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

SECONDLY; It is indifferent whether we use the Name of an Earnest, or a Pledge in this Matter. And although I choose to retain that of an Earnest from the most usual Acceptation of the Word, yet I do it not upon the Reason alleged for it, which is taken from the especial Nature and Use of an Earnest in the Dealings of Men. For it is the End only of an Earnest whereon the Holy Ghost is so called, which is the same with that of a Pledge, and we are not to force the Similitude or Allusion any farther. For precisely among Men an Earnest is the Confirmation of a Bargain and Contract made on equal Terms between Buyers and Sellers, or Exchangers. But there is no such Contract between God and us. It is true there is a supposition of an Antecedent-Covenant, but not as a Bargain or Contract between God and us. The ⟨p. 94⟩Covenant of God as it respects the Dispensation of the Spirit, is a mere free gratuitous Promise; and the stipulation of Obedience on our part is consequential thereunto. Again he that giveth an Earnest in a Contract or Bargain, doth not principally aim at his own Obligation to pay such or such a sum of Money, or somewhat equivalent thereunto, though he do that also; but his principal Design is to secure unto himself that which he hath bargained for, that it may be delivered up unto him at the time appointed. But there is nothing of this Nature in the Earnest of the Spirit, wherein God intends our Assurance only and not his own. And sundry other things there are wherein the Comparison will not hold nor is to be urged, because they are not intended.

SECONDLY; It is indifferent whether we use the Name of an Earnest, or a Pledge in this Matter. And although I chuse to retain that of an Earnest from the most usual Acceptation of the Word, yet I do it not upon the Reason alledged for it, which is taken from the especial Nature and Use of an Earnest in the Dealings of Men. For it is the End only of an Earnest whereon the Holy Ghost is so called, which is the same with that of a Pledge, and we are not to force the Similitude or Allusion any farther. For precisely among Men an Earnest is the Confirmation of a Bargain and Contract made on equal Terms between Buvers and Sellers, or Exchangers. But there is no such Contract between God and us. It is true there is a supposition of an Antecedent-Covenant, but not as a Bargain or Contract between God and us. The ⟨p. 94⟩