166. a Grafted Rose
Upon a common thorn, a gardener grafted a splendid rose, and the new life gave lovely blooms and splendid fragrance. The old was still there, but the new gave character to the plant. So does new birth to those who know it.
167. Past Mending
A child took an old and badly-worn pair of shoes, to Sandy Smith, the village cobbler. Sandy put on his spectacles, looked at them carefully, shook his head, and said to the child, "Lassie, tell your mother that they're past mending." And Sandy who knew the Lord added, "They're just like what I was myself, before I was born again—past reformation.”
168. a New Source
The water in my native village became bad. One proposed cleaning the pipes; another, new pumps. Both were done, but there was no improvement. An expert gave his judgment that the reservoir was polluted, and the only remedy of any value, was a new one. The old one was condemned, and a new one was made. Then the water flowed clear and pure. A new birth (John 3:77Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7)) is the only remedy for a ruined sinner, and a new nature the only source of a godly life.
169. Regeneration and Conversion
"What's the difference between being born again and being converted?" asked a teacher of his class. A lad answered, "Born Again, is new life going in, Conversion, is that new life coming out.”
170. Dropping Leaves
Winter's storm failed to blow the withered leaves off a beech hedge, but the bursting buds of Spring forced them off quickly. So does new life the old habits (Col. 3:77In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (Colossians 3:7)).
171. As She Was
Geraldine Hooper, who for many years was an earnest soul-winner, tells how she was brought to decision by the minister reading as his text the words of Luke 15:22And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. (Luke 15:2), "This Man receiveth sinners." She saw therein her title to go to Christ as she was, and He welcomed her.