"Oahspe" is a large religious book published in New York and London in 1882. The "Editor's Preface" at the beginning of this book asks readers to judge it not based on authority or the author's name, but rather on the value of the words themselves and verifiable evidence.

• Original work: Oahspe: A New Bible in the Words of Jehovih and His Angel Embassadors (Oahspe Publishing Association, New York and London, 1882).
• Included section: The full text of the unsigned "Editor's Preface" at the beginning.
• This preface is anonymous in the original edition. It has not been definitively determined to be written by John Ballou Newbrough himself.

Editor's Preface

When a person holds up a book and says, "Because this book says 'The Lord said,' you must believe it," shouldn't we pity that person? Does he understand the freedom of humans to acquire knowledge?

Books that provide knowledge about human life and destiny are all good books. Books that reveal the personality and character of Jehovah, as well as the wonders and glory of his creation, are also all good books.

If a book provides information about things we do not know, it should also provide a way to prove that the information is true. This book fulfills that condition.

The era has come when humans no longer accept declarations or assertions. Humans are seeking more plausible reasons, or substantial evidence, to show that authority is not merely a facade but something demonstrable as a fact.

The era of human worship is over. Readers no longer accept that a book is good and great simply because it was written by someone specific. A book must have its own value. Otherwise, it will eventually cease to exist.

When a person says, "I heard the voice of Jehovah. The voice said," there is no value in that part of their statement. However, if they say, "I heard the voice of Jehovah. The voice said – 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,'" then those words gain value. In this era, asserting one's own authority serves no purpose. Therefore, regarding statements claimed to be from Jehovah, only their inherent value should be considered. And everyone has the right to judge that value. Perhaps it is the light of Jehovah within each person that makes people aware of wisdom and truth. If so, then all truths and wisdom expressed by humans are expressions of Jehovah.

Even if a book with the signature of Jehovah were to fall from the sky, humans would not accept it solely based on that fact. So why is it necessary to explain how this book was written? It belongs to no one's credit, and it will make no one a leader. It does not destroy old systems or religions. Rather, it reveals something new that is appropriate for this era.

New York, 1882.

Note

• Jehovih is translated as "Jehovi" in this translation.
• The religious claims in the main text are descriptions from the original work and are not recognized by the article editors as facts.