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How to demean our selves after we are sealed by the Spirit. [ 1972]
LOok but upon a poor Countryman, how solicitous he is,* 1.1 if it be but a bond of no great value, to keep the Seal fair and whole; But if it be of an higher nature, as a Patent under the broad Seal, or the like, then to have his box, his leaves and wooll, and all care is used, that it take not the least hurt. And shall we then make slight reckoning of the Holy Ghost's seal, vouchsasing it not that care, do not so much for it, as he for his bond of five Nobles, the matter being of such high concernment? Let us then being well and orderly sealed by the Spirit,* 1.2 be careful to keep the signature from defacing or bruising, not to suf∣fer the evill Spirit to set his mark, put his print with his image and superscrip∣tion upon it; then not to carry the seal so loosely, as if we cared not what be∣came of it: And whereas we are signati, to be close and fast, not to suffer every trifling occasion to break us up, not to have our Souls to lye so open, as all manner of thoughts may passe and repasse through them, without the least re∣luctation.