"Born of the Spirit;" or, Gems from the Book of Life

In Short

Zenas Osborne’s religious work presents a passionate defense of traditional Methodist spiritual power, arguing that modern churches have compromised their faith and lost direct manifestations of the Holy Ghost. Drawing on personal accounts, scriptural interpretation, and historical conflicts within the church, the author urges believers to abandon worldly distractions, pursue entire sanctification, and embrace a life of active charity and deep devotion. It has lasted as a striking historical window into the fervent, uncompromising piety of nineteenth-century holiness movements and the birth of the Free Methodist Church.

The Story

The work opens with an introduction by Elder Moses Nathaniel Downing, establishing the necessity of religious publishing against modern errors. Zenas Osborne then shares his own startling conversion and subsequent physical experiences of divine power, where his jaws lock during prayer and he feels the overwhelming weight of God's love. He reflects on how ignorance and unbelief invite doubt, but ultimately recognizes these occurrences as genuine manifestations of the Holy Ghost rather than mere physical ailments.

Transitioning from personal experience to broader ecclesiastical critique, the author explores the divine call to the ministry. He argues that true preachers must be chosen directly by God rather than pushed into pulpits by ambitious parents or human systems. This leads into an examination of special providences, illustrated by his own experience arriving in Philadelphia during a smallpox epidemic and finding immediate peace through divine assurance.

Osborne discusses the nature of healing faith, contrasting genuine spiritual assurance with empty human desire, pointing to historical examples like the unfulfilled prayers for President Garfield. He then delves into the division between regeneration and entire sanctification, explaining that while regeneration suspends sin, sanctification removes its very being, cleansing the believer of pride, anger, and unbelief.

The narrative addresses historical conflicts within the Methodist church, detailing how leaders who embraced the new order systematically expelled those loyal to early Methodist power, forcing the faithful out and leading to the creation of the Free Methodist Church. Interspersed throughout are warnings against worldly compromises, such as church social events involving games and questionable pairings, which degrade true spiritual devotion.

Moving toward the conclusion, Osborne uses vivid analogies, such as canal locks where boats must rise to higher levels and an old cattle salt-lick where cattle vainly lap dry sand, to describe spiritual stagnation. He urges believers to lock up through rigorous self-examination and complete consecration. The book culminates in a call to absolute devotion, where every aspect of life is surrendered to Christ, ensuring that a slumbering world will finally awake to righteousness. The final chapters emphasize that true success comes from keeping one's head on the grindstone of humble confession and living on the sunny side of the Rock, anticipating the eternal reward of a starry crown.

How It Unfolds

The sudden awakening begins with the author’s vivid personal testimony of miraculous physical manifestations. Divine love overwhelms his body, temporarily silencing his speech and testing his initial skepticism regarding spiritual phenomena.

The divine call establishes the rigorous standards required for Christian ministry. It warns against worldly compromises, human ambition, and parental pressure in filling sacred pulpits with unqualified individuals.

The providential journey recounts practical trials of faith, including the author's serene trust amidst a dangerous smallpox outbreak in Philadelphia. He uses these events to illustrate how God provides supernatural protection and guidance.

The doctrinal distinction carefully separates initial regeneration from entire sanctification. The author explains how the latter removes the very being of sin rather than merely suppressing it through human effort.

The ecclesiastical schism details the historical betrayal and expulsion of traditional believers from the mother church. This systematic purge ultimately forced the faithful together, giving birth to the Free Methodist movement as a spiritual lifeboat.

The social critique condemns worldly church festivals and questionable fundraising practices. The author argues that such activities dilute Christian morality and distract believers from genuine piety and charity.

The spiritual ascent introduces the necessity of moving beyond basic conversion through rigorous self-examination. Using the metaphor of a canal lock, he demonstrates how believers must elevate their spiritual experience.

The final warning contrasts the vibrant manna of past revivals with the dry sand of worldly distractions. It urges believers to abandon empty spiritual habits, confess past failures, and embrace absolute consecration.

The People

Zenas Osborne serves as the primary narrator and central figure, a devoted revivalist seeking to awaken believers from spiritual apathy while wrestling with profound manifestations of divine power. Elder Moses Nathaniel Downing appears in the introduction, supporting the author's mission to defend religious truth against erroneous modern theories. Throughout the text, historical and biblical figures such as Abraham, Samuel, Elijah, and Paul are invoked as exemplars of true prophetic ministry and dedication. The author also references figures like President Garfield and Secretary Folger to illustrate the limits of uninspired prayer and the reality of divine warnings through dreams. Within the church body, figures like Brother Overing, Sister Overing, and participants in worldly church festivals represent both the faithful hosts of revival and compromised church members who yield to worldly distractions. Oppositional figures include church leaders like those in the Genesee Conference and editor John Robie, who orchestrate the expulsion of traditional believers to enforce a new order. Finally, spiritual seekers and backsliders are addressed directly as the collective subjects of the text, moving from spiritual stagnation at an old cattle salt-lick toward the ultimate goal of entire sanctification, holy living, and an eternal starry crown.

In Its Own Voice

The author describes the overwhelming physical sensation of divine grace during a moment of intense prayer.

“Heaven came down my soul to greet, and glory crowned the mercy seat.”

Reflecting on the steadfast protection experienced during a dangerous time, he shares the reassuring message received in prayer.

“No plague shall come nigh thy dwelling.”

Describing the spiritual exhaustion of believers who settle for worldly substitutes, he paints a vivid picture of emptiness.

“How strange it is to see those that once fed on real manna, (salt) corn, and wine, and oil, now satisfied in licking dry sand and gravel--earthly pleasures; a religion that has no Holy Ghost in it.”

What It's Really About

The book centers on the vital necessity of preserving traditional spiritual power against the encroachments of modern secularism and ecclesiastical compromise. It explores the sharp theological distinction between initial conversion and entire sanctification, arguing that true holiness requires the complete eradication of sin rather than its mere suspension. Underlying the plot and historical grievances is a deep concern for the soul's ultimate destiny, emphasizing that unquestioning obedience, fervent prayer, and active charity are essential for spiritual survival. Ultimately, the work questions whether the church can reclaim its miraculous heritage or remain bogged down by compromise, worldliness, and spiritual decay.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in church history, nineteenth-century holiness movements, or the foundational roots of American Methodism will find this work deeply fascinating. Reading it feels like sitting across from an uncompromising, deeply earnest revivalist who views every earthly event through the lens of eternity. It offers a rare, unfiltered window into the intense emotional and spiritual landscape of early Free Methodists. However, modern readers must be prepared for the difficulties of its period: nineteenth-century theological polemics, dense scriptural citations, and attacks on rival church factions. Those who appreciate passionate expressions of faith and uncompromising moral conviction will find much to ponder. What stays with you long after finishing is the striking imagery of spiritual stagnation—the old cattle licking dry sand—and the urgent, burning call to elevate one's soul toward complete holiness and lasting spiritual vitality.