A94157:112
The door of salvation opened by the key of regeneration
The door of salvation opened by the key of regeneration: or A treatise containing the nature, necessity, marks and means of regeneration; as also the duty of the regenerate. / By George Swinnocke, M.A. and pastor of Rickmersworth in Hertfordshire.
London: printed by John Best for Tho. Parkhurst, 1661
THE Door of Salvation OPENED, BY THE Key of Conversion. › Doctrine
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 iron gate indeed of mans Will is far from opening of its own accord; the Will is hardest won of any Faculty; it is like the strong fort of Zion in Jerusalem which Joshua himself could not surprise; the Son of David alone can do it: But the Spirit of God doth powerfully, though sweetly, incline it to choose God, and for God. The Understanding discovering to the Conscience the necessity, excellency and benefit of proclaiming and prosecuting an open and eternal war against all sin, and of accepting and embracing an everlasting covenant with God in Christ, and of submitting to the guidance and government of the Spirit; ⟨p. 31⟩conscience doth in the name of God, whose Officer it is, charge the will to close with these things; the will, (the spirit striking in) yieldeth contentedly, and resolveth accordingly, God persuades this Japheth to dwell in the tents of Shem.
The iron gate indeed of mans Will is far from opening of its own accord; the Will is hardest won of any Faculty; it is like the strong fort of Zion in Ierusalem which Joshua himself could not surprise; the Son of David alone can do it: But the Spirit of God doth powerfully, though sweetly, incline it to chuse God, and for God. The Understanding discovering to the Conscience the necessity, excellency and benefit of proclaiming and prosecuting an open and eternal war against all sin, and of accepting and embracing an everlasting covenant with God in Christ, and of submitting to the guidance and government of the Spirit; ⟨p. 31⟩conscience doth in the name of God, whose Officer it is, charge the will to close with these things; the will, (the spirit striking in) yieldeth contentedly, and resolveth accordingly, God perswades this Japhet to dwell in the tents of Shem.
4 The Affections are likewise renewed: The Understanding and Will (the superior Officers) being won, these like faithful, private Soldiers, readily follow their leaders, or as dutiful handmaids they obey the commands of their Master and Mistress: They are called by some the shapings or formings of the will in several motions, according to the object presented; so that the will like the Sun moving heavenward, these like Sunflowers must necessarily follow its motion.