A53719:421
The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded
Phronemma tou pneumatou, or, The grace and duty of being spiritually-minded declared and practically improved / by John Owen ...Phronēma tou pneumatou, or, The grace and duty of being spiritually-minded declared and practically improved / by John Owen ...
London: printed by J.G. for Nathaniel Ponder, 1681
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.
Secondly, Where the Soul is upright and sincere, there is no need in this case of any more Solicitousness or Anxiety of Mind, than there is unto or about other Duties. But when it is biased and acted by self-Love, and its more strong Inclinations unto things present, it is impossible men should enjoy Solid Peace, or be freed from severe reflections on them by their own Consciences, in such Seasons wherein they are awakened unto their Duty, and the Consideration of their State; nor have I any thing to tender for their Relief. With others it is not so, and therefore I shall so far digress in this place, as to give some directions unto those who in sincerity would be satisfied in this lawful use and enjoyment of earthly things; so as not to adhere unto them with inordinate Affections.
Secondly, Where the Soul is upright and sincere, there is no need in this case of any more Solicitousness or Anxiety of Mind, than there is unto or about other Duties. But when it is byased and acted by self-Love, and its more strong Inclinations unto things present, it is impossible men should enjoy Solid Peace, or be freed from severe reflexions on them by their own Consciences, in such Seasons wherein they are awakened unto their Duty, and the Consideration of their State; nor have I any thing to tender for their Relief. With others it is not so, and therefore I shall so far digress in this place, as to give some directions unto those who in sincerity would be satisfyed in this lawful use and enjoyment of earthly things; so as not to adhere unto them with inordinate Affections.
First, Remember always that you are not Proprietors, nor absolute Possessors of these things, but only Stewards of them. With respect unto men, you are or may be just Proprietors of what you enjoy, with Respect unto him who is the great ⟨p. 194⟩Possessor of Heaven and Earth, you are but Stewards. This Stewardship we are to give an account of, as we are taught in the Parable, Luk. 16.1, 2. This rule always attended unto, will be a Blessed Guide in all Instances and Occasions of Duty.