A94157:86
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
THE Door of Salvation OPENED, BY THE Key of Conversion. › Doctrine
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.
To part a man from his dearest carnal self, and to make him diligently seek the destruction of what before he sought the preservation; to make him cut off his right hand, and pluck out his right eye, hate father, mother, wife, child, name, house, land; u• do all he had done, go backward every step he had gone; see things with a new light, understand things with another heart, and in the whole course of his life to swim against the stream and tide of nature, and winds of example; to bring a soul to this I say (which is all done and much more in conversion) requireth the infinite God's operation: Flesh and blood can neither reveal these things to a man, nor work these things in a man, but the Father which is in heaven.
To part a man from his dearest carnal self, and to make him diligently seek the destruction of what before he sought the preservation; to make him cut off his right hand, and pluck out his right eye, hate father, mother, wife, childe, name, house, land; u• do all he had done, go backward every step he had gone; see things with a new light, understand things with another heart, and in the whole course of his life to swim against the stream and tide of nature, and winds of example; to bring a soul to this I say (which is all done and much more in conversion) requireth the infinite God's operation: Flesh and blood can neither reveal these things to a man, nor work these things in a man, but the Father which is in heaven.
The Minister, like the Prophets servant, 1may lay his staff on the dead child, but he cannot raise it to life till the Master cometh. Paul may plant, and Apollo water, but God only can give the increase, Cor. 3.6. Without him we can do nothing, John 15.3. We may preach out our hearts, unless God affords his help, our people will never be holy. As Protogenes when he saw a picture in a shop curiously drawn, cried out, None but Apelles could do this: So when thou seest the beautiful image of the blessed God lively portrayed on the soul, thou mayst say, This is the finger of God: None but a God could do this.