The use of a seal...
Illustration
The use of a seal as the sign of unquestioned authenticity has a long history. The first Great Seal of England was created by Edward the Confessor (1042-1066). As history progressed, the official seals of the crown were passed to the new king or queen with great ceremony and solemnity.
Most merchants and people of wealth also had their own seals. In Medieval times, marriages were often pre-arranged. Lovers, who wanted to exchange words of love, would write them in a letter, and seal the letter with a seal. Wills were often sealed with wax impressions of a signet ring, proving that only the possessor of the ring was the true grantee of the will.
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson created the first seal of the United States in 1776, immediately after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The leaders of the new nation recognized the need of such a seal in the turbulent first years of the nation.
Seals have generally fallen out of use by most people today, especially since the advent of the gummed envelope. However, official documents of state, church, and other organizations still bear the seal of authenticity.
God continues to use the stamp of authenticity on believers -- the Holy Spirit.
Most merchants and people of wealth also had their own seals. In Medieval times, marriages were often pre-arranged. Lovers, who wanted to exchange words of love, would write them in a letter, and seal the letter with a seal. Wills were often sealed with wax impressions of a signet ring, proving that only the possessor of the ring was the true grantee of the will.
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson created the first seal of the United States in 1776, immediately after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The leaders of the new nation recognized the need of such a seal in the turbulent first years of the nation.
Seals have generally fallen out of use by most people today, especially since the advent of the gummed envelope. However, official documents of state, church, and other organizations still bear the seal of authenticity.
God continues to use the stamp of authenticity on believers -- the Holy Spirit.
