A94157:188
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.
Daedalus made an image that moved it self by art, which made the spectators believe that it had a living principle; the Hypocrite may walk so exactly, perform duties so devoutly, that Saints may judge such motions to flow from a principle of spiritual life. Because men have the exact resemblance of Christians, therefore godly men (who are charitable abroad, and censorious at home) judge them to be true Christians: Now in regard there may be a resemblance of a ⟨p. 83⟩Christian in external actions, where there is not the essence of Christianity in internal sanctified affections; therefore they, though they sin not, yet sometimes they err in their judgements.
Dedalus made an image that moved it self by art, which made the spectators believe that it had a living principle; the Hypocrite may walk so exactly, perform duties so devoutly, that Saints may judge such motions to flow from a principle of spiritual life. Because men have the exact resemblance of Christians, therefore godly men (who are charitable abroad, and censorious at home) judge them to be true Christians: Now in regard there may be a resemblance of a ⟨p. 83⟩Christian in external actions, where there is not the essence of Christianity in internal sanctified affections; therefore they, though they sin not, yet sometimes they err in their judgements.
1 Sam. 16.6, 7. When Samuel came to Jesse (being sent to anoint a King) and seeth Eliab a proper handsome person, he presently crieth out, Surely the Lords anointed is before him; but mark what God saith, Look not on his countenance, nor the height of his stature, for I have rejected him; for God seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart. So when godly men see their neighbours lovely in their lives, civil in their practices, high in their profession, strict in performances, they according to their duty say (inwardly at least) Surely the Lords anointed is before him; these are the blessed of the Lord, anointed to the Kingdom of heaven; but God may often answer them, Look not on their profession or their performances, for I see their hearts that they serve not me, but themselves of me.