Works (Vol 4) - Sibbes - VIII - Yea and Amen concluded

Required reading
The Works Volume 4 by Richard Sibbes (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude 'Yea and Amen'.

My summary
Today we conclude a lengthy sermon on 2 Corinthians 1:19-23: '19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.'

Firstly, this week, Sibbes explains what is the manner of our sealing by the Spirit.  It is:
(i) an imprinting of a likeness of him that doth seal;
(ii) distinction;
(iii) appropriation;
(iv) authentical.
He then answers various questions regarding the sealing of the Holy Spirit  and gives some uses.

Secondly Sibbes shows us in what regard the Spirit is called an 'earnest'.  An 'earnest' is:
(i) security of a contract;
(ii) part of the bargain, a part of the whole which is secured;
(iii) little in comparison of the whole;
(iv) given rather for the security of the party that receives it, than in regard of him that gives it.
And, again, Sibbes answers various questions.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed this comment about the 'earnest' of the Holy Spirit: 'Labour not then to be strengthened in things below, neither value thy self by outward dependences. Alas all things here are perishing. If thou hast grace, thou hast that which will stand by thee when these fail. The Comforter shall never be taken away. What are all friends in the world to the Holy Ghost ! This will speak to God for us when no creature dares look him in the face. The Spirit will make requests with ' sighs and groans ' in our behalf ; and we may be sure we shall be heard when that intercedes for us. What prison can shut up the Spirit of God ? Oh gain this, whatever thou losest ; prefer it to thy chief treasure. The very ' earnest ' of the Spirit is far more precious than the creature's full quint essence. If the promises laid hold on by faith quicken and cheer the soul, what shall the accomplishment of them do ! If the giving a taste of heaven so lift our souls above all earthly discouragements, how glorious shall we shine forth when the Spirit shall be all in all in us ! This will make us more or less fruitful, more or less glorious in our profession, and resolute in obedience through our whole course. '

Secure the Holy Spirit as a deposit at all costs!

Next week's reading
Commence 'A glance of heaven' by reading 'To the Christian reader' and 'The First Sermon'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.