A29686:515
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.
Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have born chastisement, I will not offend any more; that which I see not teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. And the same spirit you may find working in those that were once given up to sorcery and witchcraft, Act. 18. And many that believed came and confessed, and showed their deeds. Ver. 19. Many also of them which used curious arts, brought their books together, and burned them before all men. Penitential confession leaves a holy awe and dread on the soul, to take heed of committing sins confessed. Though a godly man may (in an hour of temptation, or in a day of desertion, or in a season of God's with-holding the gracious influences of heaven from falling upon his soul) commit a sin which he has seriously confessed and sadly bewailed, yet he retains in his course and practise, such a holy fear and awe upon his heart, as in some measure proves armour of proof against future commissions of sin. But now wicked men are very ready, bold, and venturous to commit the same sins they have confessed, as you may see in Saul, one while you shall have him confessing his sinful injuries ⟨p. 254⟩against David with tears; and soon after you shall find him pursuing of him in the wilderness of Zaph with three thousand chosen men at his heels.1 The same evil spirit was predominant in Pharaoh, one day you shall have him confessing his sin, and promising to let Israel go, and the next day you shall find his heart hardened, and he peremptorily resolved that Israel shall not go. And so the Harlot made the confession of her sin,2 to be but a provocation to more sin. The wicked sometimes confess their sins, but they never forsake their sins;3 after confession they commonly return with the dog to his vomit; as Fulgentius 4hath worthily observed. Many (saith he) being pricked in conscience, confess that they have done ill, and yet put no end to their ill deeds; they humbly accuse themselves in God's sight of the sins which oppress them, and yet with a perverse heart rebelliously heap up those sins whereof they accuse themselves. The very pardon which they beg with mournful-sighs, they impede with their wicked actions; they ask help of the Physician, and still minister matter to the disease, thus in vain endeavouring to appease him with penitent words, whom they go on to provoke by an impenitent course.