A29686:94
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 second Maxim or Consideration.
Secondly, consider, That true, sound, solid marks, signs and evidences, are the best way to prevent delusions; there is no such deceit in sound and solid evidences, as there is in fleshy joys, and in high and strange raptures, by which many glistering Professors have been sadly deceived and deluded. Young Samuel being not acquainted with any extraordinary manifestations of the presence and power of God, took the voice of God from heaven to be the voice of old Ely. 1Ah, how many have there been in our days, that have taken the irregular motions of their own hearts, and the violent workings of their own distempered fancies, and imaginations, and Satanical delusions, to be the visions of God, celestial raptures, divine breathings, and the powerful impulses of the Spirit of God, and so have been stirred up to speak, write and act such things that have been, not only contrary to the holy Word of God, but also contrary to the very Laws of nature and Nations. Satan by transforming of himself into an Angel of light, hath seduced and ruined many Professors,2 against whom, as an Angel of darkness he could never prevail. Gerson tells a remarkable story of Satan's appearing to a holy man, in a most glorious and beautiful manner, professing himself to be Christ; and because he ⟨p. 5⟩for his exemplary holiness was worthy to be honoured above others, therefore he appeared unto him; but the good old man readily answered him, that he desired not to see his Saviour in this wilderness, it should suffice him to see him hereafter in heaven, and withal added this pithy prayer: O let thy sight be my reward, Lord, in another life, and not in this; and so he became victorious over Satan, though he had transformed himself into a glorious Angel of light; but such a a victorious crown has not been set upon every ones head to whom Satan has appeared as an Angel of glory.