Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit, and His work the one, Of the Spirit…

FIRST, That this is not spoken of Christ with respect unto his Divine Nature. He is indeed said to be the Character of the Person of the Father in his Divine Person as the Son, because there are in him, communicated unto him from the Father, all the Essential Properties of the Divine Nature; as the thing Sealed receiveth the Character or Image of the Seal. But this Communication is by Eternal Generation and not by Sealing. But it is an external, transient Act of God the Father on the Humane Nature, with respect unto the Discharge of his Office. For it is given as the Reason why he should be complied withal and believed in in that Work. Labour for that Bread which the Son of Man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father Sealed. It is the Ground whereon he persuades them to Faith and Obedience unto himself.

FIRST, That this is not spoken of Christ with respect unto his Divine Nature. He is indeed said to be the Character of the Person of the Father in his Divine Person as the Son, because there are in him, communicated unto him from the Father, all the Essential Properties of the Divine Nature; as the thing Sealed receiveth the Character or Image of the Seal. But this Communication is by Eternal Generation and not by Sealing. But it is an external, transient Act of God the Father on the Humane Nature, with respect unto the Discharge of his Office. For it is given as the Reason why he should be complied withal and believed in in that Work. Labour for that Bread which the Son of Man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father Sealed. It is the Ground whereon he perswades them to Faith and Obedience unto himself.

SECONDLY, It is not spoken of him with an especial respect unto his Kingly Office, as some conceive. For this Sealing of Christ they would ⟨p. 83⟩have to be his Designation of God unto his Kingdom, in opposition unto what is affirmed, Ver. 15. That the People designed to come and make him a King by Force. For that is only an occasional Expression of the Sense of the People, the principal Subject treated on, is of a Nobler Nature. But whereas the People did flock after him on the account of a Temporal Benefit received by him, in that they were fed, filled and satisfied with the Loaves which he had miraculously increased, Ver. 26. He takes occasion from thence to propose unto them the Spiritual Mercies that he had to tender unto them. And this he doth in answer unto the Bread that he had eat, under the Name of Meat, and Bread enduring to everlasting Life, which he would give unto them. Under this Name and Notion of Meat he did comprise all the Spiritual Nourishment in his Doctrine, Person, Mediation and Grace that he had prepared for them. But on what Grounds should they look for these things from him? how might it appear that he was Authorized and enabled thereunto? In answer unto that Enquiry, he gives this Account of himself, For him hath God the Father Sealed; namely, unto this End.