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.
God meant for things to be much easier than we have made them
Lukewarm people call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all His followers.
The self says, I am; The heart says, I am less; The spirit says, you are Nothing.
The totality of beliefs and sentiments common to the average members of a society forms a determinate system with a life of its own. It can be termed the collective or creative consciousness.
Lying under an acacia tree with the sound of the dawn around me, I realized more clearly the facts that man should never overlook: that the construction of an airplane, for instance, is simple when compared [with] a bird; that airplanes depend on an advanced civilization, and that were civilization is most advanced, few birds exist. I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes.
Do dead man dream? The dead themselves are silent on the matter
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