The Works of John Owen (Volume 6 ) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1851. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... the world, they are but few who seriously receive this fundamental truth of the gospel, --namely, that there is forgiveness with God. Poor creatures sport themselves with their own deceivings, and perish by their own delusions. Exhortation unto the belief of the forgiveness that is with God--Reasons for it, and the necessity of it. We shall now proceed unto the direct uses of this great truth; for having laid our foundation in the word that will not fail, and having given, as we hope, sufficient evidence unto the truth of it, our last work is to make that improvement of it unto the good of the souls of men which all along was aimed at . The persons concerned in this truth are all sinners whatever. No sort of sinners are unconcerned in it, none are excluded from it . And we may cast them all under two heads: -- First, Such.as never yet sincerely closed with the promise of grace, nor have ever yet received forgiveness from God in a way of believing. These we have already endeavoured to undeceive, and to discover those false presumptions whereby they are apt to ruin and destroy their own souls. These we would guide now into safe and pleasant paths, wherein they may find assured rest and peace. Secondly, Others there are who have received it, but being again entangled by sin, or clouded by darkness and temptations, or weakened by unbelief, know not how to improve it to their peace and comfort. This is the condition of the soul represented in this psalm, and which we shall therefore apply ourselves unto in an especial manner in its proper place. Our exhortation, then, is unto both: --to the first, that they would receive it, that they may have life; to the latter, that they would improve it, that they may have peace;--to the former, that they would not overlook, disrega