MAN must be “born from above” before he becomes a child of God, before he is a member of Christ’s body, or church, before he is a branch of the True Vine, before he bears fruit to God’s glory. If this be not the case as respects the individual, he is not a member of the church of God. If this be not the case as respects a church, it is not the church of God. Lineage, priesthood, ritual, form, ceremonies, are all nothing apart from God. The indwelling Word, Christ dwelling within the individual soul by faith, the fruits of righteousness manifest in the life, obedience to all God’s commandments as given in God’s Word, the fruits of the Spirit,—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance,—these are God’s indications of the true church, the body of Christ. And, praise God, this blessed relation is open to every one.—Apples of Gold Library.