A94157:164
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
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.
When Religion is in fashion, many will dress themselves by her Looking-glass; Joab himself, though a man of blood, will learn her language; see how exactly he speaks in her dialect, 1 Chron. 19.13. If the Jews prospered, the Samaritans and they were kindred. The rising Sun is adored by the Persians. Summer brings in not only herbs and fruits, but Butterflies and Caterpillars which feed on them, and attire themselves with the livery of the season: So in the prosperous estate of Religion many Summer birds will wait on her, and court her out of love to her portion not to her person; but these like Pirates put their vessels into the colours of nations which they abhor, not to serve them faithfully, but to rob them the more easily. As Samballat and Tobiah made show to help, when their aim was to hinder the Jews. And truly such a lamp or blazing profession will quickly go out for want of oil in the vessel, this inward Regeneration. Thy rotten house will fall when these earthly props of treasure or honours which shroud it up, are taken away: Like the Moon thou mayst shine brightly the former part of the night, but set before morning.
When Religion is in fashion, many will dress themselves by her Looking-glass; Joab himself, though a man of blood, will learn her language; see how exactly he speaks in her dialect, 1 Chron. 19.13. If the Jews prospered, the Samaritans and they were kindred. The rising Sun is adored by the Persians. Summer brings in not only herbs and fruits, but Butterflies and Caterpillers which feed on them, and attire themselves with the livery of the season: So in the prosperous estate of Religion many Summer birds will wait on her, and court her out of love to her portion not to her person; but these like Pirates put their vessels into the colours of nations which they abhor, not to serve them faithfully, but to rob them the more easily. As Samballat and Tobiah made shew to help, when their aim was to hinder the Jews. And truly such a lamp or blazing profession will quickly go out for want of oyl in the vessel, this inward Regeneration. Thy rotten house will fall when these earthly props of treasure or honors which shroud it up, are taken away: Like the Moon thou mayst shine brightly the former part of the night, but set before morning.