If our principal treasure be as we profess, in things spiritual and heavenly, and woe unto us if it be not so! on them will our affections, and consequently our desires and thoughts, be principally fixed.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that if our true value lies in spiritual and heavenly matters, we must direct our thoughts and desires toward them.
John Owen's quote reflects on the importance of prioritizing spiritual and heavenly treasures over material concerns. He warns that if our professed focus is not aligned with these higher ideals, our affections, desires, and thoughts will be misdirected, ultimately leading to a woe that stems from misplaced priorities. Owen encourages a deep, reflective commitment to what we truly value in life, underscoring the necessity of aligning our internal motives with our professed beliefs.
In practice
In a discussion about values in a philosophy class.
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.
It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.
If you think you can grasp me, think again: my story flows in more than one direction, a delta springing from the river bed with its five fingers spread.
My thoughts are starts I can't fathom into constellations.
Jerusalem doesn't belong only to Israelis and Palestinians, Muslims and Jews, but to the world.
All life is a movement in relationship. There is no living thing on earth which is not related to something or other.
The varieties of religious belief are an advantage, since all faiths are good, so far as they encourage us to lead a religious life. The more sects there are, the more opportunities there are for making a successful appeal to the divine instinct in all of us.
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