[6] The allusion to the seal as a pledge of purchase would be peculiarly intelligible to the Ephesians, for Ephesus was a maritime city, and an extensive trade in timber was carried on there by the shipmasters of the neighboring ports. The method of purchase was this: The merchant, after selecting his timber, stamped it with his own signet, which was an acknowledged sign of ownership. He often did not carry off his possession at the time; it was left in the harbor with other floats of timber; but it was chosen, bought, and stamped; and in due time the merchant sent a trusty agent with the signet, who finding that timber which bore a corresponding impress, claimed and brought it away for the master's use. Thus the Holy Spirit impresses on the soul now the image of Jesus Christ; and this is the sure pledge of the everlasting inheritance.--_E. H. Bickersteth, "The Spirit of Life," p. 176_. [7] John Owen, D. D., "Discourse Concerning the Spirit," pp. 406, 407. [8] "Through the Eternal Spirit," by James Elder Cumming, D.D., pp. 146, 147. [9] "_Veni Creator Spiritus_," by Principal H. C. G. Moule, p. 13. {97} VI THE COMMUNION OF THE SPIRIT {98} "In his intimate union with his Son, the Holy Spirit is the unique organ by which God wills to communicate to man his own life, the supernatural life, the divine life--that is to say, his holiness, his power, his love, his felicity. To this end the Son works outwardly, the Holy Spirit inwardly."--_Pastor G. F. Tophel_. {99} VI THE COMMUNION OF THE SPIRIT