A53678:632
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews viz, on the sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, and tenth chapters : wherein together with the explication of the text and context, the priesthood of Christ ... are declared, explained and confirmed : as also, the pleas of the Jews for the continuance and perpetuity of their legal worship, with the doctrine of the principal writers of the Socinians about these things, are examined and disproved / by J. Owen ...
London: printed for Nathaniel Ponder, 1680
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. When there is a great neglect of our own prayers, when at any time we have been enabled to make them. So the Spouse in whom we have an Instance of a surprisal into this evil, prays earnestly for the coming and approach of Christ unto her, chap. 4. 16. in the holy Dispensations of his Spirit. But when he tenders himself unto her desire, she puts off the entertainment of him. So do men pray for Grace and Mercy sometimes. But when the seasons of the communication of them do come, they are wholly regardless in looking after them. They put off things unto another season, and meet oft-times with the success mentioned Cant. 5. 6.
5. When in conflicts about Duties the Scale is often turned on the side of the flesh and unbelief. Sometimes it is so when Duties are considered as future, and sometimes as present. When Duties are considered as future, Difficulties and Objections against them, as for matter or manner, time or season, or degree, one thing or other will be suggested by the Flesh. Grace in Believers will move for an absolute compliance. If the contrary reasons, insinuations and objections prevail, the Soul consults with flesh and blood, and is under the power of spiritual sloth. And so are men by frivolous pretences and arguings from self and the world, kept off from the most important Duties. And sometimes there is a conflict in the entrance of the Duties of Gods Worship, as praying, hearing the word, and the like. Grace stirs up the Soul to diligence, spirituality, and vigour of spirit. The Flesh in all things is contrary unto it. Usually to give place unto the Flesh so as to be brought under the power of a cold formality is an evidence of a prevalent sloth.
2. Although this sloth may have various causes and occasions, yet the principal of them are those which I have mentioned, namely, Unbelief and Carnal Affections.