The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

And this is the First use of Sealing, by a seal set upon the thing sealed. Of this kind of sealing chiefly have we that long Discourse of Salmasius, in the vindication of his Jus Atticum against the Animadversions of Heraldus. And 2ly to give an assurance, or faith, for what is by them that seal, to be done. In the first sense, are things sealed up in Bags, and in Treasuries, that they may be kept safe, none daring to break open their seals. In the Latter, are all promissory engagements confirmed, established, and made unalterable, wherein men either in conditional compacts, or Testamentary dispositions do oblige themselves. ⟨p. 184⟩These are the Sigilla appensa, that are yet in use in all Deeds, Enfeoffments, and the like Instruments in Law. And with men, if this be done, their engagements are accounted inviolable. And because all men have not that Truth, Faithfulness, and Honesty, as to make good even their sealed engagements, the whole Race of man-kind, hath consented unto the establishment of Laws, and Governors, amongst others, to this end, that all men may be compelled to stand to their sealed Promises; hence, whatsoever the nature of it be, and in what particular soever it doth consist, the end and use of this work in this special Acceptation, is taken evidently in the latter sense, from its use amongst men. Expressed it is upon the mention of the Promises. 2 Cor: 1. 20. To secure Believers of their certain and infallible accomplishment unto them, the Apostle tells them of this sealing of the Spirit, whereby the Promises are irrevocably confirmed unto them, to whom they are made, as is the case among the Sons of men; suitably Ephes. 1. 13. he saith, they are sealed by the Holy spirit of Promise; ¹that is, that is promised unto us, and who confirms to us all the Promises of God. That the other end of security also, safety and preservation, is designed therein, secondarily, appears from the appointed season, whereunto this sealing shall be effectual: it is, to the day of Redemption, Eph: 4. 30. until the Saints are brought to the enjoyment of the full, whole, and complete purchase made for them by Christ, when he obtained for them eternal Redemption. And this is a real Testimony which the Holy Spirit gives to his own abiding with the Saints for ever;

And this is the First use of Sealing, by a seale set upon the thing sealed. Of this kind of sealing chiefely have we that long Discourse of Salmasius, in the vindication of his Jus Atticum against the Animadversions of Heraldus. And 2ly to give an assurance, or faith, for what is by them that seale, to be done. In the first sence, are things sealed up in Baggs, and in Treasuries, that they may be kept safe, none daring to breake open their seales. In the Latter, are all promissory ingagements confirmed, established, and made unalterable, wherein men either in conditionall compacts, or Testamentary dispositions doe oblige themselves.