The root of an unmortified course is the digestion of sin without bitterness in the heart.
John OwenWe admit no faith to be justifying, which is not itself and in its own nature a spiritually vital principle of obedience and good works.
John OwenHe that is more frequent in his pulpit to his people than he is in his closet for his people, is but a sorry watchman.
John OwenWe cannot enjoy peace in this world unless we are ready to yield to the will of God in respect of death. Our times are in His hand, at His sovereign disposal. We must accept that as best.
John OwenGreat winds and storms help fruit-bearing trees. So also do corruptions and temptations help the fruitfulness of grace and holiness. The storm loosens the earth round its roots so the tree is able to get its roots deeper into the earth, where it receives fresh supplies of nourishment. But only much later will it be seen to bring forth better fruit. So corruptions and temptations develop the roots of humility, self-abasement and mourning in a deeper search for that grace by which holiness grows strong. But only later will there be visible fruits of increased holiness.
John Owen