In this chapter Owen takes aim at identifying symptoms of sins that may require extraordinary efforts in order for mortification to occur. If you can decipher the language that Owen uses to describe these dangers (i.e. inveterateness) you will no doubt greatly benefit from Owen's astute observations. The good doctor lists five dangerous symptoms; I will attempt to paraphrase:
- Long Standing Habits- those patterns of sin which have been present in our lives for a long period of time are more difficult to break then those with which we have battled only for a short season.
- Unattacked Sins- sins which have been allowed to go unchecked by gospel means are more difficult to displace.
- Frequently Successful Sins- sins that have often and repeatedly been successful in carrying you away in their deceit are of a more stubborn variety.
- Sins fought with Lower Motivation- patterns that you have only battled with the thought, "There will be consequences for this action" are challenging to remove.
- Resistant Sins- sins which God has dealt with in some measure yet the will has held out against these mercies prove to be removed with a great deal more difficulty.
With which of these descriptors do you most identify? Why is this the case?