A53707:655
Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints…Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints…
Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints under spiritual decays : in two chapters, from John XVII, xxiv / by the late Reverend John Owen ...Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints under spiritual decayes : in two chapters, from John XVII, xxiv / by the late Reverend John Owen ...
London: printed by J.A. for William Marshall, 1691
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.
I principally herein intend those gradual Declensions in the Life and Power of Grace, which Men in a long course of Profession are subject unto. And these for the most part proceed from Formality in Holy Duties, under the constant outward performance of them; vehement Engagements in the Affairs of Life, an overvaluation ⟨p. 48⟩of sinful Enjoyments, growth in Carnal Wisdom, neglect of daily Mortification of such Sins as Men are naturally disposed unto, with a secret influence from the prevalent Temptation of the days wherein we live, which things are not now to be spoken unto.
3. BUT I come to that which was proposed in the Third Place, namely, To show that this at present is the State of many Professors of Religion, that they are fallen under those Spiritual Decays, and do not enjoy the effects of the Promises concerning Flourishing and Fruitfulness, which we have insisted on. To fasten a Conviction on them, or some of them at least, that it is indeed so with them, is my present Design: and this ought to be done with some diligence. The Glory of Christ, the Honour of the Gospel, and the danger of the Souls of Men do call for it. This is the secret root of all our Evil, which will not be removed unless it be digged up; who sees not, who complains not of the loss of, or Decays in the Power of Religion, in the days wherein we live? But few there are, who either know or apply themselves, or direct others unto the proper Remedy of this Evil. Besides, it is almost as difficult to convince Men of their Spiritual Decays, as it is to recover them from them; but without this, healing is impossible. If Men know not their Sickness, they will not seek for a Cure. Some when they see their Sickness, and their Wound, will apply themselves unto wrong useless Remedies, like them in the Prophet Hosea 5. 13. But none will make use of any Cure who ⟨p. 49⟩see no Disease at all. Wherefore, to fasten a Conviction hereof on the Minds of some, we may make use of the ensuing Enquiries and Observations.