PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Works of John Owen — Volume 21
John Owen · 325,389 words · 316 reading sections
Section 1
- eB ll a EP te- RL Gar ” WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, D.D. EDITED BY THE REV. WILLIAM H, GOOLD, EDINBURGH, VOL. XXI. Property of Cesk Please return to Graduate Theslogizal Brion Library JOHNSTONE AND HUNTER, LONDON AND EDINBURGH. M.DCCC.LIY. . | oe anngave + Ra ‘g KE ¥ as i > ‘ HATER OWE GAS yoataion Get TIM i 4…
970 wordsSECTION 2Section 2
Av, “ wherefore.” It expresseth an inference from what was spoken before, manifesting the ensuing exhortation to be deduced from thence. And it hath respect unto the exhortation itself which the apostle directly enters upon, verse 12, “Take heed, brethren,”—‘ Wherefore take heed, brethren.’? There is therefore a hyperb…
905 wordsSECTION 3Section 3
6 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [ CHAP. II. intimateth what should afterwards be accomplished in the time prefigured, in what the words have respect unto as past. The general foundation of all lies in this, that a certain limited present space of time is expressed in the words. This is the moral sense of them :—limited, be- c…
1,003 wordsSECTION 4Section 4
4 PS, THs Davns avTod. mim Sp, “the voice of the Lorp,” is sometimes taken for his power, inasmuch as by ‘his ee: as an intimation and signification of the power which he puts forth therein, he created and disposeth of all things. See Ps. xxix. 3-5, 7-9, where the mighty works of God’s power and providence are assigned…
904 wordsSECTION 5Section 5
My oxanptvute tds xapding dwar, 8233? napnm be; __« Harden not your hearts.” This expression is sacred; it occurs not in other authors. To harden the heart, is a thing peculiarly regarding the obedience that God requireth of us. Anpe- zns, “ hardness,” is indeed sometimes used in heathen writers for stubbornness of min…
972 wordsSECTION 6Section 6
Kard viv tutoay rod reipacwov, M02 0ND;—_*“ as in the day of Massah,” or “temptation ;” "2, from 72, “ to tempt: ? th other name given to the place before mentioned in Bods: ‘for thence it is that the apostle takes his example, where both the names are mentioned, and where the place is said to be called Massah and Meri…
902 wordsSECTION 7Section 7
> Bdoximacey wus, “273 ;—“ proved me.” This word is seldom used in an ill sense, as the former is almost continually. a is to have experience, upon search, investigation, and trial, Ps. cxxxix. 23. The experience, therefore, that they had of the power of God upon their temptations, is that which by this word is in- ten…
868 wordsSECTION 8Section 8
the same duration. The people came out of Egypt, and entered into the wilder- ness in the first month of the year. At the end of the fortieth year from their coming out of Egypt, the eleventh month of it, is issued the history of three of the books of Moses,—Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers. In the last month of that year Mo…
941 wordsSECTION 9Section 9
- Now, it doth not denote only that particular provocation, when God in an especial manner entered his caveat against them that they should not enter into his rest, seeing not only the psalmist in this place, but also our apostle, verse 17, directly refers it to the frame of his mind towards them during the whole forty…
979 wordsSECTION 10Section 10
“T sware.” Of the oath of God and his swearing we must deal afterwards expressly. The declared unalterable purpose of God about the dying of that people in the wilderness, expressed in the way of an oath, is that which is in- tended. And God is said to swear in his wrath, because he declared that pur- pose of his under…
1,039 wordsSECTION 11Section 11
? Various Reapines.—Instead of the clause, od ércioucay..... Roxipmaccy , as it stands above, Tischendorf reads ob érsloacay of rarépes day tv Doxtmwacia. hmann concurs with him; and the manuscripts quoted in support of this 16 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. IIL Ver. 7-11.—Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith, To-day, if …
945 wordsSECTION 12Section 12
VOL, XXL 2 18 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. III. 3. There is the “causa proegoumena,” or “ producing cause” of the punishment mentioned, in the resolution that God took and ex- pressed concerning the persons sinning: which also hath a double aggravation :—(1.) From the manner of his declaring this resolution ; he did i…
909 wordsSECTION 13Section 13
This, then, is of excellent use, provided,—1. That the arguments in it proceeded on be solid and firm (such as in this case are every- where laid down by our apostle), that our foundation fail us not in our work, Earnest exhortations on feeble principles have more of noise than weight; when there is an aim of reaching …
1,056 wordsSECTION 14Section 14
Thirdly, There is in the words, first, The matter of the exhortation intended, that which it aims at and intends. This in general is obe- dience unto God, answerable unto the revelation which he makes of himself and his will unto us. And this is—1. Expressed in a sup- position, including a positive assertion of it, “If…
1,186 wordsSECTION 15Section 15
24 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. III. Obs. VI. Every thing in the commands of God, relating unto the manner of their giving out and communicating unto us, is to be re- tained in our minds and considered as present unto us, The psalmist, “after so long a season,” as the apostle speaks, calls the people to hear the voice…
1,080 wordsSECTION 16Section 16
26 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. III. of his severity and holiness, in great and terrible judgments. All these, at least the most part of them, were also given out unto them in a marvellous and amazing manner. The end of all these dispen- sations was to teach them his will, to bring them to hearken to his voice, to obey…
964 wordsSECTION 17Section 17
Every one, therefore, to whom the word is duly revealed, who is not converted unto God, doth voluntarily oppose his own obstinacy unto its efficacy and operation. Here lies the stop to the progress of the word in its work upon the souls of men. It stays not unless it meets with an actual obstinacy in their wills, refus…
996 wordsSECTION 18Section 18
DHespov meres wor 7d dt aiproy rig 0108 ;— & My care is for to-day” (the present season); “who knows to-morrow” (or the time to come) ? To the same purpose are juépa and aiprov, used in the gospel, Matt. Vi. 34: My ody wepipvionre cig chy adpiovr 4 yap adpiov wsprmvqoes re EauTras dpuerty +H nutpa 4 xaxia adrys-—“ Ta…
1,187 wordsSECTION 19Section 19
.what you ought to imitate, and know also, by the consideration of actions dishonest in their undertaking and miserable in the event, what you ought to avoid.” And if this use may be made of human stories, written by men wise and prudent, though in many things ignorant, partial, factious, as most historians have been, …
1,017 wordsSECTION 20Section 20
2. There were such things and actionsas had only a providen- tial ordination to that purpose,—things that occasionally fell out, and so were not capable of a solemn institution, but were as to their events so guided by the providence of God as that they might prefigure and represent somewhat that was afterwards to come…
1,015 wordsSECTION 21Section 21
2. That there be a designed signification in them. That is, although the words are firstly and principally spoken of one thing, yet the Holy Ghost intended to signify and teach that whereunto they are applied. An intention of the application is included in them. Thus these words of the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I 36…
1,054 wordsSECTION 22Section 22
See hence what use we are to make of the Scriptures of the Old Testament. They are all ours, with all things contained in them. The sins of the people are recorded in them for our warning, their 38 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. III. obedience for our example, and God’s dealing with them on the ac- count of the one and …
907 wordsSECTION 23Section 23
[2.] It consists in an eminent communication of the gifts of the Holy Ghost unto those by whom the mysteries of the gospel are to be dispensed, and that either as to the increase of their number or of their abilities, with readiness unto and diligence in their work. When God thus “gives the word, great is the army of t…
1,279 wordsSECTION 24Section 24
These and the like things do constitute such a special season and day as that we inquire after; and whether such a day be not now 4 42, AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. III. in many places, needs no great travail of mind or eminency of under- standing to determine. 2. It is declared in the proposition laid down, that suc…
1,097 wordsSECTION 25Section 25
(4) Unto whom such a day is lost, they also themselves are 44 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. III. lost. It is God’s last dealing with them. If this be neglected, if this be despised, he hath done with them. He says unto them in it, “This is the acceptable time, this is the day of salvation.” If this day pass over, night…
1,005 wordsSECTION 26Section 26
[8.] God may leave unto such persons the outward dispensation of the means of grace, and yet withhold that efficacy of his Spirit which alone can render them useful to the souls of men. Hence the word comes to have a quite contrary effect unto what it hath under the influences of God’s especial grace. God in it then sp…
957 wordsSECTION 27Section 27
Who these were was declared before in the exposition of the words, and it is plain from the story who are intended. It was the people that came up out of Egypt with Moses; all of whom that were above twenty years of age at their coming into the wilderness, because of their manifold sins and provocations, died there, Ca…
939 wordsSECTION 28Section 28
Obs. XII. That the examples of our forefathers are of use and concernment unto us, and objects of our deepest consideration. God in his dealings with them laid in instruction for their pos- terity. And when parents do well, when they walk with God, they beat the path of obedience plain for their children; and when the…
1,009 wordsSECTION 29Section 29
Obs, XIII. It is a dangerous condition, for children to boast of the privilege of their fathers, and to imitate their sins. This was almost continually the state of the Jews. They were still boasting of their progenitors, and constantly walking in their sins. This they are everywhere in the Scripture charged withal. S…
1,130 wordsSECTION 30Section 30
2. The second is the matter or quality of their sin, which is re- ferred unto two heads:—(1.) Their provocation, “In the provocation, in the day of temptation.” (2.) Their tempting of him, “ They tempted me, and proved me,” “(1L.) Their sin consisted in their provoking. It seems not to be any one particular sin, but t…
926 wordsSECTION 31Section 31
Now, let us consider hence some further observations :— Obs. XV. The sinful actings of men against those who deal with them in the name of God, and about the works or will of God, are principally against God himself. The people chode with Moses; but when God came to call it to an account, he says they strove with him…
943 wordsSECTION 32Section 32
VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 57 on them, who are called to deal with others in the name of God. And,— [1.] Let them take heed that they neither do, nor act, nor speak any thing but what they have sufficient warrant from him for. It is a dangerous thing to entitle God or his name unto our own ima- ginations. Go…
1,022 wordsSECTION 33Section 33
preieieey and they were discomfited unto Hormah,” Num. xiv. 42-45, Unto a lawful way, then, in general, a lawful call in particular must be added, or we have not a sufficient foundation for the discharge of that duty whose defect is now charged by us. ddly. They must have a sufficient warranty of the presence and pro…
1,023 wordsSECTION 34Section 34
[2.] By the omission of any duty that is incumbent on us, be- cause of the difficulties that attend it, and the opposition that is made unto vt. The “fearful” and “unbelieving” go together, Rev. xxi. 8. When our fear or any other affection, influenced or moved by earthly things, prevails with us to forego our duty, eit…
1,142 wordsSECTION 35Section 35
VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 63 into his rest. From that day he took hold of all occasions to exer- cise severity against them, flooding them away, Ps. xc. 5, until that whole evil generation was consumed. And so it was with their pos- terity as to their church and national state. God sent unto them, and dealt …
1,103 wordsSECTION 36Section 36
VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 65 fited them, even unto Hormah,” verse 45. Their change of mind was not repentance, but a new aggravation of their sin. Repent- ance also in this matter is hid from the eyes of God. When Saul had finished his provocation, Samuel, denouncing the judgment of God against him, adds, “A…
1,025 wordsSECTION 37Section 37
VER, 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 67 his ways,—Matt. iv. 7, he answers him by that saying of Deut. vi. 16, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lorp thy God.” To venture, therefore, on any thing, unwarrantably trusting unto God for protection, is to tempt him. And this is usually and generally allowed as the nature of this sin…
980 wordsSECTION 38Section 38
[1.] That they be called unto or engaged in some especial way of God. And this is no extraordinary thing. All believers who attend unto their duty will find it to be their state and condition. So were the Israelites in the wilderness. If we are out of the ways of God, our sin may be great, but it is a sin of another na…
984 wordsSECTION 39Section 39
[2.] It was a place wherein they lived solely and visibly upon God’s daily extraordinary provision for them. Should he have withheld a continual working of miracles in their behalf, both they and theirs must have utterly perished. This could not but have affected them with love and fear, great preservatives of obedienc…
1,145 wordsSECTION 40Section 40
VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, 73 sion of the greatness, goodness, and faithfulness of God, than they were? And what is a more effectual motive unto obedience than such apprehensions? The neglect of them, therefore, carries along with it a great aggravation of sin. To tempt God, to murmur against him, as though h…
1,044 wordsSECTION 41Section 41
VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 75 forth, which not only smell of the cask, but receive thence princi- pally their whole moral nature, whether they are good or bad. 2dly. Look for all relief and for help against sin merely from grace. A wilderness will not help you, nor a paradise. In the one Adam sinned, in whom…
1,079 wordsSECTION 42Section 42
VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 77 of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. Oh that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!…
1,147 wordsSECTION 43Section 43
: VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, 79 or backsliding,—what controversy God hath, or may justly have with them,—what is the condition of the state, church, or nation whereunto they do belong,—will discern the voice of God in his great works of providence. So is the matter stated, Dan. xii. 10, “ Many shall be purif…
1,128 wordsSECTION 44Section 44
VER. 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 81 security. Others abuse them,—some by making them the rise of their vain and foolish prognostications: ‘There is such a prodigy, such a strange work of God, such a blazing star,’ or the like. What then? ‘Such or such a thing shall follow this or that year, this or that month,’ Thi…
1,095 wordsSECTION 45Section 45
VER, 7-11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 83 means and apprehensions sooner provoke God to take away what they have than to add to them what they have not. <A beggar’s murmuring as though he had not his due, when any thing is given him, is the worst way of getting his alms increased. [2.] Even outward means themselves, whe…
983 wordsSECTION 46Section 46
To sum up this whole matter: These outward means are granted unto men in a way of grace, favour, and bounty. Their ends, singly considered, are good, holy, and righteous. Moreover, they are all of them properly effectual in that they always attain the end where- unto they are designed. And that men are not bettered by …
1,035 wordsSECTION 47Section 47
Obs. XXVI. The heart of God is greatly concerned in the sins of men, especially of those who on any account are his people, and so esteemed. Men live, and act, and speak, as if they thought God very little concerned in what they do, especially in their sins; that either he takes no notice of them, or if he do, that he…
930 wordsSECTION 48Section 48
(8.) There is the consequent of this great principle of their sin, or rather, another concomitant principle of their miscarriages,— they knew not the ways of God: “ And they have not known my ways.” This may be exegetical of the former, and declare wherein their error consisted, namely, in this, that they knew not, the…
1,054 wordsSECTION 49Section 49
For, [1.] This sets all the lusts of the soul at liberty to seek after their satisfaction in sin; [2.] Makes it slight and contemn all the promises annexed unto obedience; and, [3.] Disregard the threaten- ings that lie against sin, and so prepares it for the utmost rebel- lion. And of all errors let us take heed of t…
977 wordsSECTION 50Section 50
Whatever notion such persons have or may have of the ways of God, whatever skill in the outward letter of his laws and institutions, yet they know neither the righteousness, nor the holiness, nor the efficacy, nor the usefulness, nor the beauty of any of them. These things are spiritually discerned, and they are spirit…
950 wordsSECTION 51Section 51
(3.) There is in the words the punishment itself denounced against this provoking people,—that they should not enter into the rest of God. And there is a double aggravation of the punishment in the manner of the expressing of it :— [1.] In the act denied: “They shall not enter,”—no, not so much as enter into it. Doubt…
919 wordsSECTION 52Section 52
96 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. III. expect it and look for it; but as for these threatenings, they depend on so many conditions, and may so easily at any time be evaded, as that there is no great fear of their execution.’ But what is the ground of this feigned difference between the promises and threat- enings of God,…
901 wordsSECTION 53Section 53
_ “Ey ri day, “in aliquo vestrum,” so the Vulg. Lat. Ar.; “in ullo vestrum,” Beza, more properly; so we, “inany of you.” }>22 wI82, “in homine ex vobis,” “in a man,” “in any man of you.” Arab., “in corde ullius vestrum,” “in the heart of any of you;” taking in the word “heart” out of the next clause, which there it sup…
1,027 wordsSECTION 54Section 54
_ Turepty, There is a general enforcement of the whole, both as to the evil to be avoided and the means to be used for that purpose; and this is taken from their state and condition on supposition of the avoidance of the one and observance of the other, verse 14 And this is,—1. Expressed, “ For we are partakers of Chri…
927 wordsSECTION 55Section 55
A careless profession will issue in apostasy open or secret, or great distress, Matt. xiii. 5, 6, Cant. ii. 1,5. Our course is a warfare; and those who take not heed, who are not circumspect in war, will as- suredly be a prey to their enemies. Be their strength never so great, one time or other they will not avoid a fa…
912 wordsSECTION 56Section 56
VER. 12-14.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 103 « [3.} It is so to heed them as to endeavour to avoid them, and that in all their occasions, causes, and advantages, in their whole work and efficacy. We are not only to consider them when they assault us, but to watch against all ways whereby they may so do. This is the duty o…
1,105 wordsSECTION 57Section 57
VER. 12-14.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 105 pleading with men, to bring them to conviction, Isa. i. 18, N72, m221,—*Go to” (or “come now”), “and let us plead together.” So that an effectual dealing with a brother about sin is included. And this is enforced in the latter clause of the words, voy NYDN?! Ol; which may well …
1,095 wordsSECTION 58Section 58
VER. 12-14.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 107 duties which manifests and makes naked that miserable degeneracy which Christians in general, in these latter evil days, are fallen into. Who almost hath any regard unto them? Instead of these fruits of spiritual love, men for the most part follow “divers lusts and pleasures, l…
1,043 wordsSECTION 59Section 59
VER. 12-14.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 109 that are given unto the truth proposed, or the goodness and excel- lency of the things themselves contained in the propositions of truth ; nor without signal effects of hardness of heart, love of sin and plea- sure, keeping men off from the obedience required. Some instances ma…
1,069 wordsSECTION 60Section 60
VER. 12-14.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 14 sesses their minds with the things of this world (whence he is here peculiarly called “the god of this world”), that they are kept in a stupid and brutish ignorance of spiritual things. And this keeps them off from believing. These are a few of the many instances that might be g…
1,048 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.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.