A53715:259
Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers
Of the mortification of sin in believers: the 1. Necessity, 2. Nature, and 3. Means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. a servant of Jesus Christ in the work of the Gospel.
London: printed for Nathanael Ponder, 1668
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.
1. Consider the infinite Patience and forbearance of God towards thee in particular: Consider what Advantages he might have taken against thee, to have made thee a shame and a reproach in this World, and an object of wrath for ever: How thou hast dealt treacherously and falsely with him from time to time, flattered him with thy Lips, but broken all Promises and Engagements; and that by the means of that Sin thou art now in pursuit of; and yet he hath spared thee from time to time, although thou seemest boldly to have put it to the trial how long he could hold out: And wilt thou yet sin against him? wilt thou yet weary him, and make him to serve with thy Corruptions?
1. Consider the infinite Patience and forbearance of God towards thee in particular: Consider what Advantages he might have taken against thee, to have made thee a shame and a reproach in this World, and an object of wrath for ever: How thou hast dealt treacherously and falsly with him from time to time, flattered him with thy Lips, but broken all Promises and Engagements; and that by the means of that Sin thou art now in pursuit of; and yet he hath spared thee from time to time, although thou seemest boldly to have put it to the tryal how long he could hold out: And wilt thou yet sin against him? wilt thou yet weary him, and make him to serve with thy Corruptions?
Hast thou not often been ready to conclude thy self, that it was utterly impossible that he should bear any longer with thee; that he would cast thee off, and be gracious no more; that all his Forbearance was exhausted, and Hell and Wrath was even ready prepared for thee; and yet above all thy Expectation he hath returned with Visitations of Love; and wilt thou yet abide in the Provocation of the eyes of his Glory?
2. How often hast thou been at the door of being Hardened by the Deceitfulness of Sin; and by the infinite rich Grace of God hast been recovered to communion with him again?