A29686:120
A cabinet of choice jewels, or, A box of precious ointment being a plain…A cabinet of choice jevvels, or, A box of precious ointment being a plain…
A cabinet of choice jewels, or, A box of precious ointment being a plain discovery of, or, what men are worth for eternity, and how 'tis like to go with them in another world ... / by Thomas Brooks ...A cabinet of choice jevvels, or, A box of precious ointment being a plain discovery of, or, what men are worth for eternity, and how 'tis like to go with them in another world ... / by Thomas Brooks ...
London : Printed and are to be sold by John Hancock ..., 1669
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The sixth Maxim or Consideration.
Sixthly, consider, That 'tis granted on all hands, that the least degree of grace, if true, is sufficient to salvation; for the promises of life and glory, of remission and salvation, of everlasting happiness and blessedness,1 are not made over to degrees of grace, but to the truth of grace, not to faith in triumph, but to faith in truth; and therefore the sense and evidence of the least grace, yea of the least degree of the least grace, may afford some measure of assurance. Grace is the fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22. and the Tree is known by his fruit, Mat. 12.33. I don't say,2 that weak grace will afford a strong assurance, or a full assurance (for that rather arises from strength of grace, than from truth of grace) but I say, weak grace may afford some assurance: And oh, that all weak Christians would seriously lay this to heart, for it may serve to relieve them against many fears, doubts, discouragements and jealousies, which do much disturb the peace and comfort of their precious souls; though the least measures of grace can't satisfy a sincere Christian, yet they ought to quiet his conscience, and cheer his heart, and confirm his judgment of his interest in Christ. The least measure of grace is like a Diamond, very little in bulk, but of high price and mighty value, and accordingly we are to improve it for our comfort and encouragement. A Goldsmith makes reckoning of the least filings of gold,3 and so should we of the least measures of grace. A man may read the Kings Image upon a silver penny, as well as upon a larger piece of coin. The least dram of grace bears the Image of God upon it; and why then should it not evidence the goodness and happiness of a Christians estate. It's a true saying, That the assurance of an eternal life, is the life of this temporal life. I have read, that Mr. Jordain, one of the Aldermen of the City of Exeter, would use to ask grown Professors, whether they had any assurance; which if they denied, he would tell them, that he was even ashamed of