In the short sketch of Owen's life already referred to reference is made to his prodigious learning. In speaking of his works on Temptation, Indwelling Sin and Mortification the writer goes on to say that these particular works "show a deep knowledge of Christian psychology, being realistic in facing the difficulties in Christian living, and scriptural in showing how these difficulties may be met.

The works of the great Puritans are not particularly popular among Christians. Some people feel that they require lighter fare but those who persevere in the study of these great writings will be well rewarded.

Here are three excerpts from the works of Owen already referred to. Note the deep spiritual knowledge combined with a shrewd insight into human nature:-

MORTIFICATION

"Mortification prunes all the graces of God, and makes room for them in one heart to grow. T'he life and vigour of our spiritual lives consists in the vigour and flourishing of the plants of grace in our hearts. Now, as you may see in a garden, let there be a precious herb planted, and let the ground be untilled, and weeds grow about it, perhaps it will live still, but be a poor, withering, unuseful thing. You must look and search for it, and sometimes can scarce find it; and when you do, you can know it, whether it be the plant you look for or no; and suppose it be, you can make no use of it at all. When, let another of the same kind be set in the ground, naturally as barren and bad as the other, but let it be well weeded, and everything that is noxious and hurtful removed from it - it flourishes and thrives; you may see it at first look into the garden, and have it for your use when you please. So it is with the graces of the Spirit planted in our hearts. The heart is like the sluggard's field - so overgrown with weeds that you can scarce see the good corn. Such a man may search for faith, love, and zeal, and scarce be able to find any; and if he do so discover that these graces are there yet alive and sincere, yet they are so weak, so clogged with lusts that they are of very little use; they remain, indeed, but are ready to die. But now, let the heart be cleansed by mortification, the weeds of lust constantly and daily rooted up (as they spring daily, nature being their proper soil), let room be made for grace to thrive and flourish - how will every grace act its part, and be ready for every use and purpose."

A very good train of thought for an afternoon's gardening.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FALSE PEACE

"Whoever speaks peace to himself on any one account, and at the same time hath another evil of no less importance lying upon his spirit, about which he hath no dealing with God, that man cries peace where there is none.

A little to explain my meaning: A man hath neglected a duty again and again, perhaps, when in all righteousness it was due from him; his conscience is perplexed, his soul wounded, he hath no quiet in his bones by reason of his sin; he applies himself for healing, and finds peace. Yet, in the meantime, perhaps, worldliness, or pride, or some other folly, wherewith the Spirit is exceedingly grieved, may lie in the bosom of that man, and they may neither disturb him nor he them. Let not that man think that any of his peace is from God. Then shall it be well with men, when they have an equal respect to all God's commandments. God will justify us from our sins but he will not justify the least sin in us. 'He is a God of purer eyes than to behold iniquity.'"

That is a combination of sound theology and sound psychology.

WATCHING AGAINST TEMPTATION

"Consider how the temptation wherewith thou art surprised hath made its entrance, and by what means, and with all speed make up the breach. Stop that passage which the waters have made to enter in at. Deal with thy soul like a wise physician. Inquire when, how, and by what means thou fellest into this illness; and if thou find negligence, carelessness, want of keeping watch over thyself, to have lain at the bottom of it, fix thy soul there - bewail that before the Lord - make up that breach, and then proceed to the work that lies before thee."

There you have straight talking which is just as valuable to the 20th century Christian as it was to those of the 17th century.