PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Works of John Owen — Volume 13
John Owen · 215,009 words · 212 reading sections
Section 1
iCD ■ID =CO presented to of tbc inuipcreit^ of (Toronto Digitized by tine Internet Archive in 2010 witii funding from University of Toronto http://www.arcliive.org/details/worksofjohnow13owen o THE WORKS \V >,M,\ JOHN OWEN, D.D. '■- f) EDITED BY THOMAS RUSSELL, M.A. MEMOIRS OF HIS LIFE AND WRITINGS, B…
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CHAP. VI. Directions unto the exercise of our thoughts on things above ; things future, in- visible and eternal ; on God himself, with the difficulties of it, and oppositions unto it, and the way of their removal. Right notions of future glory slated 291 vi CONTENTS. Page CHAP. VII. Especial objects of spiritual th…
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B 2 IV THE PREFACE. believers after their regeneration and conversion to God, as the Scripture abundantly testifies, so it hath been fully taught and confirmed ; as also how the guilt of it is pardoned unto them, and by what means the power of it is weakened in them. All these things, I say, have been largely treated…
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OF ITsTDWELLING SIN. ' 7 denote nothing here, but the chief subject treated of; for although the name of a law be variously used by the apostle in this chapter, yet when it relates unto sin, it is nowhere applied by him to the condition of the person, but only to express either the nature^ or the power of sin itself: …
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There is, and there is through grace kept up in believers* OF INDWELLING Hl'N. 9 a constant and ordinarily prevailing will of doing good, not- withstanding the power and efficacy of indwelling sin to the contrary. This in their worst condition, distinguisheth them from unbelievers in their best. The will in unbeliev…
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And hence we may see what wisdom is required, in the guiding and management of our hearts and ways before God. Where the subjects of a ruler are in feuds, and oppo- sitions one against another, unless great wisdom be used in the government of the whole, all things will quickly be ruin- ous in that state. There are thes…
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Secondly, A law, as a law, hath an efficacy to provoke those that are obnoxious unto it unto the things that it re- quireth. A law hath rewards and punishments accompany- ing of it. These secretly prevail on them to whom they are proposed, though the things commanded be not much de- sirable. And generally all laws have…
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.16 THE NATURE AND POWER ward real principle. Wherefore God makes his law internal again, and implants it on the heart as it was at first, when he intends to give it power to produce obedience in his peo- ple; Jer. xxxi. 31 — 33. 'I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.' This is that whi…
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VOL. X 11 1. <-• lO THE. NATURE AND POWER it must be by the exercise of those faculties wherein this law hath its residence. Is the understanding or the mind to be applied unto any thing ? there it is in ignorance, darkness, vanity, folly, madness. Is the will to be engaged ? there it is also in spiritual deadness, s…
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First, For the seat and subject of this lawof sin, the Scrip- ture every where assigns it to be the heart. There indwel- ling sin keeps its especial residence. It hath invaded and possessed the throne of God himself; Eccles. ix. 3. * Mad- ness is in the heart of men whilst they live.' This is their madness, or the root…
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That we may in our passage take a little view of the strength and power of sin from this seat and subject of it; we may consider one or two properties of the heart, that ex- ceedingly contribute thereunto. It is like an enemy in war, whose strength and power fie not only in his numbers, and force of men or arras, but a…
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Now this deceitfulness of the heart, whereby it is ex- ceedingly advantaged in its harbouring of sin, lies chiefly in these two things: (1.) That it abounds in contradictions, so that it is not to be found and dealt withal, according to any constant rule and way of procedure. There are some men that have much of this …
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OF INDWELLING SIN. 27 doing it whilst you live in this world. It is true, great ground is obtained, when the work is vigorously and con- stantly carried on ; sin is much weakened, so that the soul presseth forwards towards perfection. But yet the work must be endless, I mean whilst we are in this world. If we give ove…
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And this also lies in it as it is enmity, that every part and parcel of it, if we may so speak, the least degree of it that can possibly remain in any one, whilst and where there is any thing of its nature, is enmity still. It may not be so effectual and powerful in operation, as where it hath more life and vigour, but…
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Secondly, It is not only said to be enmity, but it is said to be * enmity against God.' It hath chosen a great enemy indeed. It is in sundry places proposed as our enemy: 1 Pet. ii. 11. 'Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.' They are enemies to the soul, that is, to ourselves. Sometimes as an enemy t…
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1. It is universal. Some contentions are bounded unto OF INDWELLING SIN. 33 some particular concernments, this is about one thing, that about another. It is not so here ; the enmity is absolute and universal, as are all enmities that are grounded in the nature of the things themselves. Such enmity is against the whol…
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OF INDWELLING SIN. 35 say it is well with thera who find it not : it is well with them indeed, in whom it is weakened, and the power of it abated. But yet for them who say it is not in them, they do but de- ceive themselves, and there is no truth in them. CHAP. V. Nature of sin farther discovered as it is enmity aga…
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1. In these will this aversation and loathing often- times discover itself in the affections. A secret striving will be in them about close and cordial dealing with God. Unless the hand of God in his Spirit be high and strong upon his soul, even when convictions, sense of duty, dear and real esteem of God, and communio…
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But this instance being of great importance unto professors in their walking with God, we must not pass it over without some intimations of directions for them in their contending against k, and opposition to it. Only this must be premised, that I am not giving directions for the mortifying of in- dwelling sin in gener…
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4. Carry about a constant humbling sense of this close aversation unto spiritualness that yet lies in our nature. If men find the efficacy of it, what should, what consideration 42 THE NATURE AND POWER can, be more powerful to bring them unto humble walking M'ith God. That after all the discoveries that God hath made…
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I shall begin with the first ; or its actings as it were in a way of force, in an open downright opposition to God and his law, or the good that a believing soul would do in obe- dience unto God and his law. And in this whole matter, we must be careful to steer our course aright, taking the Scripture for our guide, wit…
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It is with indwelling sin as with a river; whilst the springs and fountains of it are open, and waters are conti- nually supplied unto its streams, set a dam before it, and it causeth it to rise and swell, until it bear down all, or over- flow the banks about it. Let these waters be abated, dried up in some good measur…
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(2.) This habitual inclination manifests itself in its rea- diness and promptness, without dispute or altercation, to join and close with every temptation whereby it may possibly be excited. As we know it is in the nature of fire to burn, because it immediately lays hold on whatever is combustible. Let any temptation w…
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Secondly, There is its particular way of contending, it fights or wars ; that is, it acts with strength and violence, as men do in war. First, it lusts, stirring and moving inordinate figments in the mind, desires in the appetite and the affec- tions, proposing them to the will. But it rests not there, it OF INDWELLIN…
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(1.) In the opposition that it makes unto the general purpose and course of the soul. (2.) In the opposition it makes unto particular duties. (1.) In the opposition it makes to the general purpose and course of the soul. There is none in whom is the Spirit of Christ, that is his, but it is his general design and pur-…
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OF INDWELLING SIN. S6 therein. Jaines, what they fight with, or by, namely, the members, or the corruption that is in our mortal bodies. 'AvraaTpaTtvecr^ai is to rebel against a superior; (TTptiTivaa^ai is to assault or war for a superiority. It takes the part of an assailant as well as of a resister. It makes attempt…
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OF INDWELLING SIN. 57 the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate attection, concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.' The members that are upon tlie earth are our affections : for in the outward part of the body sin is not seated; in particular, not covetousness, which is there enumerated to be mortifi…
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OF INDWELLING SIN. 59 of his grace and condescension, a due valuation of mercy, far above tliose light, verbal, airy attainments, that some have boasted of. 2. In walking with others, it lays in provision to prevent those great evils of judging, spiritual unmerciful- ness, harsh censuring, which 1 have observed to ha…
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And here, by the way, we may a little inquire, whether the prevailing power of a particular sin in any, be from it- self, or from the influence of temptation upon it, concerning which at present take only these two observations : (1.) Much of the prevalency of sin upon the soul, is certainly from Satan, when the perpl…
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G4 THE NATURE AND POWER course doth the apostle ascribe unto covetousness, 1 Tim. vi. 9. (3.) Tliis leading captive manifests this condition to be miserable and wretched. To be thus yoked and dealt withal against the judgment of the mind, the choice and consent of the will, its utmost strivings and contendings, how s…
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VOL. XIII. F 06 THE NATURE AND POWER ing% comforting presence. Doth this work the effect ? No, they go on frowardly still, as men mad on their covetous- ness. Nothing can put a stop to their raging lusts. This is plain madness and fury. We need not seek far for in- stances ; we see men mad on their lusts every day : …
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by the law of sin, must consist in its contrary acting in and upon the faculties and affections of the soul, whereon, and by which, grace should exert its power and efficacy ; and this it doth; it darkens the mind, partly through innumerable vain prejudices and false reasonings, as we shall see when we come to consider…
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(2dly.) Such as actually hinder the soul from pursuing sin, though it be resolved so to do. The various ways where- by God doth this, we must afterward consider. These are the ways, I say, whereby the soul is dealt withal, after the law of indwelling sin hath cast off for a sea- son the influencing power of the law of…
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Hence are those manifold cautions that are driven us to OF INDWELLING SIN. 73 take heed, that we be not deceived, if we would take heed that we do not sin. See Ephes. v. 6. 1 Cor. vi. 9. xv. 33. Gal. vi. 7. Luke xxi. 8. From all which testimonies we may learn the influence that deceit hath into sin, and conse- quentl…
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OF INDWELLING SIN. 75 their own nature and inclinations, their own designings, that they have committed such and such evils, but merely from their temptations ; and if they know not where to fix the evil of those temptations, they will lay them on God him- self, rather than go without an excuse or extenuation of their…
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The first thing which sin is said to do, working in a way of deceit, is to draw away, or to draw off; whence a man is said to be drawn off, or drawn away and diverted, namely, from attending unto that course of obedience and holiness, which, in opposition unto sin and the law thereof, he is bound with diligence to atte…
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And this is the great preservative through grace from sin, as we have an example in the instance of Joseph, Gen. xxxix. 9. Upon the urgency of his great temptation, he recoils immediately into this frame of spirit; ' How,' saith he, 'can I do this thing, and sin against God? ' A constant, steady sense of the evil of si…
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(1st.) The soul having frequent need of relief by gospel grace against a sense of the guilt of sin and accusation of the law, comes at length to make it a common and ordinary thing, and such as may be slightly performed. Having found a good medicine for its wounds, and such as it hath had experience of its efficacy, it…
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G 2 84 THE NATURE AND POWER and judgment, thereby perpetually to affect the heart and affections, it will decay. And here the deceit of the law of sin interposeth itself. It suffers a sense of sin to decay in the affections, and diverts the mind from entertaining a due, con- stant, fixed consideration of it. We may c…
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86 THE NATURE AND POWER unto its course in a due sense of the evil of sin, and a due and constant consideration of God and his grace. CHAP. IX. TJte deceit of sinin draiving off the mind from a due attendance unto especial duties of obedience, instanced in meditation and prayer. How sin by its deceit endeavours to …
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These duties, I say, amongst others (for we have only chosen them for an instance, not excluding some others from the same place, office, and usefulness with them), do make an especial opposition to the very being and life of indwell- ing sin, or rather faith in them doth so. They are perpe- tually designing its utter …
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[3.] This is the way appointed and blessed of God to obtain strength and power against sin. James i.5. 'Doth any man lack ? let him ask of God.' Prayer is the way of obtain- ing from God by Christ a supply of all our wants, assistance against all opposition, especially that which is made against us by sin. This, I supp…
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OF INDWELLING SIN. 93 is it ! and ye have snufFed at it, saith the Lord of hosts.' The Jews suppose that it was the language of men when they brought their offerings or sacrifices on their shoulders, which they pretended wearied them, and they panted and blowed as men ready to faint under them, when they brought only …
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96 THE NATURE AND POWER especial duties, I had not at this day been thus sick, weak, thriftless, wounded, decayed, defiled. My careless, my de- ceived mind, hath been the beginning of sin and transgres- sion unto my soul. And this discovery will direct the soul unto a suitable way for its healing and recovery, which w…
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l.Shew what is required in the mind of a believer, in reference unto particular duties. 2. Declare the way of the working of the deceit of sin, to draw it off from its attendance thereunto. The like also shall be done with respect unto particular sins, and their avoidance. (1.) For the right performance of any duty, …
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2dly. The affections of the heart and mind in duties be- long to the performance of them in the inward manner. The prescriptions and commands of God for attendance hereunto are innumerable, and the want hereof renders OF INDWELLING SIN. 101 every duty an abomination unto him. A sacrifice without a heart, without salt…
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OF INDAVELLING SIX. 103 they, and thou regardest it not?' they had pleased them- selves in the performance of their duties, and expected that God also should be pleased with them. But he shews them at large wherein they had failed, and that so far as to render what they had done an abomination. And the like charge he …
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lOG THE NATURE AND POWER from sin. And both these considerations, even the sove- reignty of God, and the punishment of sin, are put together by our Saviour, Matt. x. 28. 'Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul ; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.' (3…
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(4.) The considerations that arise from tiic blood and Ids THE NATURE AXD POWER mediation of Christ, are of the same importance. So the apostle declares, 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. ' For the love of Christ constraineth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead : and that he died for all, that th…
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3dly. Weak and ineffectual attempts to recover itself unto its duty. Prov. xxvi. 14. 'As the door turneth itself upon its hinges, so doth the slothful man upon his bed.' In the turning of a door upon its hinges, there is some motion but no progress. It removes up and down, but is still in the place and posture that it …
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There is no need of adding here any directions for the preventionof this evil, they having sufhciently been laid down in our passage through the consideration both of the duty of the mind, and of the deceit of sin. CHAP. XI. The working of sin by deceit to entangle the affections. The ways wherehtj it is done. Means …
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2. Our next inquiry is. How, or by what means, the de- ceit of sin proceeds thus to entice and entangle the affec- tions ? and two or three of its baits are manifest herein. (1.) It makes use of its former prevalency upon the mind, in drawing it off from its watch and circumspection. Says the wise man, Prov. i. 17. ' …
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OF INDWELLING SIN. 117 culiar folly Avhich it solicits the mind unto. Hopes of par- don shall be used to hide it, and future repentance shall hide it, and present importunity of lust shall hide it, occa- sions and opportunities shall hide it, surprisals shall hide it, extenuation of sin shall hide it, balancing of dut…
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[2.] Look to the vigour of the affections towards hea- venly things; if they are not constantly attended, excited, directed, and warned, they are apt to decay, and sin lies in wait to take every advantage against them. Many complaints we have in' the Scripture of those who lost their first love, in suffering their affe…
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(1.) There is in his will a principle fixed on good, on all good. Rom. vii. 21. ' He would do good.' The prin- ciple of grace in the will, inclines him to all good. And this in general is prevalent against the principle of sin, so that the will is denominated from thence. Grace hath the rule and dominion, and not sin, …
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124 THE NATURE AND POWER the use and abuse of the doctrine of the grace of the gospel, we shall add some few other considerations, and fix upon one place of Scripture that will give light unto it. There is a twofold mystery of grace ; of walking with God, and of coming unto God. And the great design of sin is to chang…
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2dly. The deceived mind imposeth on the will to ob- tain its consent unto sin, by proposing unto it the advan- tages that may accrue and arise thereby, which is one me- dium whereby itself also is drawn away. It renders that which is absolutely evil, a present appearing good. So was it with Eve, Gen. iii. laying aside …
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1st. Ignorance, or a nescience of the will of God, either 'juris' or 'facti,' of the rule and law in general, or of the refer- ence of the particular fact that lies before the mind unto the law. 2dly. Error and mistakes, positively taking that for truth which is falsehood, and that for light which is darkness. Now, of…
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2dly. Comparatively; and this is a large field for its deceit and subtlety to lurk in. Though it is an evil indeed to be relinquished, and the soul is to be made watchful against it, yet it is not of that magnitude and degree, as we may see in the lives of others, even saints of God, much less such as some saints of ol…
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But now seeing we have granted, that even believers themselves may conceive sin through the power and the deceitfulness of it, it may be inquired, whether God ever thus obviates its production and accomplishment in them, by cutting off and taking away their lives, so as that they shall not be able to perform it. I answ…
1,062 wordsSource & rights
Public-domain historical edition (1850–1870); OCR text from Internet Archive. OCR may contain scanning/transcription errors. Verify quotations against page images when precision matters.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.