“Know, therefore, that there is no more effectual preservative of the soul from the power of sin than a gracious readiness for and disposition unto this duty of prayer in private and public, according to its proper seasons.
This is an observation confirmed by long experience: If prayer does not constantly endeavour the ruin of sin, sin will ruin prayer, and utterly alienate the soul from it.
This is the way of backsliders in heart; as they grow in sin they decay in prayer, until they are weary of it and utterly relinquish it.”
–John Owen, The Works of John Owen, Volume 7: Sin and Grace (ed. William H. Goold; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1850-53/1997), 7: 531.
