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…

The Twelfth Maxim or Consideration.

Twelfthly, Consider that tis a Christians greatest Wisdom §12and highest concernment, to take the most commodious time for the casting up of his spiritual accounts: If I would know what I am worth for another World, and what I have to show for the inheritance of the Saints in light, then I am to take my heart when tis at best, and when I am most divinely prepared and fitted for this great service, then to enter upon it: Tis no wisdom for a man to go to see his face in troubled waters, or to look for a Pearl in a puddle. ⟨p. 70⟩There are some particular times and seasons in which tis no way safe nor convenient for a Christian to enter upon the trial of his Spiritual estate.¹ As first, when the body is greatly distempered. 2. When the Soul is greatly tempted by Satan, or sadly deserted by God. 3. When the Conscience is so deeply wounded by some great falls, as that the Soul is filled with exceeding great fear, terror and horror; it is with many poor Christians in this case, as it hath been with some who have been so struck with the fear and horror of death before the Judg, that though they were good Scholars and able to read any thing, yet fear and horror hath so surprised them, that when their lives have been at stake, and the Book hath been given them to read, they have not been able to read one line, one word. So many of the precious servants of Christ, when they have been under wounds of Conscience, and when they have been filled with fears, terrors and horrors, they have not been able to look up to Heaven, nor read their evidences, nor turn to the breasts of the Promises,²