A94157:269
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.
Custom in sin takes away all conscience of sin, and hardeneth the heart more against God and godliness: As a youth when he first cometh to be Apprentice to some handicraft trade, his hand is very tender, and no sooner is it set to work, but it blisters, and puts him to pain; but he continuing long at the trade, his hand hardens, and he can follow his work, not only without pain, but with much pleasure: so when a man is a young sinner, conscience is tender, like a a queasy stomach, troubled much with the least thing that offends it; but continuance in sin makes conscience seared and brawny, that afterwards the sinner like the Ostrich, can digest iron, and like the Turkish slaves feed on Opium, and his stomach not at all recoil or complain.
Custom in sin takes away all conscience of sin, and hardeneth the heart more against God and godliness: As a youth when he first cometh to be Apprentice to some handicraft trade, his hand is very tender, and no sooner is it set to work, but it blisters, and puts him to pain; but he continuing long at the trade, his hand hardens, and he can follow his work, not onely without pain, but with much pleasure: so when a man is a young sinner, conscience is tender, like a a queasie stomach, troubled much with the least thing that offends it; but continuance in sin makes conscience seared and brawny, that afterwards the sinner like the Ostrich, can digest iron, and like the Turkish slaves feed on Opium, and his stomach not at all recoil or complain.
It is reported of the Cretans, that when they cursed their enemies, they did not wish fire in their houses, nor a dagger ⟨p. 128⟩at their hearts, but that which would bring greater woe, ut mala consuetudine delectentur, that they might delight in an evil custom; for custom is not another nurture, but another nature and that which is natural is not easily reduced.
It is reported of the Cretians, that when they cursed their enemies, they did not wish fire in their houses, nor a dagger ⟨p. 128⟩