Watching or keeping of the heart, which above all keepings we are obliged unto, comes within the compass of this duty also; for the right performance whereof take these ensuing directions: Let him that would not enter into temptations labor to know his own heart, to be acquainted with his own spirit, his natural frame and temper, his lusts and corruptions, his natural, sinful, or spiritual weaknesses, that, finding where his weakness lies, he may be careful to keep at a distance from all occasions of sin. ~ John Owen
Labor to know your own frame and temper; what spirit you are of; what associates in your heart Satan has; where corruption is strong, where grace is weak; what stronghold lust has in your natural constitution, and the like. ~ John Owen
Be acquainted, then, with your own heart: though it be deep, search it; though it be dark, inquire into it; though it give all its distempers other names than what are their due, believe it not. Were not men utter strangers to themselves— did they not give flattering titles to their natural distempers— did they not strive rather to justify, palliate, 31 or excuse the evils of their hearts that are suited to their natural tempers and constitutions, than to destroy them, and by these means keep themselves off from taking a clear and distinct view of them— it were impossible that they should all their days hang in the same briers without attempt for deliverance. ~ John Owen
When you know the state and condition of your heart as to the particulars mentioned, watch against all such occasions and opportunities, employments, societies, retirements, businesses, as are apt to entangle your natural temper or provoke your corruption. ~ John Owen
Be sure to lay in provision in store against the approaching of any temptation. This also belongs to our watchfulness over our hearts. ~ John Owen
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
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