It has been vouchsafed to many even in the midst of life to be born again to a higher existence.

Look at me, the basest of the base.

I am not two but one, and yet am I in the sight of the Lord as certainly another man than I was before grace found me, as this young shoot, which has grown from the roots of an overthrown palmtree is another tree than the rotten trunk.

I was a heathen and enjoyed every pleasure of the earth to the utmost; then I became a Christian; the grace of the Lord fell upon me, and I was born again, and became a child again; but this time--the Redeemer be praised!--the child of the Lord.

In the midst of life I died, I rose again, I found the joys of Heaven.