A94157:170
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.
Fourthly, Great Gifts and Parts will not speak thy right to glory. Edifying Gifts and sanctifying Grace do abundantly differ. Thou mayst have a clear head, and yet an unclean heart. We read of them that were famous for gifts and parts, and infamous for profaneness; who might preach profitably, and yet were workers of iniquity; who had the gift of casting out devils, and for all that were cast to devils, Matth. 7.22, 23. Ministers may, like Noah's Carpenters, build an Ark to save others, and be drowned, be damned themselves: They may carry a lantern which may enlighten others, while they go in the dark themselves: Thou mayst as a land-mark direct others in the right way, and never set a foot thy self in it. ⟨p. 74⟩How holily did Balaam prophesy, and yet how hellishly did he practise! surely, like a burning-glass he hath fired many others by his heavenly language, yet he himself never fired. Many have gifts from God, who never have the gift of God, John 4.10. The Raven was an unclean creature, yet she was serviceable to zealous Elijah.
Fourthly, Great Gifts and Parts will not speak thy right to glory. Edifying Gifts and sanctifying Grace do abundantly differ. Thou mayst have a clear head, and yet an unclean heart. We read of them that were famous for gifts and parts, and infamous for prophaness; who might preach profitably, and yet were workers of iniquity; who had the gift of casting out devils, and for all that were cast to devils, Matth. 7.22, 23. Ministers may, like Noah's Carpenters, build an Ark to save others, and be drowned, be damned themselves: They may carry a lanthorn which may enlighten others, while they go in the dark themselves: Thou mayst as a land-mark direct others in the right way, and never set a foot thy self in it. ⟨p. 74⟩How holily did Balaam prophesie, and yet how hellishly did he practise! surely, like a burning-glass he hath fired many others by his heavenly language, yet he himself never fired. Many have gifts from God, who never have the gift of God,