job 8. 13, 14, 15, 13, 16, 27. When these poor wretches dye, their vain hopes of Heaven dye with them: many take Presumption for Assurance, and a vain confidence, for well-grounded hopes of Hea­ven; because they have external Priviledges, and talk of Christ, they think all is well, and that [Page 25] there needs no more ado. Thus many will go down to Hell with a Lye in their right hand? That it is thus, is clear, from Matth. 7. 22. Many will say to him in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not pro­phesied in thy name, and in thy name done many wonderful works, cast out Devils, &c. And in John 8. 54, 55. Of whom ye say (saith Christ to the Jews, that pleaded Abraham was their Father, and that they were never in Bondage, &c.) that he is your God, and yet ye have not known him. Here this People, you see, had grounded Confidences, and false Comforts built thereupon. They said, God was their's, and yet they were ignorant of Him, and did not know Him. Oh! tremble at the word of the Lord, and have a care of vain Confiden­ces, and putting the Lye upon your own Souls, as these did. Paul tells us of some, that went a great [Page 26] way, and attained to much, and yet were not Believers, nor Sealed by the Holy Spirit, Heb. 6. 4, 5. A startling Word: They were once Inlightened, tasted of the heavenly Gift, were made par­takers of the Holy Ghost, and tasted of the good word of God, and the Powers of the World to come. If these fall a way, 'tis im­possible to recover them again, &c. Thus (I say) Persons may deceive their Souls, building their hopes and comforts upon sandy founda­tions, being foolishly confident they shall be Saved. But for any, except real Saints and Believers in Christ, to have those witnessing Sealing Testimonies of the Spirit, which we have discours'd of, and described to you; I say, for any but real Christians to have these, is utterly impossible, which brings me now to give the Reasons, why none but real Believers are, or can [Page 27] be Sealed by the Spirit of God. And the Reasons to make it evi­dent and plain, shall be taken.

1. From the Author. 2. From the Nature 3. From the Object Matter. 4. From the Mediums. And Lastly, from the great design and end of the Holy Spirit in his glorious Sealing Work.

1. Reason; taken from the Au­thor of this Sealing Work, viz. the Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of Holiness, and Spirit of Truth. So Christ calls him, John 14. 17. I will pray the Father for you, and he shall send you another Comforter, &c. even the Spirit of Truth, who shall lead and guide you into all Truth, John 16. 13, 14. Now he being a Spirit of Holiness and Truth, he cannot witness to a Lye, or give a Testi­mony quite contrary to the whole tenour of the Sacred Word of God. Whose word is a word of Truth, and not of Falshood, John 17. 17. The [Page 28] Spirit Indicted the Scriptures, and they are all like him that is Truth. Now were the Spirit to Seal Un­believers, he would give a Testi­mony quite cross to the Word of Truth, which he will never do. The Elect themselves, while in a natural state, have no actual Inte­rest in Christ, nor the Promises, therefore, while in that state, they can have none Sealed to them. They that have no actual Interest in Christ, and in the Promises of the Gospel, cannot be Sealed by the Spirit of Promise. We must (my Beloved) be Saints, before we can be known to be so: a Man must be in Christ before he can know he is in Christ; and a Be­liever, before he can know he is a Believer, and that he has Faith in Christ.

2. Reason is taken from the na­ture of this work of Sealing: If you consider the nature of it, it cannot [Page 29] be, that Unbelievers should be Sealed. Assurance is produced in the Souls of Believers, by the reflexive acts of their Faith: the Spirit in Sealing Believers, helps them to reflect upon what he hath former­ly done, and wrought in their Souls. 1 John 2. 3. Hereby (saith John) we know, (that is, we Believ­ers, that have closed in with Christ, and have him to plead for us, &c.) that we know him. Now to know that we know is a reflex Act, (as one says;) and there can be no reflex Acts, where there is no di­rect Acts of Faith; it is impossible that there should be a reflex Act, before a direct Act of Faith. No Man can have the evidence of his Faith, before the habit of it be in­fused, and the vital act first per­formed: therefore deceive not your Souls with vain hopes of Hea­ven.

[Page 30]3. Reason of this is taken from the object Matter, to which the Spirit Seals; and that you will find to be his own Sanctifying Operations upon the Heart, or in the Hearts of those that he Seals; and consequently, to their great priviledges and advantages in Christ Jesus: the Spirit witnesses to Believers, that they are Christ's and that he hath loved them with an everlasting Love, and shed his precious Blood for them, Rev. 1. 5, 6. This the Spirit Seal'd to Paul, Gal. 2. 20. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life saith he) that I live in the flesh, is by the faith of the Son of God, who hath loved me, and given him­self for me. How did Paul know this, but by the still voice of the Spirit, who discovered in particu­lar Christ's love to him? The Spirit in Sealing Believers, doth attest, [Page 31] That Christ abideth in them, and that they are the Sons of God, Rom. 8. 16. 1 John 3. 24. Hereby we know that he (viz. Christ) abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given to us. Now no such thing as this can be Sealed to us, until we be­lieve; because neither our Adopti­on, nor Sanctification is before Faith, John 1. 12. Gal. 3. 26. When Persons believe truly in Jesus Christ, then are they actually Sons of God, and really Sanctified, and not before; for our Hearts are said to be purified by, or through Faith, Acts 15. 9. Therefore Persons be­ing unsanctified, cannot be Sealed, before Faith in the Blood of Christ.

4. Reason it is thus: If you con­sider the Mediums or Instruments, made use of in this work of Seal­ing: The Spirit of God in Sealing his People, makes use of the great and precious Promises; therefore [Page 32] he is called a Spirit of Promise in our Text: He is not so called only because he is the Spirit promised, Ezek. 36. 27. but secondly, be­cause he opens and applies the Pro­mises to Believers, which he doth when they believe, and are united to Christ, and not before: The Spirit clears the Promises to their Understandings, and by Faith en­ables them, to apply them to their own Souls; but still remember, 'tis after Faith; for 'till a Person is united to Christ, he has no true saving right to the Promises; they are Childrens Bread, and Dogs that are without must not meddle with them, Matth. 15. 26, 27. Rev. 22. 15. But

Fifthly. The Fifth Reason is taken from the great End and De­sign of the Spirit in this Sealing Work, which is, to secure to the believing Soul its Peace, pardon of Sin, and eternal Salvation with [Page 33] Christ in Glory: The end of our Faith, we read, is the Salvation of our Souls; and this is the end of the Spirit's Sealing, to secure it to the Soul, 1 Pet. 1. 9, 10. The Spirit of God is said, Eph. 4. 30. To Seal Believers to the day of Re­demption; that is to their compleat Salvation in Christ. We are all by nature in bondage to Sin and Corruption; and we are Redeem­ed from Sin by the first coming of Christ, Matth. 1. 21. Tit. 2. 14. And shall be fully and perfectly Redeemed from all Sin at his se­cond. Now, in the mean time, 'till this be, God would have his Peo­ple to be assured of it before-hand, therefore he hath given his Spirit to Seal them up to the Day of Re­demption. Now, my Beloved, it is as equally impossible for Un­believers, as such, to be Sealed, as Saved. And the Word saith, Matth, 16. 16. He that believeth [Page 34] not shall be damned. And, John 8. 24. Says Christ to the Jews, If you believe not, ye shall die in your sins. Thus you see the Doctrine is clear, That the great priviledge of Seal­ing by the Spirit follows the Act of Believing, and goes not before it. I should have shown you now,

Thirdly, Whether all Believers are Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise; but our time is gone; therefore I shall sum up all with a short Word of Application; and leave what has been said to the Blessing of God.

1. Ʋse. If none are Sealed, nor can be Saved, until they be­lieve in Christ, then examine what your state is, how it stands be­tween God and your precious Souls; if you find it good, bless God, who has called you by his Grace, and Sealed you by his holy [Page 35] Spirit: if you find it bad with you upon tryal, that God and your Souls are strangers, then cry to him earnestly, through Christ, to open your Eyes, and shew you your state and condition, that you may not live and dye strangers to him; say, as the blind Men, Lord we would receive our sight, we would have our Understandings opened and illuminated; Oh! thou that commandedst the Light to shine out of darkness, shine into our Souls, and give us the Light of the Know­ledge of the Glory of thy self, in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 4. 4, 6. Give us to see our state and need of Christ, and save us Lord, or we shall perish. Say, Lord take away sin, and receive me graciously into thy favour, and our Lips shall praise thee, Hos. 14. 2, 3. Give us Christ or we dye. Thus be importunate with God, and give him no rest, for 'tis for your Lives.

[Page 36]2. Ʋse. Be exhorted to these three things.

First, Not to quench the Spirit. Oh! comply sweetly with all its motions, and hearken to all his calls. 1 Thes. 5. 20. Quench not the Spirit.

Secondly, Grieve not the Holy Spirit in any wise; there is a great respect due to the Spirit, for doing such a gracious and glorious work as Sealing is; see then that you grieve him not, but in all things endeavour to please him, so that he may delight to go on in this blessed work, that he hath pleased to take upon him: beware of Pride, Passion, Envy, and all Sin that grieves the Spirit. Oh! grieve not the holy and good Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption, Ephes. 4. 30.

Thirdly, Bless God that he has given his good Spirit to any of you, to cause you to walk in his Sta­tutes, to keep his Judgments, and do them, Ezek. 36. 27. As also, to clear up his Love in Christ to your Souls.

BEloved, we began the last Day with these Words, and after we had opened, and given the Analysis of them, we stated this Doctrinal Conclusion, viz.

Doct. That the great privi­ledge of Sealing by the Spirit, is after the duty and act of Believ­ing.

For the opening of this weighty Point, we have shown,

First, What this Sealing work of the Spirit is, and how it is per­formed by him in the Soul. And,

Secondly, We have given the Reasons why none can be truly Sealed by the Spirit until they be­lieve in Christ Jesus.

Now, Thirdly, we shall proceed to show you, whether all Believers are Sealed by the Spirit of Promise or no.

This is a weighty case, and re­quires a better Judgment than mine to discuss it; but as the Lord shall help, I shall say something at this time in Answer to it, viz. Whether all Believers are Sealed [Page 40] by the Spirit of God, or no. For the opening of it, (that you may rightly understand, and, if the Lord please, be established and comforted) I must make some Di­stinctions that ought to be made, in so great a Matter and Concern as this is.

The Distinctions I shall make are these three, viz.

First, The different kinds of the Spirit's Sealing.

Secondly, The times and seasons thereof. And,

Thirdly, The several ways and manners of this Sealing.

First, We must distinguish the different kinds of the Spirit's Seal­ing: the Sealing Work of the Spi­rit is not of one kind, nor to one and the same use and end.

There is (Beloved) a two-fold Seal of the Holy Spirit.

First, An objective Seal, which Seal distinguishes the Persons that have it, from other Persons: And,

Secondly, There is a formal Seal, by, or in which Sealing, the Spirit clears up, and ratifies the Soul's Interest in Christ, and Right to Heaven and Salvation, by and through him.

First, The objective Sealing of Persons, the Spirit doth, in Sancti­fying and making them holy, that he Seals; who before were filthy and unholy; the Spirit changes the Heart, renews the Nature, and forms Christ's Image in the Souls of them he Seals.

When the Spirit Seals Persons objectively, he really and truly sanctifies them by the Infusion of his Grace; and thus he seals us in way of distinction from other Per­sons.

And this is one end of his glori­ous sealing Work: before we pro­ceed further, pray mind these five things.

First, In the Decree of God's Election there was a difference between Believers and others, even from Eternity, before all Time: There is a privy Seal of Predesti­nation, that is only known to God himself. 2 Tim. 2. 19. The Lord knoweth them that are his. By Election and Choice in Christ, be­fore the foundation of the World, Eph. 1. 4. This knowledge of God of us, is carried secret, as wa­ter that runs under the ground, un­til by vocation he calls us from the rest of Mankind. God has chose a certain number in Christ, which shall certainly be saved: For the foundation of God standeth sure, viz. of Election, having this Seal, &c.

Secondly, In the purpose and in­tention of the death of Christ, there was also a difference between the Elect, and other Men; for though all have a common benefit by Christ's death, yet he shed not his blood for all, but for some, even for all those that the Father had given him, and for whom he co­venanted with his Father, to satis­fie Justice in their stead: God the Father, and Christ the Son, struck hands together about the Redem­ption of Sinners; the Father gave out of the World to Christ, a cer­tain number that he would have saved; and the Son ingaged with the Father for their Redemption, and to bring them to Glory, Isa. 59. 1. to 6. John 6. 38, 39. Now dare any say, That God gave all the World to Christ, and that Christ did covenant with his Fa­ther, to save all? If all are given to Christ, and he is become Surety [Page 44] to his Father for all, then all shall be saved. For God has promised to Christ, That he shall see his Seed, and see of the travail of his Soul, and be satisfied. Isa. 73. 8, 9, 11, 12. And in the 10 v. it is said, That the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands. It is the pleasure of God those Christ dyed for should be saved, and they shall, there­fore Christ dyed not for all alike: besides, Christ prayed not for all, therefore he dyed not for all: for surely Christ will not stick to spend his breath for them, for whom he spent his blood. John 17. 6, 9, 15. I pray not for the World, but for them which thou hast given me out of the World, thine they were, but thou gavest them me, &c. Thus by the way you see, that in regard of Christ's death, viz. the Intentionality of it, there was a difference between the Elect, and others: For though all Men have [Page 45] a common, yet 'tis only the Elect who believe, that have a special, real benefit by it. But,

Thirdly, Yet know, That all this while, tho' there be a differ­ence between the Elect and others in the Election of God, and death of Christ, yet there was no person­al, actual difference between them and others, until they are sanctifi­ed and renewed, and so are di­stinguished from other Men: The Elect themselves (considered in Adam) are Children of wrath, even as others, till they are called, and believe, Eph. 2. 2, 3. The Devil rules in them, and they are kept in blindness by him, as well as others, 2 Cor. 4. 4, 5. They are affar off from God, Eph. [...] 13. and are wallowing in their Blood, to the loathing of [...] Persons, till God say to them, [...] ye, Ezek. 16. 4, 5, 6. They are born in sin, and polluted by it, even as others, [Page 46] till God sprinkle their Hearts with Christ's Blood, Ezek. 36. 24, 25. They are as vile as the vilest, 1 Cor. 6. 11. Such were some of you, viz. Thieves, Covetous, Lyars, Swear­ers, &c. but now ye are washed, now ye are sanctified by the Spirit of our God.

Fourthly, Know that the Spirit of God in this objective Seal, viz. Sanctification, makes a real differ­ence in the states and tempers of those that he thus Seals. For (says Paul) If any Man be in Christ, he is a new Creature, old Passions and Corruptions are subdued in the Soul, and all things are become new. And the Spirit also manifests that diffe­rence, which God in his chusing, made between them he sanctifies, and others, 1 Thes. 1. 4, 5. Bre­thren, ye know your Election of God. But how did they know it? The Gospel (says he) did not come in Word only, but in power, and in much [Page 47] assurance of joy in the Holy Ghost. When the report of God is believ­ed, and the arm of the Lord re­vealed to any, then they see that Eternal Love that God bore to them in Christ, before the World was. Vocation in time, is a sign of Election from Eternity: For those that God has Elected in Christ, shall certainly be called by the Spirit, out of Darkness into Light.

Fifthly, Know further, that all this while, tho' a Person be sancti­fied, which is the objective Seal of the Spirit, yet he may not be formally Sealed; i. e. he may not have his change of state, and inte­rest in Christ, fully sealed up to him: a Man's Sanctification may be very doubtful to himself, and he may labour under many and great fears about it, whether he is changed or no, be in Christ or no; so that this is one distinction [Page 48] we must make, the kinds of the Spirit's sealing; a Man may have the objective Seal, but not the formal Seal, presently; a Letter may be writ sometime before it is Sealed; the Spirit may work Grace in the Soul some time, be­fore he sets his Seal to it. But,

Secondly, We must distinguish the times and seasons of the Spirit's Sealing; for there be various times of his sealing Believers; as the kinds of the Spirit's sealing are dif­ferent, so the seasons wherein he doth this work, are many and va­rious: As,

First, Some Persons (though I think but few) are sealed imme­diately upon their Believing in, and closing with Christ by Faith; they are no sooner Converted, but Sealed; but this is very rare, and not common; here and there one are sealed immediately by the Spi­rit upon Conversion: I heard cre­dibly [Page 49] of One that was convinced of Sin, saw himself lost and un­done, and thereupon having a sight of Christ, fled to him for Pardon, Peace, Life, and all Grace; and was enabled to close in with Christ by Faith; and had also thereupon, the Love of God, and certainty of his being Saved, Seal­ed up by the Spirit to him, and all in an Hours time: many Mini­sters, and good Christians, were amazed at it, and afraid it was a Delusion; but by close walking with God, and a pious Conversa­tion, he declared it was God's work in him. The prodigal Son returning home to his Father, was thus immediately Sealed; for he was entertained with a fatted Calf, and sweet Musick; and his Father ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him, Luke 15. 23, 24, 25. But all Believers find not this presently, as soon as they are Converted, nor [Page 50] for some time after; 'tis but few that are thus Seal'd by the Spirit.

Secondly, Season. The Spirit Seals in times of great and eminent com­munion with God, through Christ. Times of Communion, are sealing times: when the Soul sees and in­joys God, tastes of his matchless Love, and the sweet kisses of his Mouth, which are better than Wine, Cant. 1. 2. Then there is much Joy; and great out-lets of Peace and Comfort to that Soul: When God meets, and shines upon Be­lievers in a Duty, and in an Ordi­nance, then he makes their state very obvious and clear to them; then he banishes away all fears and doubts in their Souls, and makes them rejoice with greater and bet­ter Joy, than the World can af­ford, saith David, who was a Man much in Communion with God, Psal. 4. 7. Thou hast put more joy and gladness into my [Page 51] heart, than when their Corn, and Wine, and Oil increase: But how was this? no otherways than by God's lifting up the Light of his Countenance upon his Soul, which will gladen the heart indeed.

Thirdly, Many have been seal­ed, upon some great and eminent Tryals and Dangers, that they have been exposed to, for Christ's sake, and his Gospel. Many Per­sons, in times of eminent sufferings for Jesus Christ (wherein they have carried it with great meek­ness, patience, and self-denial) are sealed; they have much com­fort and assurance given to them. Paul tells us, 2 Cor. 1. 4, 5. That as their sufferings did abound for Christ, so their consolations did a­bound in him. For as the suffer­ings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by, or, in Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for our Consola­tion, [Page 52] &c. How were the Martyrs Sealed many times in the depth of their Suffering for Christ his Cause? one cried out when he was going to dye; Oh! Austin, he is come, he is come; meaning Christ, who then met him, and by his Spirit Sealed up his Love to him. Another, when in the Flames, injoy'd so much of God, That he said, He was as if he were in a bed of down: He sweetly con­vers'd with God in the Flames.

Fourthly, The Spirit usually Seals Persons, after a dark day and time of desertion, when they have been clouded, and gone mourning for lack of the Sun, Job 30. 18. When they have had hard and sore conflicts with Satan, and their own base Lusts. Thus some read, and understand that Text, Revel. 2. 17. To him that over­cometh will I give to eat of the hid­den Manna; and I will give him a [Page 53] white Stone, and in that Stone a new Name written, &c. These are sweet words; in which observe,

First, The Persons to whom Christ makes this Promise, viz. to overcomers; who having com­bated with Sin, and Satan, and the World, are Conquerors through him. To him that over cometh, &c. But,

Secondly, Observe here a three­fold Promise made by Christ, to such Souls as are true Victors over Sin, Satan, &c.

First, I will give him to eat of the hidden Manna. Manna is the Corn and Bread of Heaven, called An­gels Food, Psal. 78. 24. This was the Bread that God gave Israel in the Wilderness; some of which was put in a Pot, and laid up be­fore the Testimony, Exod. 16. 33, 34. By this hidden Manna here, we are to understand Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life (so cal­led) [Page 54] that came down from Heaven; whosoever eats, by Faith, of it, shall never dye, that is, not Eternally, John 6. 48, 49, 50, 59. What can Christ give more than himself, and the inward secret Communications of his Love and Grace, which are hid and laid up in Christ, for all them that do truly believe in him? By these he feeds and strengthens the Souls of his People.

Secondly, A white Stone. And I will give to him a white Stone, &c. There was among the Romans a two-fold use of the white Stone, saith Reverend Mr. Knowles, now with God.

First, He that was a Victor, and had overcome in their Olym­pick Games, had a white Stone given him, as a badge and token of Honour and Victory: Thus Je­sus Christ will give to his People, that through him overcome (by wrestling with Sin, the Devil, and [Page 55] the World, Eph. 6. 12, 13.) a Crown of Glory: They shall stand before the Throne with Crowns on their Heads, and Palms in their Hands, as tokens and signs of ho­nour and victory, Revel. 7. 9, 10. 2. 10. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life. Christ gives to his a Title to the Crown of Heaven here; so that tho' the Saints have not a Crown in Life, yet they are Heirs of a Crown of Life, which Christ will give to them. There is a Crown of Righteousness for all them that are in Christ savingly, and that long for, and love his appear­ing.

Secondly, He that being accused of any crime in their Courts of Judicature, was found innocent, and so was acquitted of his Crime, had a white Stone given him, as a sign of absolution. All Believers are acquitted and discharged thro' [Page 56] Christ here, he having satisfied di­vine Justice for them, Rom. 8. 33. And they shall have a publick Ab­solution in the day of Judgment, before Angels and Men, Rev. 20. 11, 12. Christ at that Day will fully and openly acquit his own People, and say, Enter now into the Joy of your Lord.

Thirdly, In this white Stone, Christ promiseth to Overcomers, a new Name written, which no Man knows but him that receiv­eth it: by which is meant some spiritual dignity and honour, that Christ will confer on them that believe in him, Isa. 62. 2, 3. They shall be made partakers of the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1 4. And have the Communications of his saving Graces, and the indwelling Pre­sence of his Spirit; the witness and sealing Testimony of which Holy Spirit, is this new Name in the white Stone, which no Man knoweth [Page 57] but he that receiveth it, 1 Cor. 2. 12. The Spiritual Senses (says one) of the new Man, is only capable to know and understand the Di­vine nature of Christ's new name, written in the white Stone of Ab­solution, pardon of Sin, and the gracious Promises of Eternal Life. This new Name is Christ's own Hand-writing, and none can read it, but such as are spiritually taught by Christ: The natural Man, that is, the unconverted Man, receiveth not the things of the Spirit, because they are fool­ishness to him; and he knoweth them not, because they are spiri­tually discerned; they can't be seen with a blind Eye.

Fifth Season is, When they die. Dying times are Sealing times to many Believers: many Christians here walk in the dark, and have their whole Lives, as it were, like that Day spoken of, and described [Page 58] by the Prophet, Zech. 14. 17. A Day that is neither dark nor light. Some injoy more of God, than o­thers do, and are Sealed in a grea­ter degree. And as for those, whose Life is a Life between hopes and fears, they shall more or less, have an Evening time of Light and Joy; God that has pro­mised to be with his Living, will not forsake them utterly when dy­ing: he will not be a stranger, much less a Terror to them. Many have lived in the dark; and when they have died, they have seen God's sweet Face, and have had his Love sealed up to their Souls. When all comforts are gone, then God sends his to them: when their outward Appetite fails, then God feeds them with spiritual hidden Manna: though all God's Children have not joy and assu­rance alike, when they dye, yet they all have joy, and are sealed [Page 59] more or less. For as the wicked have some apprehensions of Hell and Wrath in their Consciences, which makes them afraid to dye, (as one cried out, I am so sinful, that I cannot dye; and said ano­ther, I have lived in care, and now dye in doubt; for whither I am going I cannot tell.) So the Godly have some fore-tastes of God's Love and Favour, when they dye. Though 'tis true, their Diseases may be such, and their Animal Spirits so oppressed, that they cannot ex­press what they feel. Good Jacob (saith one) laid asleep upon a stone, when he saw a Vision, Gen. 28. 7, 8, 9. So the Saints, when they lay themselves down to sleep the sleep of death, they have often a Vision from God; they see the light of his countenance, and have his Love sealed up to them for ever: Now they desire, with good old Simeon, Luke 2. 30, 31. To [Page 60] be gone, and depart in Peace, for their Eyes have seen his Salvation.

Third Distinction. We must di­stinguish the several ways and manners of the Spirit's Sealing: As,

First, Some are extraordinary and immediate, given and vouch­safed to some only; and that at special times: thus Zacheus was Sealed, Luke 19. 9. Come down (says Christ to him) This Day is Salvation come to thine House. And that Man was thus Sealed, Matth. 9. 2. to whom Christ said, Son be of good chear, thy sins are forgiven thee. These immediate ways are now ceased; so that no Man can expect now, by any New Re­velation, or Sign from Hea­ven, by any extraordinary Inspi­ration, or Voice, to have his Sal­vation Sealed up to him; but he must look for it in God's ordinary way, viz. by searching of the word, John 5. 39. examining of [Page 61] his own heart, 2 Cor. 13. 5. And waiting upon God in Prayer, and in other Ordinances, Isa. 40. 29, 30. I have read of one who had been long upon the borders of Dispair, and at last he was sweet­ly assured, and Sealed; being ask­ed how; he answered not by any new Revelation, or extraordinary Voice from Heaven, but by sub­jecting his Understanding to, and comparing his heartwith the word.

Thus having made these Di­stinctions, for your clear under­standing the Case, give me leave to Answer all out of doubt, from what has been said; And that briefly in these three things.

First, Consider, that though all Believers have not the Formal, yet they have the Objective Seal of the Spirit, they are all Sancti­fied, and made Holy, by the ho­ly Spirit of Promise; true Grace is infused, and imprinted in their [Page 62] Souls; though the formal Seal of the Spirit may not yet be set to it. There may be Fire put in, on the Hearth. Though you cannot well see it; there may be Grace in the Heart, and spiritual life, though it cannot be well discerned, because of the many Corruptions that be yet in the Heart. You read, Matth. 12. 20. of the smoaking. Flax, and bruised Reed: Grace may be true, though weak; and a Man may be in Christ, though it be not clear to him; all Believers are Sanctifi­ed, though not Sealed presently. But,

Secondly, Consider, That tho' all Believers are not Sealed at one and the same time; yet there are few that are true Christians, but before they dye, meet with one Season or another, wherein the Lord doth Seal them. If they be [Page 63] not Sealed at their first closing in with Christ by Faith, as some are, tho' but few; yet they are Sealed by the Spirit, more or less, before they dye, and go out of the World.

Thirdly, and Lastly, Consider, That though God doth not now seal by his Spirit in an extraordi­nary and immediate way, by Re­velation, &c. yet most Christians in the ordinary way of the Spirit are sealed: God meets with them in one Duty or another; in one sacred Ordinance, or another; either in Prayer, Reading, Hear­ing, or in receiving of the Lord's Supper. This God has promised, and Believers may expect; for God is faithful, who has promised, I shall conclude with these two Scriptures, Isa. 32. 17. And the work of Righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of Righteousnes, Qui­etness [Page 64] and Assurance for ever. Isa. 64. 5. Thou meetest him that re­joyceth and worketh Righteousness, and remembers thee in thy ways.

So much for this time.

BRethren, the Truth we are upon from the Words is this.

Doctrine. The great priviledge and mercy of being Sealed by the Spirit of Promise, is after the Duty [Page 66] and Act of Believing. After ye Believed, ye were Sealed by the Spi­rit, &c.

For the opening this great Point we have,

First, already shown, what the Spirit's Sealing is.

Secondly, Why none are, nor can be Sealed, till they Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. And,

Thirdly, We have answered this great Question, viz. Whether all Believers are Sealed by the Spirit of Promise, or not. Now in the

Fourth place, God assisting, we shall shew you the great Privi­ledges of those Souls, that are Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Pro­mise.

And (my Beloved) their Pri­viledges and Advantages are many and great; even so great and ma­ny, that words cannot express [Page 67] them fully; nor set out the riches and worth of this mercy.

Some of the Saints Priviledges, by being Sealed, we shall acquaint you with in these particulars.

First, The use of a Seal in Men's Affairs, sets out the priviledges of Believers Sealed by the Spirit. For as the use of a Seal is manifold, so the advantages of Believers are many, who are Sealed by the Holy Spirit to the day of Redemption, Eph. 4. 30.

Quest. What are the Ʋses [...] Seal.

Answ. The Uses of a Seal are many: as,

First, A Seal serves for Confir­mation amongst Men; there is the Writing, and the Seal put to the Writing: now when the Seal is added, there is a perfect Ratifica­tion, or Confirmation of what is in the Writing. There are abun­dance of great and precious Pro­mises [Page 68] in the Word of God, which the Spirit of Promise seals to the Soul; and when he seals them, then are they sure to us. The Apo­stle tells us, 2 Cor. 1. 20. That all the Promises of God are in Christ, yea, and Amen. Yea, that is truth. Amen, that is assurance. And in v. 21. He hath also Sealed us, and given the earnest of his Spirit in our hearts. Those Promises that are made and given us in Christ, the Lord assures and confirms to us, by his Holy Spirit; who opens and applies the Promises to Be­lievers. The Spirit assureth the Saints their right in the Promises, and that God will pay the whole sum of them in his time to them. For an Earnest (saith the Anno­tators on the place) is as a pledge, whereby we confirm a Bargain; or, as a piece of Money, whereby we assure the payment of the whole. The first gift therefore of the Spirit, and of [Page 69] Life, is a pledge of our whole In­heritance, insomuch, that this a­nointing, sealing, and pledging, all serve to one and the same end. God is both able and willing to per­form all that he hath promised; and this the Spirit testifies to the Souls of them that he Seals.

2. Ʋse. A Seal is for distinction, from others that carries not that mark: the Spirit of God distin­guishes them he Seals, from other Men in the World: There is (as before I have told you) a distin­ction between Persons in God's Election, and Eternal Purpose; but this concerns us not, (secret things belonging to God, Deut. 29. 29.) any further than to know it in the general, that there is such a thing: we are not to meddle any further with it, 2 Tim. 2. 19. The Lord knoweth them that are his, and them that are not his: for he has set his seal and mark upon [Page 70] them in Christ from Eternity; but now the Spirit of God in time, di­stinguisheth and ranks Men (saith D. Sibbs) as they were before all Worlds, and as they shall be at the Day of Judgment, when Christ shall come, and give to all Men according to their works, 2 Cor. 5. 10.

The beginning of that distincti­on that shall be afterwards, is in this life: the Spirit's objective Seal, viz. of Sanctification, makes a distinction between Men. A Seal you know, makes the Impression of an Image; and the Prince's Image uses to be in his Seal: The glorious Image of God is in his Seal, which ruines and destroys the old Man, and prints the New in the Souls of Believers, by the Spirit's Sealing, Ephes. 4. 22, 23, 24. There is that by the Spirit stamp'd and printed in the Soul, that was not there before. True [Page 71] Believers by the Spirit's Sealing, are,

First, Distinguished from mo­ral, civilized Men, which are at best but tamed Devils, and old Adam put in a new Dress. The House may be swept, i. e. Man may be civilized, and have many good Morals, and yet the Heart not Sanctified. See Matth. 12. 43, 44. The inward work of Holi­ness, or Sanctification in the heart, which civil Men have not, but ri­dicule and despise, distinguishes Believers from them; for they are changed, made anew, and created in Christ Jesus, to good works, Eph. 2. 10.

Secondly, This Sealing of the Spirit distinguishes the Saints from seeming good Men, that seem and pretend to be that outwardly, be­fore Men, which they are not in­wardly, in reality, before God: there are too many of these delud­ed [Page 72] Souls; the good Lord deliver us from cheating our own Souls thus. The depth of the Spirit's work in the Soul, whereby he makes a new Nature, distinguishes Believers from those who are but painted Hypocrites. Pray mind here two or three things, wherein you will see how Believers, that have a new Nature, are by the Spirit distinguished from others.

First, Nature in every Crea­ture is carried to one thing more than to another; so there is a di­stinct propension in good and up­right Men, to God, to Christ, to his Grace and Goodness; their aims and bent are distinct, and thereupon they have a greater in­largement of Heart, according to their great aims. Believers de­sire more of God, and his Grace, and aim purely at his Glory: they now look above the World, and worldly Men, who are poor, nar­row, [Page 73] base Spirited Men; yea, the best of the Men of the World are so, Jer. 9. 3. Phil. 1. 20, 21.

Secondly, Things by Nature work from within; and in this painted Hypocrites are distin­guished from real Christians. A Believer (in what he doth for God and his Glory) is moved from a Principle of Grace within, wrought by the Spirit; but as for Hypocrites, they are moved in what they do, as things of Mo­tion; like Clocks, and Engines of Wit, which move from a weight without as one says) that poy­seth them. If Hypocrites do any good, there is something from without which sways their Ends and Aims; 'tis not a Principle of Grace within, as Faith in, and Love to Christ, &c. But 'tis some­thing else that sways them: if they Pray, Read, Hear, give Alms, and Fast, 'tis to be seen of [Page 74] Men, and to receive Honour from Men; this our Saviour tells us, Matth. 6. 1, to 6. Thus good Men, who are Sealed by the Spi­rit, are distinguished from others. There is a new Divine Nature in them, 2 Pet. 1. 4. which carries them out of Self, and above the World, even to seek God and his Glory.

Thirdly, Nature is constant, and what is done naturally, is done constantly; every Creature works according to its nature: Good and holy Men are exercised constantly in Holiness, because they do it from an inward Principle of Grace and Life, and from a work and stamp of the Spirit within; 'tis true, different things may seem the same; as wild Herbs in the Field may have the colour and form of them which are planted in a Garden; but there is a difference in their vertue: The seeming [Page 75] Graces and Works of Hypocrites, may look like true, but they leave no vertue in them; all is not Gold that glisters; all is not Grace that looks like it; the works of Hypo­crites are dead things: You read, Heb. 10. 22. of dead works. And in Tit. 1. 15, 16. of some, who pro­fess they know God, and yet in works deny him; who are defiled, and unto good works prove Reprobates.

But, in a Christian's Grace and Faith, there is a distinguishing Vertue: their spikenards send forth fragrant smells, Cant. 1. 12. Their Graces are like the Ointment that perfumed the whole House, John 12. 3, 4. A Believer, by Faith, over­comes the World and his Sins, 1 John 5. 4, 5. He resisteth the Devil, stedfast in the Faith, 1 Pet. 5. 9. and with this Shield, quencheth all his fiery darts, Ephes. 6. 16. What great things did those Worthies by Faith, Heb. 11. 33, 34, 35. By [Page 76] Faith they subdued Kingdoms, wrought Righteousness, obtained Pro­mises, stopped the mouths of Lions, quenched the violence of the Fire, &c indured Tortures, and cruel Mock­ings, not accepting deliverance; yea, moreover, Bonds and Imprisonment: they were stoned, sawn asunder, were tempted, &c. of whom the World was not worthy, v. 38. By Faith a Chri­stian performs all Duties, Prays, and Hears, and is very fruitful in his whole Conversation: there is in all a Believer's Graces a com­forting and strengthening Vertue. Two Men may do the same things, and yet there be a great and grand difference; for Hypocrites cannot do as Believers, though in some externals they may out-do them. What Believers do, is from the Spirit's Sealing, in a special way; but what others do, if it be from the Spirit, yet it is but from the Spirit in a common way at best; [Page 77] you must know there are common works of the Spirit, as well as spe­cial; Hypocrites may have the common, and so do many things externally; but it is only Believers that have the special workings and operations of the Spirit, and so can only do Spiritual Duties sincerely. But,

Thirdly, A Christian's Graces, wrought by the Spirit, holds out in all kinds of Weather, in Win­ter and Summer, in Prosperity and Adversity. A Believer follows the Lamb, whither soever he go­eth, Rev. 14. 4. But counterfeit Holiness will not hold out always; though it may some time, it will soon go out: The Young Man in the Gospel went a great way, he took many a fair step for Heaven, and yet at last parted with Christ for the World; he was not sound at Heart, for if he had, he would have left all for Christ, rather than [Page 78] him, Matth. 19. 19, 20. He went away sorrowful, for he had great Possessions; he did not like Christ's terms at all. Will a Hypocrite al­ways delight himself in God, and pray to the Almighty, surely no, Job 27. 8, 10. Demas (says Paul) is de­parted from us. How came that to pass? Having loved this present World. The World, with its Riches, was loved more by him, than Christ, and his Graces: many begin to run well, but soon tire: they are soon out of breath, be­cause they have not true Grace; they went off from us, because they were never of us: for had they been of us, that is, sincere, they would not have gone off from us. Oh! think of this word, and tremble, 1 John 2. 19.

3. Ʋse. A Seal is for Appro­priation: Merchants use to Seal those Goods, they would not have [Page 79] others have any right to. Be­lievers are God's in a more pecu­liar manner than others▪ all are the Lord's by Creation; but as for Believers, they are his by Election, Redemption, and Vocation, Psal. 4. 5. The Lord hath set apart him that is Godly for himself. There is not only in a Christian the witness of the Spirit, That God is his God, and dwells in him, 1 John 4. 13. but this Spirit works in a Believer, an assent to take God again to be his; so that there is a mutual Appropriation. Cant. 2. 16. My beloved is mine, and I am his. Where the Spirit Seals, there God appropriates; and this may be, yea, and is known, by the Soul's appropriating God a­gain, Psal. 73. 25, 26. Whom have I in Heaven (says the Believer) but thee, or on the Earth, that I desire, in comparison of thy self. [Page 80] When my Flesh and Heart faileth, thou art the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. There is (Beloved) no action God works upon the Soul, but there is a re­flex action of the Soul, by the Spirit, to him again: If God chuse and love a Soul, that Soul, by the Spirit, chuses and loves him; it can do no other, but chuse him for its all, and love him above all, 1 John 4. 19. We love him, why? because (saith he) he hath loved us.

4. Ʋse. A Seal is used for Esti­mation: Persons use to set their Seal only upon that, for which they have an Estimation. The witness and work of God's Spirit in Believers, shews the Estima­tion that he has for them: God sets a great Price upon his; there­fore they are called his Children, Gal. 3. 26. His Spouse, 1 Cor. 11. 2. His dearly beloved, yea, the dear­ly [Page 81] beloved of his Soul, Jer. 12. 7. They are called his Friends, John 15. 14. His portion and treasure, Jer. 12. 10. His Coyn, upon whom he set his mark; his Image and Likeness, being formed into it by the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3. 18. These Titles shew us the esteem that God has for them that believe: He values them more than all the World besides. It is said, Prov. 11. 26. The righteous is more ex­cellent than his Neighbour. And Believers are said, 1 Pet. 2. 9. To be a chosen Generation, and a Royal Priest-hood, a peculiar People, &c. As there is a difference between precious Stones and others, so there is between good and bad Men, Believers, and Unbelievers: God sets a higher Esteem upon some, than upon others: wicked Men in Scripture, he calls Dogs and Swine, Matth. 7. 6, 15, 26. Rev. 22. 15. Without are Dogs, &c. The [Page 82] Saints, he calls Sons, Kings, and Heirs, Rev. 1. 5, 6. Rom. 8. 17. If Children, then Heirs, &c. When Sinners are termed dross, and dung, and thorns, and have all the base Names which they deserve, and terms that may be: Believers are honourable in their Names and Titles, which (I say) shews, that God esteems them.

Quest. Some may ask me, How they shall know whether God thus esteems of them, or no.

Answ. You may know this, by his saving and precious Graces, that are wrought in your Hearts, by the Spirit: where true Grace is, those Souls are precious and ho­nourable in the sight of God, Isa. 43. 4. Common Gifts, and Privi­ledges, and Riches in the World, are no Seal of God's Estimation; for a Man may have of these, and [Page 83] yet be a cast-away, and not belov­ed of God. If God, Sirs, should give you a whole Kingdom, it would not Seal his Love to you at all: But when God changes your Hearts, and makes you spiritual Kings to rule over your base Lusts, and Priests to offer up spiritual Sa­crifice to him, this is a Seal indeed, that God values and esteems you. For whom he did fore-know, that is in Christ, he also did Pre­destinate, to be conformed to the Image of his Son. If the Spirit has Sanctified you, and formed Christ's Image in your Souls, and reveal'd him to you, then you may comfortably conclude, That God loves you, and that you are his Jewels, and shall be his, in the day when he makes them up, Mal. 3. 17, 18.

Ʋse. By the way, from this learn, How to value your selves, [Page 84] and others in the World; not by common Gifts and Parts, that cast­aways, and reprobates may have, but by the Stamp that God has set upon you by his Spirit; which is an Argument, That God in­tends to lay you up, as Corn for another Treasury, viz. for Hea­ven, that is his Garner, into which he will gather his Wheat, Matth. 3. 12. 2 Cor. 5. 5. Account of others, not for their great Parts only, but for their Grace and Piety, which they discover by a good Life: many deceive themselves with false hopes and evidences for Heaven: Some think God loves them: First, because he spares them, and follows them with long Patience. God spared the old World 120 Years, and yet at last destroyed them with a Deluge, for their Sins, Gen. 6. 3. And so he will you, after long Patience, if you Repent not, Psal. 50. 21. Se­condly, [Page 85] Because they Thrive, and grow rich in the World. Are these the Fruits of God's special Love? surely no. For God gives much of the World to them that are his Enemies. You read, Luke 16. of a rich Man, that fared sumptuously every day: he had what Heart could wish; and yet in Hell he lift up his Eyes, being in Torments, ver. 22. His riches could not keep him out of Hell. Oh! then belov­ed, deceive not your selves, but look for the Royal Stamp of God's Grace and Image in your Souls; For without Grace and Holiness none can see God, Heb. 12. 14.

5. Ʋse of a Seal is for Secrecy, as in Letters, &c. The Seal of God's Spirit is a secret work in the Soul: Believers are only known to God, and to their own Hearts, that they are his. The white Stone with the New Name, is only known [Page 86] to them that have it, Rev. 2. 17. 'Tis true, Holy Men are known in some degree one to another, to make their Communion the sweeter. There is (as one words it) a great deal of spiritual like­ness in Christians; and they have a strong confidence of one ano­ther's Salvations. But, notwith­standing all this, The undoubted Certainty of Man's State, that is only known to God, and a Chri­stian's own Soul. Nay, some­times, this may be hid from a Believer, in some measure. Hence Life is called a hidden Life, Col. 3. 3, 4. It may (I say) some­times be unknown to a Believ­er, but I am sure it is always to the World; for they neither know God that begat, nor them that are begotten. But,

Sixthly, To Conclude: A Seal is also for Security, both of Persons and Things, from common An­noyance or Hurt. The Spirit se­cures Believers in his Sealing work, First, from being overcome by sin or Satan, Rom. 6. 14. Secondly, From falling totally and finally from Grace: And, Thirdly, from Hell and Eternal Wrath. As the Blood sprinkled on the Door Posts secured the Israelites from being Destroyed by the Destroying An­gel, Exod. 12. 8, 12. You read, Ezek. 9. 4. That a mark must be set upon them in Jerusalem, that should not be destroyed. And in Revel. 7. 2, 3. That God's Sealed ones must not be hurt. The Spirit's Sealing is an Argument, That those shall be Saved, not only from Troubles here, but from Hell hereafter. [Page 88] Rom. 8. 1. For there is no Con­demnation to them which are in Christ, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.

So much for this time.

BEloved, the Theam we are upon is this, viz.

Doct. The great priviledge and mercy of being Sealed by the Ho­ly Spirit, is after the Duty and [Page 90] Act of Believing. In whom after ye believed, ye were Sealed by the Ho­ly Spirit of Promise.

For the management of this weighty Point we have

First, Shown you what the Spi­rit's Sealing Work is.

Secondly, Why none are, or can be Sealed, 'till they Believe.

Thirdly, Whether all Believers are Sealed by the Spirit, or no.

Fourthly, We are now upon showing you the great priviledges of Persons Sealed by the Spirit of God.

And for the doing of this, we have in our last Discourse, shown you some of the Believers Privi­ledges being Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, and that

First, In the many uses of a Seal, in six things. Now we shall, thro' God's Assistance, pro­ceed further, to set forth the Pri­viledges [Page 91] of Sealed Believers, by the Spirit of Truth and Holiness; and therefore,

Secondly, The Saints Priviledge (being Sealed) appears, from the Author of it, viz. the Holy Spirit of Promise. This is the Spirit's Act, and proper work alone: God doth not send Angels upon this Errand, or to do this Work; but he gives and sends his gracious Spirit to do it. If God did send an Angel to do this work, it would be an honour to poor Man, but for God to send his Holy Spi­rit to Seal us, is more and greater honour, than if Millions of Angels were to come, and to be imploy­ed in this work; What is sorry Man, that God should give him his Spirit? And besides, the certain­ty and satisfaction of the Spirit is beyond all other ways and me­thods in the World. In miracu­lous Voices and Inspirations, there [Page 92] may be found some cheat of the Devil, who is a deceiver, and seeks to deceive poor Souls. But the Spirit's witness is certain and true, it being suitable to his revealed Mind in the written Word, as I have told you before; and being thus, it cannot deceive us. The Spirit that Seals us, is Truth, and cannot witness to a Lye, nor de­ceive them that he Seals.

Thirdly, Their Priviledges who are Sealed, appears from the Truth that is Sealed to them, which is Ravishing and Trans­porting. The Spirit Seals to Be­lievers, the Pardon of their Sins, through the Blood of Christ, which is a great Blessing: and their pro­priety in Him, as their Head, their Husband, their Friend, their All in All. This is that which Believers long to know, and is their great mercy for to know by [Page 93] the Spirit; what sweeter, and more transporting to the Souls of Believers than this, to know their Sins, which were many, are par­doned; that Christ is their's, his Righteousness their's, his Merits their's, his Grace their's, to supply their great wants; and that they shall be saved from Wrath, through him? Rom. 5. 9. To know this in­deed, is sweet, it is to injoy Hea­ven upon Earth, and to have such Joy, as is beyond all the Joy in the World. Oh! then, what a mercy and priviledge is this, to know that Christ is ours; so as to say with the Spouse, Cant. 2. 16. My beloved is mine, and I am his. And to say with them upon good grounds, Lam. 3. 24. The Lord is my portion, saith my Soul, therefore I will hope in him. And with Da­vid, Psal. 73. 25, 26. Whom have I in Heaven, but thee; or upon Earth, which I desire besides th [...]? [Page 94] My flesh, and my heart faileth, but thou art the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. How sweet was this to David, under his troubles, to know that God was his Portion for ever? Paul tells us, Gal. 2. 20. The life that he lived in the flesh, was by the faith of the Son of God, who loved him, and gave him­self for him: And 2 Tim. 1. 12. I know (says he) in whom I have believed, &c. Which knowledge was by the Spirit's Sealing; and this is that which is Sealed up, more or less, to every Believer, which affords great comfort, and joy, even joy unspeakable, and full of glory, 1 P. l. 1. 7, 8.

Fourthly, From the Subiects or Pe [...]ns that are Sealed: and they [...], as i [...] themselves are sin­ful [...] grieved the Spirit [...] God a thousand times over. Now is n [...] this a great [Page 95] mercy, that they who grieved the Spirit so much, should be Sealed thereby, Eph. 4. 30. Oh! won­derful priviledge that such, who had deserved to be Sealed to dam­nation, because of their sins, should be Sealed to Salvation.

Fifthly, The Priviledges of Sealed ones, appears to be many, from the great, or grand design of the Holy Spirit in Sealing. The Spirit's designs and aims in Sealing of Believers, are these three, viz.

First, To secure them from Hell and Wrath: they that have the Spirit's Seal, shall not be con­demned; the Wrath of God that falls upon others, shall not touch them. For there is now no condem­nation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.

Secondly, To secure Heaven to them for ever: They that are Sealed here by the Spirit, shall cer­tainly be crowned with Glory hereafter, says Paul, 2 Cor. 5. 4, 5, 6. Now he that hath wrought us, or made us fit, for the self same thing, viz. Heaven, is God, who hath also given unto us the earnest of his Spirit. But,

Thirdly, The third design of the Spirit, in Sealing Believers, is, as intermediate thereunto, to bring much of Heaven into their Souls, in order to comfort and strengthen them in their way to Glory. Be­lievers Sealed by the Spirit, enjoy much of Heaven, in their way to it, which makes them long to be with Christ, in the full possession of Glory, Phil. 1. 22. Believers being Sealed, enjoy much com­fort, joy, and peace in their Souls, [Page 97] Rom. 5. 1, 2. They rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God. That God, who is the God of Peace, doth, and will give to his, much joy in believing; he'll fill them with joy, and peace, above all others; they shall have the fore­tast of Glory and Blessedness here, and in a little while, they shall be received to Glory, where all tears shall be wiped away, and they shall be for ever with the Lord, 1 Thes. 4. 18. This shall suffice to have set forth the Priviledges of those, that are Sealed by the Spirit of Promise.

Fifthly, Application.

First Ʋse, By way of Informa­tion, from this great Doctrine of Sealing by the Spirit, I infer these Two things, viz.

First Infer. That Persons may [Page 98] know here, they are in a state of Grace. And,

Secondly, That Persons upon knowing there present state in Grace, may be assured for the time to come. But,

First, I infer, That Persons may know here, they are in a state of Grace, and Salvation; that their Sins are pardoned; that God is pacified towards them, through his Son; and that also, through Christ, they are saved from Hell, and Eternal Wrath, which for sin they deserved. This (I say) Be­lievers may know, and have clear­ed up to them, and that upon a five-fold account; as,

First, Because the Sealing of us by the Spirit, is not in regard of God, but in regard of our selves. As for God, he knoweth them that are his, 2 Tim. 2. 19. But we do not know, neither can we, that [Page 99] we are God's, but by the Sealing of his good Spirit; and this Seal­ing is on purpose that we may know, God is our Father, and we are his Children. Paul tells us, Gal. 4. 6. That therefore God hath sent his Spirit into our hearts, that we may cry Abba Father. But,

Secondly, Because the Scope of the Word which was Indited by the Spirit, is for our comfort, and that we might have hope, Rom. 15. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our Learning, that we, through patience, and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. Now Beloved, what comfort can a Man have in an un­certain condition, wherein he knows not but he may be a Re­probate. But again,

Thirdly, Why did Christ Jesus come into the World, and take [Page 100] our Natures upon him? Why did he become a Curse for us, and carry our Natures (when he had suffered) into Heaven, there to appear before God for us, 'till he has brought all home? Gal. 3. 13, Heb. 9. 24. I say, why hath, and doth Christ all this for us, but to have us out of all doubt of his Love and Good-will, after once we have received him by Faith. For having loved his own, he loves them to the end, John 13. [...].

Fourthly, We may come to ar­rive at some knowledge of our state in Grace, because we are commanded to make our calling and election sure. Now God doth not injoin Impossibilities upon us, but commands that, which may be done; and bids us seek after that which may be attained to, 2 Pet. 1. 10. Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. But,

Fifthly, What use are the Sa­craments for, especially the Lord's Supper, but to confirm our Faith, and seal up Christ's Benefits to us? Saith Christ to the Noble Man, that besought him to come down, and heal his Son, John 4. 47, 48. Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. Christ sets the Elements of Bread and Wine, in the Lord's Supper before us, that by these visible signs, our Faith and Grace might be strengthened. As Faith comes by hearing, Rom. 10. 17. so it is confirmed by see­ing Christ Crucified; which by Faith may be seen in the Lord's Supper. This Sacrament is not only a bare sign to represent Christ to us, but it is a Seal to confirm our Interest in him: He that would have his Grace streng­thened, must be found in this Or­dinance, in which Christ is set [Page 102] forth, and as it were, lively Cru­cified, Gal. 13. 1, 2. It was a saying of Bernard, When my spiri­tual strength begins to fail, I know a Remedy (saith he) I will go to the Table of the Lord, and there I will eat and drink to recover my decayed strength. God meets his at the Table, and there seals up his love to them, and strengthens their Graces, Cant. 1. 13. While the King sits at his Table, my spikenard sends forth its smell. Christ's pre­sence in his Ordinances, stirred up the Spouse's Graces, and put them into exercise. Now, after all this, shall we doubt of God's love to us, especially, when besides the Sealing of the Promises to us, we our selves are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

Object. But some may say, We should not doubt, did we but know this, That we do Believe truly.

Answ. As it is the Office of the Holy Spirit to work Faith, and other Graces in the Soul, so to re­veal this Faith and Grace to the Soul. The Grace of God is Light in its self, because it comes from him, who is the Father of Lights, from whom comes every good and perfect Gift, James 1. 17. And it is the property of Light, not only to discover other things, but it self also: And observe also, That the Spirit gives Light to this Light, by shining on his own Graces wrought in the Soul, 1 Cor. 2. 12. We have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God. And says Paul, Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth wit­ness, &c. we are the Children of God. God's Children know that he is their Father, and they his Chil­dren; [Page 104] but the remainders of sin and corruption, are still breeding doubts in the Soul: but it is the office of the Spirit of Faith to quell them as they arise. We are too prone, in a time of temptation, to doubt, and have great fears. But Sirs, we need not help the Tempter, as some do, by holding it a Duty to doubt of Salvation, when Christ saith, be not faithless, but believing. Oh! have a care of this, and rouse up your selves, and say as David, when doubts arise, and your Souls are disqui­eted, Psalm 48. ult. Why art thou cast down, O my Soul, and why art thou disquieted within me: hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. But,

Secondly, From the Sealing of the Spirit, I infer, That Persons, upon knowing their present state [Page 105] in Grace, may be assured for the time to come. For the Sealing of Believers by the Spirit, is not on­ly for the present, but to the Day of Redemption, Eph. 4. 30. Grieve not the Holy Spirit, saith Paul, whereby ye are Sealed to the Day of Redemption. That is, 'till they come to the full possession of that Glory which now they believe and hope for. And besides, this Sealing of the Spirit is for the se­curing of Believers for the time to come, John 14. 16, 17. Faith and Love, and other Graces of the Spirit, never sail finally, but ever remain in their Habits, though sometimes lost in the exercise. True Faith sets us in a state of Salvation; and we being put into Christ by Faith, or ingraffed into him the Vine, are risen with him, and sits with him in heavenly places, as you may see, Eph. 2. 5, 6. True Faith makes the things [Page 106] to come, present; for it is the sub­stance, ground, or confidence of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, Heb. 11. 1. 2. Faith also Believes, that neither life, nor death, principalities, or powers, things present, or to come, can never separate the Soul from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8. 38, 39. So that (Beloved) the Assurance of Believers, is not only for the pre­sent, but for the time to come. For they are Sealed up to the Day of Redemption; even to that day in which Christ shall fetch them to Glory. Who is there, my Bre­thren, that can reverse the Seal of God, and make it void. Grace is an earnest Penny for Glory; and where God gives the one, he'll give the other. Psal. 84. 11. For thou wilt give Grace and Glo­ry, &c. to them that walk up­rightly with thee. If you can be [Page 107] assured, that you have Grace for the present, you may be sure it shall be made up full in Glory. There is no opposition that shall prevail to hinder it, for God has set his as a Seal.

First, upon his Hand, to shew that he doth, and will keep them, 'till they come to Glory, Isa. 41. 10. Fear not, for I am with you (saith God) and I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteous­ness: Behold, all they that are in­censed against thee, shall be ashamed and confounded, they shall be as no­thing, &c. Even they that contend with thee shall be as nothing, v. 13. Why shall it be thus? The An­swer is, For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right Hand, saying unto thee, fear not, I will help thee, v. 49. Isa. 13. 14, 15. Sion said, the Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me. [Page 108] Thus many Believers say: But saith God, Can a Woman forget her sucking Child, not to have compassion on the Son of her Womb; yea, she may be so cruel as to forget; but I (saith the Lord) will not forget thee: For, behold, I have graven thee upon the Palms of my Hands; or drawn thee, pourtray'd thee on my hands. A Metaphor taken from some that used to tye something on their hand, to put them in mind of Bu­siness they would not forget. God having set his People as a mark, or seal upon his hand, he'll never forget them: for they are not on­ly set, but ingraven, which will not easily wear out. But,

Secondly, God has set them as a Seal upon his Breast, to love them; and He will love them, and that for ever, John 13. 1. Our Love indeed may be deadned, and de­cay [Page 109] towards God; we may leave our first Love in a great measure, Rev. 2. 4. But there is nothing that can, or shall deaden God's love towards his Children Where God loves in Christ, he loves for ever; his Love is an everlasting Love, Jer. 31. 3. But,

Thirdly, On his Shoulder, to support and uphold them, at all times, and in all places and condi­tions, 'till he hath brought them to glory. Says God, to [...] discon­solated People, Isa. 40. 27, 28, 29. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speak­est, O Israel, my way is hid from the Lord, and my Judgment is passed over from my God. Why speak ye after this manner; this is but the surmisings of Unbelief; hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, That the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the Earth, fainteth not, neither is [Page 110] weary; he giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength. But,

Fourthly, God sets them as a Seal on his Heart: they lye near his Heart; therrefore are they cal­led the Beloved, yea, the dearly beloved of his Soul, Jer. 12. 7. They that are sincere, shall enjoy and taste his love, and lye in his sweet embraces; he'll smile on them, with the Light of his coun­tenance, for they are the joy of his heart, and are in the most in­ward parts of it, Cant. 8. 6. Thus you see how Believers are assured, and secured, for the time to come.

Those that are in Christ, the rock of Ages, are secured for ever. And though they meet with temptations, oppositions, and try­als; yet they are but as Waves, that dash upon them, but shall [Page 111] not ruin them, for they are kept by the power of God, through Faith, unto Salvation, 1 Pet. 1. 4, 5.

Quest. But may some say; If it be thus, that Believers are assured for the time to come; Why then do we pray for the forgiveness of sins.

Answ. First Consid. That as God hath ordained the End, so also the Means; God doth, and will pardon Sin, for he hath pro­mised to do it, Isa. 55. 7. There­fore we ought to pray for pardon through Christ, as a means or­dained of God: For these things I will be sought to by the House of Israel. We should pray as Da­vid, who (though he was a justi­fied Person, and secured in the Covenant for Heaven) yet falling [Page 112] fouly into Sin, he plyes the Throne of Grace hard. This was his du­ty, and is ours in such a case, Psal. 27. 10. Forgive mine Iniquities for thy Names sake, for they are great. And Psalm 51. 1, 2. Have mercy upon me, O God, &c. and wash me thoroughly in every part, and from every sin. Prayer is an external means, ordained of God, to obtain Pardon, and other Mer­cies in; therefore we are bid in every thing to make our Requests known to God, Phil. 4. 5, 6. But,

Secondly, Consider, When Be­lievers pray for pardon of Sin, it is for a clearer evidence of what they have already in Christ. To be pardoned and justified through Christ, and so secured for Heaven, is one thing; and to know it, is another: Persons may be in Christ, and pardoned, and so in a sure [Page 113] state for Glory, and yet may be in the dark about it, and not know whether they be so, or no. Now it is the duty of these, to seek after a clear knowledge of their state in Christ, and the par­don of their sins, through his Blood. When Believers pray for pardon, 'tis not because their pardon is not sure in Christ, but 'tis that they may get a clearer apprehen­sion of it, for their comfort.

Thirdly, Consider, that Prayer doth not prejudice the stability or certainty of a thing. Our Saviour himself prayed for that which he was sure of, John 17. 9, 10. The Covenant standeth fast for ever; and the promises of Pardon, and all good in it, are most certain, and shall he fulfilled; for God will not alter the thing that is gone out of his mouth, Psal. 89. 27, 33, 34. Yet we must seek, and pray, and put God in remembrance of [Page 114] his Promise, as he bids us; for this prejudices not at all the cer­tainty of the Promises, nor the stability of the Covenant of Grace in Christ. Thus much for In­formation, and for this time.

BRethren, The Point we are upon is this, viz.

Doct. The great priviledge and mercy of being Sealed by the Spirit, is af­ter the duty and act of Believing. For the opening this Truth.

First, We have given you the nature of the Spirit's Sealing-work, and how it is performed in the Soul.

Secondly, we have shewn you, why none can be Sealed by the Spirit of Promise, till they believe in Christ.

Thirdly, VVhether all believers are Sealed by the Spirit, or no?

Fourthly, VVhat the great Pri­viledges of Sealed ones are? These things we have opened largely. Now,

Fifthly, VVe are upon the Ap­plicatory part of this discourse; and we have already said some­thing,

First, By way of Information, or Instruction in two things, which now I shall not Repeat to you; but through God's assistance, proceed, and put a period to this subject at this time.

2. Ʋse, Is by way of Examinati­tion and Tryal: Oh, examine your own Hearts narrowly; see how it stands between God and your Souls; and whether you are Sealed by the Spirit of Promise, or no? This is a matter to be strictly searched into, and ought to be made your greatest business in the world.

Quest. How shall we know that we are in Christ by Faith, and so sealed by the Holy Spirit of Pro­mise?

Answ. By the Divine Operati­ons of the Spirit within you, by the word, 2 Cor. 5. 17. 1 Thes. 1. 4, 5, 6. And by the proper genuine effects and Fruits of the Spirit's Sealing­work; where the Spirit Seals, there be such proper genuine ef­fects and fruits thereof, that we may distinguish and discern it [Page 118] from all the delusions of the Devil, and from all Impostures whatso­ever. Oh! See if you can find these in your Souls, or no; by which you may know, how it stands with you.

Quest. What are those proper genuine effects and fruits of the Spi­rits Sealing Work.

First Effect is, inflamed Love to God and Christ, where the Spirit seals, that soul cannot but love Christ dearly; for one Flame doth not more naturally beget another, than the Love of God in Christ doth kindle the Love of the Soul to him again. 1 Joh. 4. 16. 19. We have known and believed, the Love God hath unto us, &c. v. 19. We love him because he hath first loved us. God's Love in Christ in the Fountain; ours the stream flowing from it: Love is [Page 119] the Life and Soul of Religion, the Salt of the Sacrifice. Who can but love God, that is Sealed by the Spirit, and have assurance of his Love to them, through Christ. When Christ had forgi­ven much to poor Mary, who had sinned much, Oh, how greatly was her Love inflamed to Christ, Luk. 7. 47. She loved much, for much was forgiven her. VVhen Paul was assured by the Spirit that Christ loved him, Gal. 2. 20. Who hath loved me, and given himself for me. O how was his Love to Christ inflamed, Phil. 3. 7, 8, 9. As Christ was fastened to the Cross, so was he to Paul's heart by Love: Do you love Christ or no? Can you say as Peter, Thou that knowest all things, knowest that I love thee. Joh. 21. 15. 16, 17.

Second Effect, is Care and Dili­gence [Page 120] to follow Christ, and do his VVill; a Soul Sealed by the Spirit, lies at the Foot of Christ, and is careful of his Honour and Glory; his Care is to serve Christ, and in all things to please him; the Sealed Believer runs af­ter Christ, and is careful to keep in his Love, Jude 21. And to have respect to every part of his Sacred VVill. That Soul which was dull and careless before, is now active and lively in God's Service; Faith will make a Man walk, but the Spirit's Sealing, or assurance will make him run; this will be as wings to a Bird, as weights to a Clock, that will set all a running. Is it thus with you or no? Do you run the way of God's Commands with Delight? Psal. 119. 34, 90.

Third Effect is, Humility of Soul before God, deep abasements, [Page 121] and great humblings, use to fol­low the Spirit's Sealing; those that are Sealed, are humble Souls, they say to Christ as the Disciples, Joh. 14. 22. Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self unto us, and not unto the World; Why me, Lord, Why me, saith the Soul: VVhen God sealed the Covenant of old to Abraham, that he would be his God, and his exceeding great re­ward, he fell on his Face at the time, and was very humble, Gen. 17. 1. 2. A Soul never lies lower at the Foot of God, nor abhors it self more than when God ma­nifests his Love, and Seals it up to it. O what am I, that God should be thus good to look upon me, and to call me out of Dark­ness by his Grace.

Fourth Effect is, Spiritual Strength; for the Ways of the Lord are strength to the upright. [Page 122] Prov. 10. 29. Increased Strength in the Soul follows the Sealing of of the Spirit. When Believers are sealed, then new Power and Strength enters into their Souls, they are strengthened with might in their inward Man. Col. 1. 11. The Saints find sensible Improve­ments of their Abilities for Duty. Cant. 6. 12. Is it thus with you.

Fifthly. This sealing will make us Praise God, those that are sealed by the Spirit, have their Mouths filled with the high Praises of God; they cannot but Pen a Soug of Praise, and bless the Name of that God, who hath done so much for them: Such say to their Souls as David, the sweet Singer of Israel, Psal. 103. 1, 2, 3. Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me bless his holy Name, bless the Lord O my Soul, and for­get not all his Benefits, who forgi­veth [Page 123] thy Iniquities, healeth thy Di­seases, and Crowns thee with Loving Kindnesses: Paul Penn'd a doxolo­gy for this Blessing of Sealing, &c. Ephes. 1. 3. His solemn Thanks­giving was for this, as well as for other Blessings. But agaiu,

Sixth Effect, is great Longings, and inflamed Desires, after the full enjoyment of Christ in glory. They who are Sealed by the Spirit, long to be in Heaven, at home with the Lord, 2 Cor. 5. 4, 5. They that have tasted the love of God, in Christ here, long to be drink­ing full draughts of it in Heaven, Psal. 42. 1, 2. My Soul thirsteth for thee; when shall I appear before my God. David did not only long to see God in his House, and in his Ordinances, but also in his glory, where his Soul should be fully satisfied, Psal. 17. 15. There is nothing that makes Death so [Page 124] undesirable, as doubts and fears, that hang about the Saints, and upon their Spirits, about their eternal State and Condition. Per­sons under great doubts, don't long so much for Death, as those who are Sealed and Assured: Where Persons evidences for Hea­ven are clear, and their doubts re­solved, they fear not Death, but go full Sail to Heaven, and depart in great Peace, Psal. 37. 37. Luke 2. 29, 30.

These are the Souls, that with Paul, desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better, or best of all, Phil. 1. 21, 22. If once (Beloved) the great Que­stion of our Interest in Christ be thoroughly decided, and be clear between God and us, then we shall find Life the matter of Pa­tience, and Death the object of desire. But thus much by way [Page 125] of tryal; the Lord set you as a Seal upon his Heart, and upon his Arm, and clear up his Love and good will in Christ to your Souls, that so you may know it, believe it, and admire it.

Third Ʋse, by way of Exhortation. And,

First, You that are not Sealed yet by the Holy Spirit of Promise, be exhorted and stirred up this Day, to seek out after it, That you may be assured of your Peace with God, and the pardon of your Sins, through the Blood of Christ. Say unto Christ, as the Spouse, Cant. 6. 8. Set me as a Seal upon thy heart, and as a Seal upon thy arm. Pant after it, as David, Psal. 35. 3. Say unto my Soul, I am thy Salvation. Make this your grea­test care and business in the world, next to glorifying of God, to set [Page 126] things to rights, betwixt God and your Souls; and to get an assurance, That he is your Salvation. Give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure, 2 Pet. 1. 10, 11.

The Usurer saith, It is good to be sure; the Purchaser saith, It is good to be sure; that his Title to Lands and Houses be sure and firm. The Tradesman saith it is good to be sure; and ought not Believers, above all, to say, That it is good to be sure of Christ's Love, and of the goodness of our Title to heaven and glory? For the love of Christ, heaven and glory, are infinitely above all other things; therefore to be well assured of them, we should mind 'em with the greatest care and dili­gence.

Motives.

First, Consider, That every wis [Page 127] Man will labour to get a good thing, and make it as sure as he can, and will you be such Fools as not to mind and labour to be sealed by the Spirit, and to be assured of Christ's Love to you, and of your Title to Glory; it is good to be sure here, that when you dye, and have this Earthly Tabernacle dissolved, you may know you have a Building with God, an House not made with Hands eternal in the Heavens, 1 Cor. 3. 1, 2. 2dly. Consider that there be many who will question your Interest in Christ, and title to Eternal Lise: As first, the Devil, who is the Accuser of the Brethren, a Fighter against the Saints, and a great Enemy to all their Peace and Comfort: O Be­lievers. he'll follow you with many Temptations, and Objections a­bout your Eternal State, and raise many doubts in your Hearts if he [Page 128] cannot split you upon the Rock of Presumption, (as he does Thou­sands) he'll endeavour to ruin you on the Rock of Despair. Peter tells us, that the Devil goes about like a roaring Lyon, seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet. 5. 8. Bles­sed be God it is not whom he will, but whom he may devour. Says Paul, 2 Cor 1. 11. Take heed lest Satan get an advantage against you; for we are not ignorant of his Devi­ces: The Devil has many Strata­gems and wiles to ruin poor Souls, and to disquiet the Hearts of Believ­ers, therefore labour to be well assured, that you may answer all the false accusations of the Devil; but, Se­condly, There is the World, which is fill'd with Scoffers and Troublers of God's Israel, the wicked Ishmaels of the World, they'll call you Hypocrites, and question your Title to Heaven and Glory; therefore seek after [Page 129] the sealing of the Spirit, and to be well assured of your States and Conditions, respecting Christ and Glory, that under all the false Cen­sures of the World, you may ap­prove your selves to God, and have inward Peace, and Comfort, from this that your Hearts are right with God, and that you are, and desire to be that before God, in reality, that you seem to be in appearance before Men: My Righteousness, (saith Job) I will hold fast, and my Heart (viz. my Consci­ence) shall not condemn me as long as ever I live.

Though you condemn me for an Hypocrite, yet my Righte­ousness or Integrity I will hold fast, and I will keep a good Con­science, that shall not condemn me as long as I Live.

Thirdly, There is your own Hearts, that will join in too [Page 130] much with these Accusers; there fore you had need labour to get a good Assurance, for if your Hearts condemn you, God is greater than your Hearts, and knoweth, all things; but if your hearts condemn you not, then have you Confi­dence towards God, 1 John 3. 20, 21. But,

Thirdly, Consider when you are sealed by the Spirit, or have got a good Assurance, &c. you will go about good duties with great comfort, and delight; you will resist Sin, and the Devil, Pray, Read, and Hear with great sweetness and delight; you'll bear Crosses, endure Tryals with great Patience. Abraham was to do a hard piece of Work, viz. to kill his only Son, bot having received the Promises, he went about it chearfully, Heb. 11. 17, 18. Says David, Psal. 89. 15, 16. [Page 131] Blessed are they that hear the joy­ful Sound; why are they blessed? They shall walk (says he) in the Light of thy Countenance, O Lord, in thy Name shall they rejoice all the Day. But,

Fourthly, Consider that he whom God loves is a happy Man, though he knows it not, i. e. be not fully assured of it; but he that knows he is beloved of God, knows himself to be a hap­py Man, to be beloved of God in Christ is great happiness; but to know that God doth love us in Christ, is greater happiness.

Fifthly, Consider, that to he sealed, or assured by the Spirit, is very sweet and comfortable to the Soul: This is the Manna, (says one) in the golden Pot, the Wine of Paradice, which chears and revives the heart; how sweet [Page 132] is a Smile from God, through Christ. The Sun, you know, is more chearing when it shines out, than when it is hid in a Cloud, assurance is sweet in Life in Suffer­ings, and in Death it self, it puts a Man in Heaven as it were, be­fore his time. But,

Quest. May some say, What must we do to obtain the Sealing of the Spirit, or Assurance.

Answer.

First, Direction. Labour to get some certain and infallible Signs and Characters out of God's ho­ly Word of saving grace, that you indeed are such as God has changed by his Spirit, and wrought grace in your Hearts; the Spirit's Sealing, or Assurance (saith one) is made up of a pra­ctical Syllogism, where the Word [Page 133] of God is the Major, a good Conscience the Minor, and the Spirit of God the Conclusion; as for Instance, the word saith, that he who loves God is belo­ved of God. Conscience saith, but I love God, saith the Spirit, therefore art thou beloved of God. As also, He that believeth (saith the word) shall be Saved, John 3. 16. Conscience, but I do believe, therefore (saith the Spirit) thou shalt be Saved. Now see if you can find these in your Hearts.

Secondly, Retire your selves in­to some private place alone, from the Eye of the World, where none see you but God, and there narrowly search and try your hearts. See how it stands be­tween God and you: Have you Grace, or no; Faith, or no, 2 Cor. 13. 5. Examine whether [Page 134] you be in the Faith, and Faith be in you. Oh! be not Strangers to your selves, but commune daily with your own Hearts. This is a good way to get Assurance: Many are Strangers to themselves, and look more aborad upon others, than at home, into their own Hearts, Psal. 4. 4, 5.

Thirdly, Be earnest with God at the Throne of Grace, Heb. 4. ult. Beg of him to Seal you by his Spirit, and, through Christ, to discover your state and condition to you; that so you may not be deceived, and go down to Hell with a Lye in your right hand. Lord say to my Soul, I am thy Salvation, Psal. 35. 3. Plead thus daily with God, that so you may not lose your comfort on the one hand, nor your precious Souls on the other. But,

Fourthly, Watch much over your own Hearts and Lives; be very careful of your steps, and how you walk, that you grieve not the good Spirit. Let not your Hearts run out too much upon the World, and be not too careless of your steps, lest you offend God, Psal. 39. 1. I said, I will look to my ways, &c. That is, I resoved to do so. So Pray do you, for to him that ordereth his Conversation aright, God will shew his Salvation, Psal. 50. 23.

Fifthly, Wait humbly and pa­tiently upon the Lord, even 'till he shall shed abroad his Love in your hearts, and set you as a Seal upon his heart. They that wait upon God, shall have renewed strength, Isa. 40. 29, 30. Who is there among you that feareth the [Page 136] Lord, who walketh in darkness, and see no light. Oh! trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay, and wait upon him. I say to you, as David, Psal. 27. ult. Wait on the Lord, and be of good courage, for he shall strengthen your hearts. Wait, I say, on the Lord: wait­ing Christians will lose nothing, Mich. 7. 9.

Sixthly, Mourn over all those sins, that cause the Lord to with­draw, and hide his Face from your Souls, Isa. 59. 2. Have you not grieved the Spirit, and been guilty of too much Pride, Passion, Formality, and Unbelief? Oh! weep bitterly for this, before the Lord; look upon Christ, whom you have pierced, Zech. 12. 10. Sights of a broken Christ, will cause a broken Heart. None can look upon Christ truly, without [Page 137] brokenness of heart: he that looks upon Christ savingly, will mourn for him, as a Man for his only Son. Mourning for an only Son, is the greatest of Sorrow: our sor­row for sins against God, should exceed all other sorrow. Though there be no merit, yet there is much mercy in a broken heart, Psal. 51. 17. 34. 18. They that mourn, shall be comforted, Matth 5. 6.

Seventhly, In times of trouble and desertion, keep up Faith; and in times of Communion keep up fear: when God has hid his Face, and you sit in darkness, then stir up Faith; trust, and stay still upon him, Isa. 50. 11. And when God shall manifest himself, and shine upon you, then keep up fear; a fear of Jealousie, not of Distrust. Work out your Salvation [Page 138] with fear, Phil. 2. 12. Blessed is the Man that seareth always,: Tho' my Beloved, we blame the Pa­pists for teaching People to doubt, and for making that a duty which is a Sin; yet we are for a narrow search, and a holy Fear, and Trembling in trying of our hearts, lest we be deceived in the end.

Eighthly, Make much of, and cherish the holy Spirit of God. Oh, do not resist him, but com­ply with his Blessed Motions; it is the Spirit that is the Com­forter, John 14. 16. who seals up assurance to us, 2 Cor. 1. 22. When good David would have assurance of God's Love, that his broken Bones might be healed; he prayed earnestly that God would not take his holy Spi­rit from him, Psal. 51. 11. 12. David knew that it was the Spi­rit [Page 139] only that could make him hear the Voice of Joy and Glad­ness. O make much of the Spi­rit, deal tenderly, and kindly by him; do not grieve nor quench him, as too many do. Eph. 4. 30. 1 Thes. 3. 19.

Ninthly, As doubts arise in your Hearts, get them satisfied, and and as Sins are committed in your Lives, get them pardoned. Are your Hearts, Christians, fil­led with doubts and fears about the state of your Souls: O cry to God to resolve and scatter them: Have you fallen into any Sin thro' Infirmity, and Temptation: Cry for pardon through Christ, who is your Advocate, and Friend in Heaven, and is there pleading for you. Heb. 7. 26. 1 John 2. 1, 2.

Tenthly, Keep a pure Consci­ence; [Page 140] O see that no Sin or guilt lye there unrepented of; remem­ber that God Seals no Pardon, before Faith and Repentance; keep Conscience therefore pure, and void of offence, we are bid­den, Heb. 10. 22. to draw near to God, with true Hearts, and in the full assurance of Faith; ha­ving our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience, &c. He that allows himself in Sin, and keeps not a good Conscience, cannot draw nigh to God in the full assu­rance of Faith: But,

11. Lastly, Lye at the Pool of Ordinances; frequent much the Word and Sacraments, that are God's Appointments, in which he has promised to meet his People; do not stay away from Hearing, nor from the Table of the Lord, at no time, as many do, for every [Page 141] small frivolous thing. The way to meet with God, and to have an assurance of his Love, to be Sealed by his Spirit, is to wait upon him in his Ordinances, and to remember him in his ways, Isa. 64. 5. The Ordinances of God, are the banquetting House, where God displays the Banner of his Love, and seals it up to his People, Cant. 2. 4. To be found sincerely in the way and use of God's Ordi­nances is the way to be set as a Seal upon Christ's heart.

2. Branch. You that are Sealed and assured by the Spirit, of the love of God in Christ to you, Oh! be exhorted.

First, to endeavour to keep the assurance you have; as we must labour, to get it, so to keep it. It is a Mercy we should beware [Page 142] of losing; it is the comfort of your life, and 'twill be sweet in death: What comfort is there preserable to this, which flows from the Sealing of the Spirit, or the Assu­rance of God's love in Christ. Now that you may have much of this Sweetness, and Comfort, keep, and hold fast that assurance which you have through Grace ob­tained.

Question.

How, or by what means may we do this?

Answer.

First, By renewing your Repen­tance often for Sin, you cannot live without Sin, therefore live not without Repentance; God [Page 143] often cloaths such with the Gar­ments of Joy, and Comfort, who tumble themselves in Ashes, as it were, for their Sins. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted, Matth. 5, 6. And that are humble, for they shall he exalt­ed. James 4. 9, 10.

Secondly, Fear the hidings of God's Face, and the withdraw­ing the Light of his Counte­nance, from you; David feared much, therefore prayed much, Hide not thy Face from thy Servant, &c. Psal. 27. 9. Fear also to of­fend God by doing of any Evil, beware of every Sin, and of eve­ry Temptation to Sin, either from the Devil, the World, or your Hearts. When tempted to Sin, say as Joseph did, How can I do this great Evil, and sin against God, Gen. 39. 9. Sin is an ene­my, [Page 144] it hides God's Face from us, and wounds our Souls; 'twill break our Bones, therefore fight against it. 1 Pet. 2. 11.

Thirdly, Renounce all trust, and Confidence in your selves, in your own Works, and Righteousness; depend alone upon God in Christ, and labour to be found in him, having on his pure Righteous­ness. Paul desir'd to renounce and leave all. to be found in Christ, Phil. 3. 7, 8. Where is the Chri­stian like Paul, that has no Con­fidence in the Flesh, or in their own Abilities; but trust alone in God, who giveth his all things to enjoy. 2 Cor. 1. 9.

Fourthly. Study Sanctification more, both in Heart and Life; they must follow after Holiness, that would see God, Heb. 12. 14. [Page 145] They that perfect Holiness in the fear of the Lord, shall certainly see God, and behold his Salva­tion, Psal. 50. 23. Oh! then be found in the constant and daily ex­ercise of Grace, and perseverance in Holiness and Piety, 2 Cor. 7. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 1. 15. But,

Fifthly, Take heed of nourish­ing Jealousies, and Suspicions of God in your hearts; fear not his Love to you, but yours to him. Some cry out, Oh! the Lord does not love me; for he has set me as a mark for his Arrows, and has forsaken me; he is my Enemy, and I fear he will damn me at last, after all. What dreadful thoughts are these of God; even that God, who keepeth covenant and mercy with his for ever, Psal. 89. 33, 34. Oh! harbour not these [Page 146] Jealousies of God. If you find them in you at any time, see you check them, for God abides faithful, and his love is the same for ever, Jer. 29. 11, 12. I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, they are thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor my ways, your ways, saith God, Isa. 55. 8, 9, 10, 11. But

Sixthly, Stand up for the Truths of God against all Opposers; and for the Faith once delivered to the Saints, Jude v. 3. Much of God's Glory lies in his Truth, and they that stand up for his Truth, as it is in Jesus, and bear witness for it in the World, are, and may be sure, they shall be happy, 2 Tim. 2. 12. But,

Seventhly, Have a care of Sin­ning; but especially of sinning presumptuously against Light and Knowledge. Pray as David, Psal. 19. 11, 12. To be kept from all sin, but especially from presumptuous sins, that they have no dominion over you. Sin is that which provokes God, and will wound your Consciences, spoil your Peace, and mar your Evidences, and Assurance for Heaven; therefore strive, and watch against all Sin, Jer. 44. 4. Matth. 26. 41.

Eighthly, Be much in Prayer to God, thro' Christ. Pray often and earnestly, like Jacob, for the Spi­rit of Adoption, to Seal you up to the day of Redemption. 'Tis the Spirit must Seal you, and reveal to you, the great things of God, that appertain to the Kingdom of [Page 148] God, 1 Cor. 2. 10. Oh! Pray for more Grace, more Faith, more Love, and for more Assurance, Luke 17. 5. Psal. 4. 6. 36. 10.

Ninthly, Be tender of God's Honour and Glory in the World; seek and study that above all, 1 Cor. 10. 31. Our dear Lord Jesus, as Man, abode in his Father's love, by being zealous for his glory, and so may you this way. Let the zeal of God's House eat you up, John 2. 17. Oh! study every way to advance his glory; for they that advance God's glory here, he'll advance their joy and comfort in Christ, 1 Sam. 2. 30.

Tenthly, Be very humble. Oh! have a care of Pride; for Pride e­strangeth the Soul from God, and God from the Soul. He beholds the [Page 149] Proud afar off, James 4. 6. but gives more grace to the humble. When you are high in Assurance, and have received much from God, Oh! then be low in Humility; for God resisteth the Proud. Paul had a great assurance, being Sealed by the Spirit; yet (saith one) he baptizeth himself with this name, the chief of Sinners, 1 Tim. 1. 15, 16. The Jewel of Assurance, I am sure, is best kept in the Cabi­net of a humble and low Spirit. Oh! be humble in your own eyes, and lye low, then God will exalt you. But,

Secondly, You that are Sealed by the Spirit, and have Assurance, be exhorted, not only to keep it, but to improve it, for God's glo­ry, your own comfort, and the good of others.

Quest. How shall we do this in a right manner?

Answ. First, by encouraging of those poor Souls, who are yet in their Sins, and in an unconverted State. Oh! tell them how sweet this hidden Manna is, and what a good Master Christ is, whom you love and serve. Oh! persuade Sinners by the love and mercy of God in Christ, to leave their sins, and inroll their Names in his Fa­mily: use what Arguments you can with them; for he that win­neth Souls is wise, Prov. 11. 30. Such shall shine in glory, Dan. 12. 5, 6.

Secondly, Comfort as you can, weak Christians, who have not the Sealings of the Spirit; that you have, I say to you as Christ said to Peter, Luke 22. 32. When you are converted, strengthen your Brethren: Comfort them that are strugling, and ready to sink.

Thirdly, Walk more heavenly than ever; look to your Hearts, Lives, and Actions; see that you walk as Children of the light, not as the foolish, but as the wise, re­deeming all time for God, Eph. 5. 15, 16. But,

Fourthly, Improve it by a chear­ful walking and serving of God; Come before him with gladness and singing, Psal. 100. 1, 2. 'Tis for Persons condemned to hang down their heads, and be sad: but you are pardoned and justified through Christ, therefore rejoice, Rom. 5. 1, 2. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Shall Drun­kards, Swearers, Whoremongers, and wicked Wretches rejoice, who are just upon the brink of Hell, and are condemned already, John 3. 18. and will you that are Be­lievers be sad. Oh! chear up, lift [Page 152] up your Heads and Rejoice. I say to you as Jonadab to Amnon, 2 Sam. 13. 3. Why art thou, being a Kings Son so lean from day to day, so, why are you, Believers, being the King's Sons, and Daughters of Heaven, so sad, Why do you not re­joice more in Christ, and in your blessed Estate, being Sealed, and assured by the spirit; Oh rejoice in the Lord, and again I say rejoice. Phil. 4. 4. How merry is the Bird, how musical does it sing, that knows not where to have, and pick up its next Crumb, and will you be sad who are assured of God's Love to you, and not re­joice in it. I will rejoice (faith Habakkuk in the God of my Sal­vation. Hab. 3. 17, 18. But,

Fifthly and lastly, and so I shall conclude. Let your Hearts be much endeared to God by Love; [Page 153] he hath done great things for you in Christ, and bestowed much up­on you. Oh, see that your Hearts run out in Love towards him, Psal. 31. 23. Oh love the Lord, all ye his Saints; it was a Saying of Austin, I would hate my Soul if I did not find it loving God. Whom should you love but God? Has he done so much in you, and for you, and will you not Love Him? Oh give him your Hearts and best Affections, and shew your Love to him by obeying his Commands; If ye Love Me (saith Christ) Keep my Com­mandments, John 14, 15, 16: Thus improve your Grace and Assurance, that you may glo­rifie the Name of that God, who hath called you out of Darkness, into this marvellous Light; and Sealed you by his [Page 154] Spirit. Thus much for this Time, and this Text; the Lord give you Understanding, in all these things. Amen.