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…

Thirdly, As true penitential confession is full, so 'tis sincere, 'tis cordial; 'tis not a feigned, nor a formal, nor a mere verbal confession, but an affectionate confession; 'tis a confession that has the mind, the heart, the soul as well as the ⟨p. 239⟩lip in it.¹ The penitent man's confession springs from inward impressions of grace upon his soul, he heels what he confesses, and his affections go along with his confessions. The poor Publican smote upon his breast and confessed. Look, as the sick man opens his disease to his Physician, feelingly, affectionately; and as the Client opens his case to his Lawyer, feelingly, affectionately; so the penitent opens his case, his heart to God, feelingly, affectionately; cold, careless, verbal, formal, customary confessions are no small abominations in the eye of God, Jer. 12.2. Such mens confessions will be their condemnations at last, their tongues will one day cut their throats; though confession to men is a work of the voice, yet confession to God must be the voice of the heart. Sometimes the heart alone is sufficient without the voice, as you may see in Hannah, 1 Sam. 1.13, 14, 15. but the voice is never sufficient without the heart, as you may see in that, Isa. 29.13. Such who make confession of sin to be only a lip-labour, such instead of offering the calves of their lips (as the Prophet requires, Hosea 14.2.) do but offer the lips of calves. Heart-confessions (without words) shall be effectual with God, and carry the day in heaven, when all formal, verbal confessions, though they are never so eloquent or excellent, shall be cast as dung in sinners faces, Isa. 1.12-16. Mary Magdalen weeps, and sighs, and sobs,² but speaks neve• a word; and yet by her heart-confessions she carries it with Christ, as is evident by his answer to her,