George Hutcheson
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born?
Nicodemus, taking up Christ carnally, as if he had been speaking of a natural birth, objects against his doctrine, as prescribing that which was impossible. Doctrine 1. Christs doctrine is then rightly heard, when every hearer maketh application thereof to himself, and trieth what conformity there is betwixt their way or condition and it; for, so doth Nicodemus question the possibility of this doctrine in his person, How can a man be born when he is old? as he was. 2. Nature is so farre from grace, that not onely it hath it not, but is even ignorant of it, and the way of its working; for, so was Nicodemus here. 3. Men may know many things in Religion, and yet be ignorant of the matter of soul changes, wherein common illumination, as well as nature, faileth men; for, Nicodemus a Doctor, is ignorant of the matter of regeneration. 4. It is a great part of the corruption of mens judgment, and cause of their ignorance, that they cast spiritual things in a carnal mould, and will not beleeve that for which they see not probabilities in reason; so doth Nicodemus take up regeneration, and therefore judgeth it impossible, can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born? 5. It ought (and to a sensible soul, will) be matter of sad affliction, when men finde themselves in a condition giving little or no hope of salvation; for, Nicodemus his question imports a great perplexity in him, when his ignorance made him look on that as impossible which Christ told him was the onely way to heaven and happinesse. 6. Whatever perplexity or ignorance men have, it is good to bring it out to Christ, as the onely remedy and way to help it; for, Nicodemus goeth not away, but layeth out his case to Christ.
