This word is of great importance in the Scripture tongue, applied as it is, with peculiar emphasis, to the work of the Holy Ghost upon the heart. The apostle, speaking of the wonderful gifts of God's grace, saith, "Now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God, who hath also given unto us the earnest of the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 5:5) And elsewhere, he calls it the earnest of our inheritance. (Ephesians 1:14) It becomes the Lord's pledge, the Lord's token, and covenant of his love to the soul. Sweet evidence of divine faithfulness!