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

THIRDLY, Wherefore the Sealing of God unto this End and Purpose, must have two Properties, and two Ends also annexed unto it. (1) There is in it a Communication of Authority and Ability. For the Enquiry is, how he could give them that Meat which endured unto everlasting Life: As afterwards they ask expressly, How can this Man give us his Flesh to eat? Ver. 52. To this it is answered, That God the Father had Sealed him; that is, He it was who was enabled of God the Father to give ⟨p. 84⟩and dispense the Spiritual Food of the Souls of Men. This therefore is evidently included in this Sealing. (2) It must have Evidence in it also; that is, somewhat whereby it may be evinced that he was thus authorized and enabled by God the Father. For whatever Authority or Ability any one may have unto any End, none is obliged to make Application unto him for it, or depend upon him therein, unless it be evidenced that he hath that Authority and Ability. This the Jews immediately enquired after. What Sign (say they) dost thou then, that we may see and believe thee? What dost thou work? Ver. 30. How shall it be demonstrated unto us that thou art authorized and enabled to give us the Spiritual Food of our Souls? This also belonged unto his Sealing; for therein there was such an express Representation of Divine Power communicated unto him, as evidently manifested that he was appointed of God unto this Work. These two Properties therefore must be found in this Sealing of the Lord Christ with respect unto the End here mentioned; namely, that he might be the Promuscondus, or principal Dispenser of the Spiritual Food of the Souls of Men.

THIRDLY, Wherefore the Sealing of God unto this End and Purpose, must have two Properties, and two Ends also annexed unto it. (1) There is in it a Communication of Authority and Ability. For the Enquiry is, how he could give them that Meat which endured unto everlasting Life: As afterwards they ask expresly, How can this Man give us his Flesh to eat? Ver. 52. To this it is answered, That God the Father had Sealed him; that is, He it was who was enabled of God the Father to give ⟨p. 84⟩and dispense the Spiritual Food of the Souls of Men. This therefore is evidently included in this Sealing. (2) It must have Evidence in it also; that is, somewhat whereby it may be evinced that he was thus authorized and enabled by God the Father. For whatever Authority or Ability any one may have unto any End, none is obliged to make Application unto him for it, or depend upon him therein, unless it be evidenced that he hath that Authority and Ability. This the Jews immediately enquired after. What Sign (say they) dost thou then, that we may see and believe thee? What dost thou work? Ver. 30. How shall it be demonstrated unto us that thou art authorized and enabled to give us the Spiritual Food of our Souls? This also belonged unto his Sealing; for therein there was such an express Representation of Divine Power communicated unto him, as evidently manifested that he was appointed of God unto this Work. These two Properties therefore must be found in this Sealing of the Lord Christ with respect unto the End here mentioned; namely, that he might be the Promuscondus, or principal Dispenser of the Spiritual Food of the Souls of Men.