All other ways of mortification are vain, all helps leave us helpless; it must be done by the Spirit.
Interpretation
True spiritual growth can only be achieved through the guidance of the Spirit, as other methods are ineffective.
In this quote, John Owen emphasizes the importance of relying on the Spirit for genuine spiritual transformation. He suggests that all other attempts at self-improvement or mortification of desires are futile without the divine assistance of the Spirit, highlighting the necessity of spiritual guidance in the journey of personal growth.
In practice
In a sermon about spiritual discipline, one might introduce this quote to emphasize dependence on divine assistance.
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.
Doth the Reality of sensible things consist in being perceived? or, is it something distinct from their being perceived, and that bears no relation to the mind?
A king who dies on the cross must be the king of a rather strange kingdom.
Few things in this world are more predictable than the reaction of conventional minds to unconventional ideas.
Intellectual liberty is the air of the soul, the sunshine of the mind, and without it, the world is a prison, the universe is a dungeon.
I thought when I became a Christian I had nothing to do but just to lay my oars in the bottom of the boat and float along. But I soon found that I would have to go against the current.
Ah! Wretched and too solitary he who loves not his own company.
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