The Works of John Owen, D.D, Vol. 2 (Classic Reprint) - Tapa blanda

Excerpt from The Works of John Owen, D.D, Vol. 2

The reader may be referred to the Life of Dr Owen (vol. I. P. Lxxn.) for a general criticism on the merits of the following treatise. It was published in 1657, shortly after he had ceased to be vice-chancellor in the University of Oxford. From the brief preface affixed to it, it appears that, for a period of more than six years, he had been under some engagement to publish the substance of the work. It has been inferred, accordingly, that it is the substance of some discourses which he had preached in Oxford; but, as he became vice-chancellor only in Septem ber 1652, there is more probability in the supposition that they are the discourses which refreshed and cheered his attached congregation at Coggeshall.

There are two peculiarities which deserve attention in the treatise. The over sight of one of them has created some misconception of the author's design, and led some to fancy that he was wandering from it, in various passages which are in strict harmony with his main and original purpose in the work. The term Communion, as used by Owen, is used in a wider sense than is consistent with that which is now generally attached to it in religious phraseology. It denotes not merely the interchange of feeling between God in his gracious character and a soul in a gracious state, but the gracious relationship upon which this holy inter change is based. On the part of Christ, for example, all his work and its results are described, from the atonement till it takes effect in the actual justification of the sinner.

The grand peculiarity distinguishing the treatise is the fulness of illustration with which he dilates on the communion enjoyed by believers with each person of the Godhead respectively. Fully to comprehend his views on this point, it is needful to bear in mind the meaning under which the word Communion is em ployed by Owen.

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This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from The Works of John Owen, D.D, Vol. 2

It was remarked by one who did not receive the theological views of Owen, that he was a man "who had sounded the depths of practical religion." Another, who accepted the theology of the great non-conformist, called him "the mountain" from which the writers of subsequent ages have digged. These two remarks combined express the views of the present writer. There are perhaps no theological writings in the English language so rich, full and comprehensive as those of Owen, while yet the principle of religion are never stated as mere theoretic truths, but are so conceived and expressed as to carry in them, and put forth upon the mind that reads them the greatest possible practical force.

To the student who takes up the works of this great Author, they are likely at first to prove unattractive. The style is prolix and without the least attempt at ornament. The ideas are not distinct, sharply defined, each occupying a narrow compass of expression and hence falling in rapid succession like coins from the mint, but spread themselves over a wide surface of remarks, with innumerable elements springing from the wonderfully prolific mind of the writer, augmenting as they flow and perhaps not reaching a complete development until the whole subject is exhausted and the treatise closed.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.