A53678:633
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.
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.
(1) Unbelief is the principal cause of it, as Faith is of that Diligence and Watchfulness which are opposed unto it. Yea by Faith alone are we excited unto the acting of all other Graces, and the performance of all other Duties. As it is in its nature to quicken us unto them, so it alone takes in all other motives unto vigorous Obedience. Wherefore all Indispositions unto Duty arise from Unbelief. This weakens the efficacy of every thing that should excite us unto it, and increaseth every difficulty that lies in the way of it. As Faith will remove Mountains out of our way or help us to conquer the greatest Oppositions, so Unbelief will make Mountains of Mole-hills, it will make every hindrance like an unconquerable difficulty. The Soul made slothful by it, cries, there is a Lion in the way, a Lion in the Streets,