The new birthThe nevv birth

CHAP. VII. All to examine themselves whither they be regenerate, yea or no.

CHAP. VII. All to examine themselues whither they be regenerate, yea or no.

And so (brethren) have I done mine endeavour to explain this most necessary doctrine of regeneration; without which our Saviour, little less then swears, that no man can be saved. Give me leave now (I pray you) to apply the point a little closer to your consciences, without which the word will want much of its efficacy to your good. Uses. ¹And in this application I would address my speech, first, to all indifferently; regenerate or not: then to the unregenerate; and lastly to the regenerate specially, according to their different estates. Brethren you hear, and I am persuaded you do believe that, that our Saviour speaks, verily, verily, unless a man be borne again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Be you therefore persuaded all of you to descend into your own souls, and well to prosecute the examination of your own estates; whether ⟨p. 88⟩you be as yet regenerated yea or no. Tell me I say in the name of God, whosoever thou beest that standest here before the Lord, art thou regenerated yea or no? It is very necessary to know, at least wise whither it be possible for us to be saved or not. Seeing of this life we have no further assurance then for the present moment, and that we know all, it must shortly have an end; can it be any other then very madness, to remain uncertain whether there be a possibility of our changing for a better; when change we must of necessity, either for a better or worse? It pleaseth us not to hang in uncertainties about the things of this world, which are but for the twinkling of an eye: will we make our selves so foolish as to be content alone not to know, what ill may befall us hereafter? An impossibility of entering into heaven, caries with it a certainty of falling into hell: he that cannot enter into the former, cannot but be cast into the latter. Wherefore again, and again I exhort you, seeing it is impossible to be saved without regeneration; know you of your own estate so much, whether you be regenerated yea or no. And (my brethren) take heed of satisfying your selves here, in a matter of so much importance, with wandering conceits, and uncertain probabilities: let it not suffice you to think you are borne again: rest not seeking till ye have concluded upon the matter undoubtedly one way or other, and can say without all question, either I am regenerated; or I am not.