So great an advantage is given to sin and Satan by your temper and disposition, that without extraordinary watchfulness, care, and diligence, they will prevail against your soul.
Interpretation
Our thoughts and emotions can significantly influence our moral choices, making it essential to maintain vigilance and self-control.
John Owen's quote emphasizes the idea that our internal state—our temper and disposition—can provide a powerful advantage to negative influences like sin and evil. Without conscious effort and vigilance in monitoring our thoughts and emotions, we may unknowingly succumb to these negative forces, thus endangering our spiritual well-being. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the necessity of maintaining moral integrity through deliberate actions and careful attention to one's inner life.
In practice
This quote can be used as a cautionary reminder in a discussion about personal development at a seminar.
Because he is; that is, because he is an infinitely glorious, good, wise, holy, powerful, righteous, self-subsisting , self-sufficient , and all-sufficient being; the fountain and author of all being and good; the first cause, last end, and sovereign Lord of all; therefore, he is to be worshipped: therefore, are we to admire, adore, and love him; to praise, to trust and to fear him.
If I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ's Kingdom, and of His love.
Mortification is the soul's vigorous opposition to self, wherein sincerity is most evident.
The growth of trees and plants takes place so slowly that it is not easily seen. Daily we notice little change. But, in course of time, we see that a great change has taken place. So it is with grace. Sanctification is a progressive, lifelong work (Prov 4:18). It is an amazing work of God's grace and it is a work to be prayed for (Rom 8:27).
Free will is "corrupted nature's deformed darling, the Pallas or beloved self-conception of darkened minds"
A man may be carried on in a constant course of mortification all his days; and yet perhaps never enjoy a good day of peace and consolation.
Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go.
Existence is larger than any model that is not itself the exact size of existence (which has no size).
and never really thought I'd amount to anything. It was precisely what I wanted the whole world to think; then I could sneak in, if that's what they wanted, and sneak out again, which I did.
Prejudice, not being founded on reason, cannot be removed by argument.
Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.
Look at me. I was a warrior on this land where the sun rises, now I come from where the sun sets. Whose voice was first surrounded on this land - the red people with bows and arrows. The Great Father says he is good and kind to us. I can't see it.
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