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…

Certainly, the truth, the life, and power of Grace, of Holiness, of Regeneration, is not so much seen in our actions, as in the renewing and sanctifying of our minds and wills, according to that Rom. 12.2. Be ye transformed (or Metamorphosed, as the Greek has it) by the renewing of your mind. No man is to judg of the soundness or sincerity of his Spirit by some particular acts, but by the constant frame and bent of his Spirit, and by his general conversation in this world; If particular actions might determine whether a man had Grace or no Grace, whether he were in Christ or not in Christ; whether he were a Saint or not a Saint; whether he were sincere or unsound, we should many times conclude, that those had no Grace who indeed have, and that they were not in Christ who indeed are, and that they are no Saints who indeed are, and that they are not sincere, who certainly are true Nathaniels. The best Saints have had their extravagant motions, and have very foully and sadly miscarried as to particular actions, (even then when the constant course and bent of their spirits have been God-wards and Christ-wards, and Holiness-wards, and Heaven-wards, &c) witness Davids Murder and Adultery. Noah's Drunkenness, Lots Incest, Josephs Swearing, Jobs Cursing, Jonahs Vexing, Peters Denying, and Thomas his not believing. Such twinklings do and will accompany the highest and fairest stars. As he who foots it best may be found sometimes all along, and the neatest person may sometimes slip into a slow. He that cannot endure to see a spot upon his Clothes, may yet sometimes fall into a Quagmire. So the holiest and exactest Christians may sometimes be surprised with many infirmities and unevennesses, and sad miscarriages. ⟨p. 129⟩Certainly particular sinnings are compatible with a gracious frame, though none are with a glorious condition. Though no darkness, no clouds can be mixed with the Sun in Heaven, yet both may be in the Air which is enlightened below. Our best estate on earth is mixed, and not absolute. Glory annihilates all sinful practices, but Grace only weakens them; the most sincere Christian is but an imperfect Christian, and hath daily cause to mourn over his infirmities, as well as he has cause to bless God for his Graces and mercies. Well Sirs!

Certainly, the truth, the lise, and power of Grace, of Holiness, of Regeneration, is not so much seen in our actions, as in the renewing and sanctifying of our minds and wills, according to that