And this applies in stronger sense to the mystery of our second birth. Post-mortem ex-
amination can detect the embryo and its locality, but spiritually even this is impossible.
Subsequent manifestations are instructive to a certain extent, but even then much is uncertain
and unsettled. By what infallible standard can it be determined how much of the old nature
enters into the expressions of the new life? Is there no hypocrisy? Are there no conditions
unexplained? Are there no obstacles to spiritual development? Hence experience in this re-
spect can not avail; tho pure and simple, it can reveal only the development of that which
is, and not the origin of the life unborn.
The only source of truth on this subject is the Word of God; and in that Word the
mystery remains not only unrevealed, but veiled. And for good reasons. If we were to effect
regeneration, if we could add to or take from it, if we could advance or hinder it, then
Scripture would surely have sufficiently instructed us concerning it. But since God has re-
served this work altogether to Himself, man need not solve this mystery any more than that
of his first creation, or that of the creation of his soul.
XXI. Regeneration the Work of God.