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322 DOCTRINE OF THE SAINTS' PERSEVERANCE. [CHAP.
them to whom he is sent, is but one and the same ; and if any frus- tration of his intention do fall out, it may most probably interpose as to his sending of the Spirit, not as to the Spirit's continuance with them to whom he is sent, which is asserted absolutely upon the account of his sending him. He sends him iim /j,ivrj. His abode is the end of his sending; which, if he be sent, shall be obtained.
Upon the whole, doubtless, it will be found that the doctrine of perseverance finds so much for its establishment in this place of Scripture and promise of our Saviour, that by no art or cunning it will be prevailed withal to let go its interest therein. And though many attempts be made to turn and wrest this testimony of our Saviour several ways, and those contrary to and inconsistent with one another, yet it abides to look straight forward to the proof and confirmation of the truth, that lies not only in the womb and sense of it, but in the very mouth and literal expression of it also, I suppose it is evident to all that Mr Goodwin knows not what to say to it, nor what sense to fix upon. At first it is made to the apostles, not to all believers; then, when this will not serve the turn, there being a concession in that interpretation destructive to his whole cause, it is made as a privilege to the church, not to any in- dividual persons; but yet, for fear that this privilege must be vested in some individuals, it is denied that it is made to any, but only is a promise of the Spirit's abode in the world with the word ; but, perhaps some thoughts coming upon him that this will no way suit the .scope of the place, nor be suited to the intendment of Christ, it is lastly added, that let it be made to whom it will, it is conditional, though there be not the least intimation of any condition in the text or context, and that [condition] by him assigned be coincident with the thing itself promised! But hereof so far; and so our second testimony. The testimony of the Son abides still by the truth for the confirmation whereof it is produced; and in the mouth of these two witnesses, the abiding of the Spirit with believers to the end is established.
Add hereunto, THIRDLY, The testimony of the third that bears wit- ness in heaven, and who also comes near and bears witness to this tiTith in the hearts of believers, even of the Spirit itself; and so I shall leave it sealed under the testimony of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. As the other two gave in tlieir testimony in a word of promise, so the Spirit doth in a real work of performance; wherein, as he bears a distinct testimony of his own, the saints having a pecu- liar communion and fellowship with him therein, so he is, as the common seal of Father and Son, set unto that truth which by their testimony they have confirmed. There are, indeed, sundry things whereby he confirms and cstablisheth the saints in the assurance of his abode with them for ever. I shall at present mention that one
VII.] THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 323
eminent work of his, whicli, being given unto them, he doth accom- pHsh to this very end and purpose, and that is his sealing of tliera to the day of redemption; — a work it is, often in the ScrijDture men- tioned, and still upon the account of assuring the salvation of be- lievers : 2 Cor. i. 22, " Who hath also sealed us." Having men- tioned the certainty, unchangeableness, and efficacy, of all the promises of God in Christ, and the end to be accomplished and brought about by them, — namely, the "glory of God in believers" (verse 20, "All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us"), — the apostle acquaints the saints with one foundation of the security of their interest in those promises, whereby the end men- tioned, " the glory of God by them," should be accomplished. This he ascribes to the efficacy of the Spirit, bestowed on them in sundry works of his grace, which he reckoneth, verses 21, 22. Among them this is one, that he seals them. As to the nature of this sealing, and what that act of the Spirit of grace is that is so called, I shall not now insist upon it. The end and use of sealing is more aimed at in this expression than the nature of it, — what it imports than wherein it consists. Being a term forensical, and translated from the use and practice of men in their civil transactions, the use and end of it may easily, from the original rise thereof, be demonstrated. Sealing amongst men hath a twofold use: — First, To give secrecy and secu- rity (in things that are under present consideration) to the things sealed. And this is the first use of sealing, by a seal set upon the things 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, secondly. To give an as- surance 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. These are the 8i- gilla appensa that are yet in use in all deeds, enfeoffments, and the like instruments in law. And with men, if this be done, their en- gagements 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 mankind 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 accepta- tion, is taken evidently in the latter sense from its use amongst men. Expressed it is upon the mention of the promises, 2 Cor. i. 20. To secure believers of their certain and infallible accomplishment unto