Epistle Dedicatory
A Fountain Sealed The Work of the Spirit in Sealing by Richard Sibbes
Table of Contents Epistle Dedicatory The Holy Ghost, why called a Spirit Why Holy 1. Of grieving the Spirit
2. Of the sealing of the Spirit
3. Of the day of redemption
TO THE TRULY NOBLE AND HIGHLY
HONORED LADY,
LADY ELIZABETH BROOKE,
WIFE OF SIR ROBERT BROOKE.
MADAM,—Apart from the well-deserved affection and esteem that your ladyship possesses from this honorable man, surpassing that of any living friend, which grants you the right to be called his author, this small piece acknowledges a particularly strong connection to your ladyship. Although his eloquence was as skillful as the hand of a talented writer guided by Christ, it was your ladyship's hand and pen that acted as his scribe and amanuensis while he dictated the initial draft of this work in private, with the intention of making it public. In this act of humility and love, your ladyship honored him, just as Baruch received honor when he transcribed the words of Jeremiah from his mouth (Jer. 36:4). Yet, in truth, your ladyship was merely recording the story of your own life, which has been meticulously shaped in accordance with the principles outlined herein. Therefore, as those entrusted with its publication, we consider it an act of justice to present it back to your ladyship, to whom it owes its very existence. Thus, wherever this small treatise may travel, your contribution will be told and recorded as a memorial to you.
Additionally, we cannot help but regard it as an honorable addition to the work that it was brought into the world by the hand of a pious and esteemed lady such as yourself. Although it is worthy in its own right, it is further elevated because it was delivered by a hand that has been blessed as much as any other in bearing the image of Jesus
Christ. May the Lord, in return, write the holy contents of this work even more fully and abundantly upon your ladyship's heart, and may all the qualities of the likeness of Jesus Christ be sealed upon you by His blessed Spirit, bringing you joy and peace until the day of redemption!
Madam, we remain, devotedly yours,