[Gutenberg 49659] • "Born of the Spirit;" or, Gems from the Book of Life

INTRODUCTION. One of the specialties of this age is book-making. This argues demand. This demand, especially in the realm of morals and religion is based, partly on the prevalence of erroneous theories and the importance of their refutation; partly on the necessity that renewed and increased emphasis be given to the word of God; partly on the existence of what is called "advanced thought," and partly on the fact of a great reading public. Then let the good work go on. The servants of sin and error are busy and persistent in pushing their productions to the front. Let the sons of "grace and truth" magnify their office, and "hold forth the Word of Life." The demand for good and useful books will increase as long as error increases, as long as truth and the Church of Christ are antagonized. Of all human interest that of the soul is paramount. The truth which leads to its possession is priceless. The vehicles of truth are various and many. Truth is the enemy and exterminator of error, and when harnessed for war it pursues and overtakes its foe, and victorious, it shines the brighter, and is the more appreciated by the contests through which its laurels are won. "The words of the wise are as goods, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies." The preservation of their words is a sacred boon to the world. The author of "Born of the Spirit," or "Gems from the Book of Life," has hit on a taking title for his book, and without doubt, the careful and thoughtful reader will find that it is fully justified by the subject matter of its pages. It is with great pleasure I introduce Mr. OSBORNE to the reader. I have known him nearly thirty years, and have been associated with him in the work of God in the Susquehanna Annual Conference of the F. M. Church over twenty years. He is known to be an able minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has a religious experience. He has been "born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." The many years he has spent in the Gospel ministry and his deep Christian experience have not only enabled him to gather many "Gems from the Book of Life," but also have qualified him to speak with no uncertain sound on the topics treated in his book. The arrangement of the work is admirable, being in short chapters, each one complete in itself. May it have a wide sale, not only throughout the denomination of his choice, but also in thousands of homes in the "regions beyond." And wherever it goes may it demolish error, encourage Christian faith, inspire Christian zeal, intensify Christian love; and may the author, having grown gray and nearly worn out in the service of Christ, find at the resurrection of the just not only that he is counted among that redeemed throng, but also that his "Born of the Spirit," his "Gems from the Book of Life," has, by the blessing of God, added a multitude to that count. M. N. DOWNING. BINGHAMTON, N. Y., April 24, 1888.