The door of salvation opened by the key of regeneration

It is harder to convince this man of his sins then others. If I tell a drunkard, a swearer, or an adulterer of his transgressions, and the necessity of conversion, this mans foul conversation is a forcible conviction to him, yea, and his own conscience will (possibly) fly in his face, take part with me, and give evidence against him; but if I tell an Hypocrite of the necessity of sanctification, and pursue him with the pieces of the Law, he presently betakes himself ⟨p. 121⟩like the beasts to his den of duties, and therein shelters himself; nay his natural conscience being fed and bribed with a few performances, may plead for him, at least not say a word against him.

It is harder to convince this man of his sins then others. If I tell a drunkard, a swearer, or an adulterer of his transgressions, and the necessity of conversion, this mans foul conversation is a forcible conviction to him, yea, and his own conscience will (possibly) flye in his face, take part with me, and give evidence against him; but if I tell an Hypocrite of the necessity of sanctification, and pursue him with the pieces of the Law, he presently betakes himself ⟨p. 121⟩like the beasts to his den of duties, and therein shelters himself; nay his naturall conscience being fed and bribed with a few performances, may plead for him, at least not say a word against him.

Besides, when this man is convinced of his lost estate, its harder to break this mans heart then another's; for his heart hath not only a natural hardness, but an extraordinary acquired hardness, such an hardness as is acquired by duties and ordinances. Now as where the Sun is most powerful, there are the hardest metals, so where the Sun-shine of spiritual blessings is most plentifully enjoyed, and thus wretchedly abused, there are the hardest hearts. No softening like Gospel softening, no hardening like Gospel hardening.

Besides, when this man is convinced of his lost estate, its harder to break this mans heart then anothers; for his heart hath not onely a naturall hardness, but an extrordinary acquired hardness, such an hardness as is acquired by duties and ordinances. Now as where the Sun is most powerful, there are the hardest mettalls, so where the Sun-shine of spirituall blessings is most plentifully enjoyed, and thus wretchedly abused, there are the hardest hearts. No softning like Gospel softening, no hardening like Gospel hardening.