Sixthly, The Time how long this seal and earnest shall thus assure us, and that is till we have the complete possession of what it is an earnest. To prevent mistakes and disputes ⟨p. 231⟩about the Sealings of the Spirit on the one hand; and to support, comfort, and encourage the poor people of God on the other hand, let me briefly hint. at the Spirits special sealing times. As First Conversion times are often the Spirits sealing times. Luke 15. 22, 23. Upon the Prodigals return the fatted Calf is killed, and the best Robe is put upon his back, and the Ring is put upon his hand, and shoes on his feet. Some by the Robe understand the Royalty of Adam, others, the Righteousness of Christ. And by the Ring, some understand the pledges of Gods love, Rings being given as pledges of love: and by the Ring others understand the seal of Gods holy Spirit, men using to seal with their Rings. Among the Romans the Ring was an ensign of virtue, honour, and nobility, whereby they that wore them were distinguished from the common people. I think the main thing intended by the Robe and the Ring, is to show us, ⟨p. 232⟩that God sometimes upon the sinners conversion and returning to him, is graciously pleased to give him some choice manifestations of his gracious pleasure and goodwill, and to seal up to him his everlasting love and favour. And hence it comes to pass that some that are but babes in Christ, are 1so diligent and active in religious duties, and so conscientious and dexterous in the exercise of their Graces. At first conversion, God helps some of his people to read their own names written in legible letters in the Book of Life: No sooner are some converted, but the Spirit stamps his seal upon them.
Sixthly, The Time how long this seal and earnest shall thus assure us, and that is till we have the compleat possession of what it is an earnest. To prevent mistakes and disputes ⟨p. 231⟩about the Sealings of the Spirit on the one hand; and to support, comfort, and encourage the poor people of God on the other hand, let me briefly hint. at the Spirits •pecial sealing times. As First Conversion times are often the Spirits sealing times. Luke 15. 22, 23. Upon the Prodigals return the fatted Calf is killed, and the best Robe is put upon his back, and the Ring is put upon his hand, and shooes on his feet. Some by the Robe understand the Royalty of Adam, others, the Righteousness of Christ. And by the Ring, some understand the pledges of Gods love, Rings being given as pledges of love: and by the Ring others understand the seal of Gods holy Spirit, men useing to seal with their Rings. Among the Romans the Ring was an ensigne of vertue, honour, and nobility, whereby they that wore them were distinguished from the common people. I think the main thing intended by the Robe and the Ring, is to shew us, ⟨p. 232⟩that God sometimes upon the sinners conversion and returning to him, is graciously pleased to give him some choice manifestations of his gracious pleasure and goodwill, and to seal up to him his everlasting love and favour. And hence it comes to pass that some that are but babes in Christ, are 1so diligent and active in religious duties, and so consciencious and dexterous in the exercise of their Graces. At first conversion, God helps some of his people to read their own names written in legible letters in the Book of Life: No sooner are some converted, but the Spirit stamps his seale upon them.
- 11 Pet. 2. 2, 3. 1. John 2. 12, 13, 14. Acts 9. 3, 4, 5, 6.
