A94157:178
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.
It is recorded, that in a certain Island to the Southward of Celebes, night by night among the trees do show themselves swarms of fiery worms, which make a show and give such light as if all the twigs of the trees were lighted candles, and the place the starry sphere and yet all this is but an appearance; truly thus formal persons may seem by their duties both lightsome and fiery, and yet be but a semblance and flourish.
It is recorded, that in a certain Island to the Southward of Celebes, night by night among the trees do shew themselves swarms of fiery worms, which make a shew and give such light as if all the twigs of the trees were lighted candles, and the place the starry sphere and yet all this is but an appearance; truly thus formal persons may seem by their duties both lightsome and fiery, and yet be but a semblance and flourish.
Low moorish grounds bring forth some course grass, but 'tis from springs from below, when the high meadows bring forth fine grass, being fed with the clouds from above. The hypocrite may bring forth some course fruit, (as Egypt from the overflowing of Nilus) from the earthly springs, and the overflowing of a natural conscience, which will be by no means pacified when duties are omitted; but the Regenerate man bringeth forth better fruits; like Canaan he floweth with milk and honey, being fed with the showers of heaven, and watered with the dews of Divine grace.
Low moorish grounds bring forth some course grass, but 'tis from springs from below, when the high meadows bring forth fine grass, being fed with the clouds from above. The hypocrite may bring forth some course fruit, (as Egypt from the overflowing of Nilus) from the earthly springs, and the overflowing of a natural conscience, which will be by no means pacified when duties are omitted; but the Regenerate man bringeth forth better fruits; like Canaan he floweth with milk and honey, being fed with the showrs of heaven, and watered with the dews of Divine grace.