A94157:240
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.
I have read of Melanchthon, that when he was first converted, he thought it almost impossible for any man to withstand the evidence and authority of the word of God, whereupon he told one of his friends, that when he came to preach he would make work among souls; but after some years spent in that calling, being demanded what success of his labours; he answered that Old Adam was too strong for young Melanchthon. Alas, friend, possibly thou mayst think that thou wilt turn to God hereafter, and thereby prevent thy burning in hell for ever: Believe it, 'tis not so easy to turn from sin to God as thou imaginest: Conversion is another manner of thing, and more hard then most men think; thou couldst sooner create a world then make thy self a new creature. The resurrection of thy body if it were dead in the grave, were an easier work then the resurrection of thy soul to newness of life.
I have read of Melancthon, that when he was first converted, he thought it almost impossible for any man to withstand the evidence and authority of the word of God, whereupon he told one of his friends, that when he came to preach he would make work among souls; but after some years spent in that calling, being demanded what successe of his labours; he answered that Old Adam was too strong for young Melancthon. Alas, friend, possibly thou mayst think that thou wilt turn to God hereafter, and thereby prevent thy burning in hell for ever: Believe it, 'tis not so easie to turn from sin to God as thou imaginest: Conversion is another manner of thing, and more hard then most men think; thou couldst sooner create a world then make thy self a new creature. The resurrection of thy body if it were dead in the grave, were an easier work then the resurrection of thy soul to newness of life.
As the birth of the natural, so the birth of the spiritual man requireth infinite strength. It is God, not the midwife, that taketh the child out of the mothers womb, Psal. 22.9. The hand of God alone can open that door, and let the little infant into the world, Gen. 29.31