John Owen

John OwenJohn Owen (1616–1683) was an English Nonconformist church leader, theologian, and academic administrator at the University of Oxford.

Of Welsh descent, Owen was born at Stadhampton in Oxfordshire, and was educated at Queen’s College, Oxford (B.A. 1632, M.A. 1635); at the time the college was noted, according to Thomas Fuller, for its metaphysicians. A Puritan by upbringing, in 1637 Owen was driven from Oxford by Laud’s new statutes, and became chaplain and tutor in the family of Sir Robert Dormer and then in that of Lord Lovelace. At the outbreak of the English Civil War he sided with the parliament, and thus lost both his place and the prospects of succeeding to his Welsh Royalist uncle’s fortune. For a while he lived in Charterhouse Yard, troubled by religious questions. His doubts were removed by a sermon preached by a stranger in Aldermanbury Chapel where he had gone intending to hear Edmund Calamy the Elder. His first publication, The Display of Arminianism (1642), was a spirited defence of Calvinism. It was dedicated to the committee of religion, and gained him the living of Fordham in Essex, from which a “scandalous minister” had been ejected. At Fordham he remained engrossed in the work of his parish and writing only The Duty of Pastors and People Distinguished until 1646, when, the old incumbent dying, the presentation lapsed to the patron, who gave it to someone else.

In 1644, Owen married Mary Rooke (d. 1675). The couple had 11 children, ten of whom died in infancy. One daughter survived to adulthood, married unhappily, returned home, and shortly thereafter died of consumption.

On 29 April he preached before the Long Parliament. In this sermon, and even more in his Country Essay for the Practice of Church Government, which he appended to it, his tendency to break away from Presbyterianism to the more tolerant Independent or Congregational system is plainly seen. Like John Milton, he saw little to choose between “new presbyter” and “old priest,” and disliked a rigid and arbitrary polity by whatever name it was called. He became pastor at Coggeshall in Essex, where a large influx of Flemish tradesmen provided a congenial Independent atmosphere. His adoption of Congregational principles did not affect his theological position, and in 1647 he again argued heavily against Arminianism in The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, which drew him into long debate with Richard Baxter. He made the friendship of Fairfax while the latter was besieging Colchester, and urgently addressed the army there against religious persecution. He was chosen to preach to parliament on the day after the execution of King Charles I, and succeeded in fulfilling his task without directly mentioning that event. [More via Wikipedia] [See also his biography, in volume 1 of Works, below]

The Complete Works of John Owen:

The Death of Death in the Death of Christ. (330 pages)
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Included here as a separate title for your convenience, however this is an edition printed in 1742, so it will have the medial and may be more difficult to read than the version found in volume 5 of Owen’s Works, below. The 1826 edition, extracted from volume 5 of Works is also available as a pdf.

Pneumatologia, or A Discourse Concerning the Holy Spirit. (817 pages)
[pdf via Internet Archive]
Here the portions found in vols.1-2 of Owen’s Works below are combined into one large bookmarked file for your convenience.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 1. (564 pages)
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This volume contains:

  1. Memoirs of the Life and Writings of John Owen – pdf, 424 pp.
  2. A funeral sermon on Dr. John Owen (Philippians 3:21) by David Clarkson – pdf, 13 pp.
  3. Indices to the entire 21-volume series.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 2. (480 pages)
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This volume contains:

  1. The first part of Pneumatologia (or, A Discourse Concerning the Holy Spirit)
    [The entire title can be found here: pdf, 817 pp.]

    1. Book 1: General Principles
      1. Chapter 1: Concerning the Holy Spirit and His Work – pdf, 39 pp.
      2. Chapter 2: The Name and Titles of the Holy Spirit – pdf, 21 pp.
      3. Chapter 3: The Divine Nature and Personality of the Holy Spirit Proved and Vindicated – pdf, 35 pp.
      4. Chapter 4: Peculiar Works of the Holy Spirit in the First or Old Creation – pdf, 15 pp.
      5. Chapter 5: Way and Manner of the Divine Dispensation of the Holy Spirit – pdf, 24 pp.
    2. Book 2: Peculiar Operations of the Holy Spirit
      1. Chapter 1: Under the Old Testament Preparatory for the New – pdf, 33 pp.
      2. Chapter 2: General Dispensation of the Holy Spirit with Respect Unto the New Creation – pdf, 9 pp.
      3. Chapter 3: Work of the Holy Spirit with Respect Unto the Head of the New Creation, the Human Nature of Christ – pdf, 11 pp.
      4. Chapter 4: Work of the Holy Spirit in and on the Human Nature of Christ – pdf, 25 pp.
      5. Chapter 5: The General Work of the Holy Spirit in the New Creation, with Respect Unto the Members of That Body Whereof Christ is the Head – pdf, 23 pp.
    3. Book 3: The Work of the Holy Spirit
      1. Chapter 1: In the New Creation by Regeneration – pdf, 26 pp.
      2. Chapter 2: Works of the Holy Spirit Preparatory Unto Regeneration – pdf, 17 pp.
      3. Chapter 3: Corruption or Depravation of the Mind by Sin – pdf, 48 pp.
      4. Chapter 4: Life and Death, Natural and Spiritual, Compared – pdf, 18 pp.
      5. Chapter 5: The Nature, Causes, and Mean of Regeneration – pdf, 48 pp.
      6. Chapter 6: The Manner of Conversion Explained in the Instance of Augustine – pdf, 36 pp.
    4. Book 4: The Nature of Sanctification and Gospel Holiness Explained
      1. Chapter 1: The Nature of Sanctification and Gospel Holiness Explained – pdf, 24 pp.
      2. Chapter 2: Sanctification a Progressive Work – pdf, 26 pp.
      3. Chapter 3: Believers the Only Object of Sanctification and Subject of Gospel Holiness – pdf, 20 pp.
      4. Chapter 4: The Defilement of Sin, Wherein it Consists, With its Purification – pdf, 17 pp.
      5. Chapter 5: The Filth of Sin Purged by the Spirit and Blood of Christ – pdf, 39 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 3. (534 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. A Continuation of Pneumatologia (or, A Discourse Concerning the Holy Spirit)
    [The entire title can be found here: pdf, 817 pp.]

    1. Book 4: The Nature of Sanctification and Gospel Holiness Explained
      1. Chapter 6: The Positive Work of the Spirit in the Sanctification of Believers – pdf, 73 pp.
      2. Chapter 7: Of the Acts and Duties of Holiness – pdf, 13 pp.
      3. Chapter 8: Mortification of Sin, the Nature and Causes of It – pdf, 34 pp.
    2. Book 5: Necessity of Holiness
      1. Chapter 1: Necessity of Holiness From the Consideration of the Nature of God – pdf, 31 pp.
      2. Chapter 2: Eternal Election a Cause of and Motive Unto Holiness – pdf, 17 pp.
      3. Chapter 3: Holiness Necessary From the Commands of God – pdf, 19 pp.
      4. Chapter 4: Necessity of Holiness From God’s Sending Jesus Christ – pdf, 16 pp.
      5. Chapter 5: Necessity of Holiness From Our Condition in This World – pdf, 13 pp.
  2. The Reason of Faith, or, An Answer Unto That Inquiry Wherefore We Believe the Scripture to Be the Word of Godpdf, 140 pp.
  3. The Causes, Ways, and Means of Understanding the Mind of God, as Revealed in His Word – pdf, 145 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 4. (618 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. A Discourse of the Work of the Holy Spirit in Prayerpdf, 152 pp.
  2. A Discourse on the Holy Spirit as a Comforter – pdf, 86 pp.
  3. A Discourse of Spiritual Gifts – pdf, 123 pp.
  4. “The Divine Original of the Scriptures” – pdf, 82 pp.
  5. “The Integrity and Purity of the Hebrew and Greek Text of the Scriptures” – pdf, 91 pp.
  6. Pro Sacris Scripturis Adversus Hujus Temporis Fanaticospdf, 64 pp. {LATIN}

The Works of John Owen, Volume 5. (676 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. Two Short Catechisms
  2. Theomaxia Agtethogziastike (or, A Short Display of Arminianism)
  3. Salus Electorum, Sanguis Jesu (or, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ) [just this title, extracted as a pdf]
  4. Of the Death of Christ

The Works of John Owen, Volume 6. (558 pages)
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Contains The Doctrine of the Saint’s Perseverance Explained and Confirmed

The Works of John Owen, Volume 7. (536 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. A continuation of The Doctrine of the Saints’ Perseverance Explained and Confirmed
  2. The Mortification of Sin in Believers
  3. The Nature and Power of Temptation.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 8. (536 pages)
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This volume contains Vindicae Evangelicae (or, The Mystery of the Gospel Vindicated), part 1.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 9. (524 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. Vindicae Evangelicae (or, The Mystery of the Gospel Vindicated) part 2
  2. Of the Death of Christ, and of Justification
  3. A Review of the Annotations of Hugo Grotius
  4. A Dissertation on Divine Justice.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 10. (580 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
  2. The Same Subject Vindicated
  3. A Brief Declaration and Vindication of the Doctrine of the Trinity
  4. The Person and Satisfaction of Christ.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 11. (582 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. The Doctrine of Justification by Faith
  2. “Gospel Grounds and Evidences of the Faith of God’s Elect”.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 12. (600 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. Christologia (or, A Declaration of the Glorious Mystery of the Person of Christ)
  2. “Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ, in His Person, Office, and Grace”.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 13. (516 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. The Nature, Power, Deceit, and Prevalency of the Remainders of Indwelling Sin in Believers
  2. Phronema toi Pneumatos (or, The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually-Minded).

The Works of John Owen, Volume 14. (570 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. A Practical Exposition on the Hundred and Thirtieth Psalm
  2. A Treatise on the Dominion of Sin and Grace
  3. A Humble Testimony unto the Goodness and Severity of God in His Dealing with Sinful Churches and Nations.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 15. (590 pages)
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This volume contains thirteen sermons and two other works:

  1. A Vision of Unchangeable Free Mercy in Sending the Means of Grace to Undeserving Sinners (Acts 16:9) – pdf, 45 pp.
  2. A Country Essay for the Practice of Church Government There – pdf, 38 pp.
  3. Ebeneezer: A Memorial of the Deliverance of Essex County and Committee (Habakkuk 3:1-9) – pdf, 69 pp.
  4. Righteous Zeal Encouraged by Divine Protection (Jeremiah 15:19-20) – pdf, 43 pp.
  5. Of Toleration and the Duty of the Magistrate About Religion – pdf, 54 pp.
  6. The Steadfastness of Promises and the Sinfulness of Staggering (Romans 4:20) – pdf, 41 pp.
  7. The Strength of Faith, part 1 (Romans 4:20) – pdf, 23 pp.
  8. The Strength of Faith, part 2 (Romans 4:20) – pdf, 20 pp.
  9. The Shaking and Translating of Heaven and Earth (Hebrews 12:27) – pdf, 42 pp.
  10. The Branch of the Lord the Beauty of Zion, or, The Glory of the Church in its Relation Unto Christ (Isaiah 56:7) pdf, 35 pp.
  11. The Advantage of the Kingdom of Christ in the Shaking of the Kingdoms of the World (Ezekiel 17:24) – pdf, 30 pp.
  12. The Labouring Saint’s Dismission to Rest (Daniel 12:13) – pdf, 26 pp.
  13. Christ’s Kingdom and the Magistrate’s Power (Daniel 12:15-16) – pdf, 36 pp.
  14. God’s Work in Founding Zion and His People’s Duty Thereupon (Isaiah 14:32) – pdf, 35 pp.
  15. God’s Presence With a People, the Spring of Prosperity, With Their Special Interest in Abiding With Him (2 Chronicles 15:2) – pdf, 30 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 16. (568 pages)
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This volume contains:

  1. Sermons on Various Subjects:
    1. The Glory and Interest of Nations Professing the Gospel (Isaiah 4:5) – pdf, 22 pp.
    2. How We May Bring Our Hearts to Bear Reproofs (Psalm 141:5) – pdf, 23 pp.
    3. The Chamber of Imagery in the Church of Rome Laid Open (or, An Antidote Against Popery, 1 Peter 2:3) – pdf, 56 pp.
    4. Seasonable Words for English Protestants (Jeremiah 51:5) – pdf, 20 pp.
    5. The Nature and Beauty of Gospel Worship (Ephesians 2:18) – pdf, 39 pp.
    6. Of Walking Humbly with God (Micah 6:8) – pdf, 59 pp.
    7. Providential Changes, An Argument for Universal Holiness (2 Peter 3:11) – pdf, 61 pp.
    8. Human Power Defeated (Psalm 76:5) – pdf, 25 pp.
    9. Sin and Judgment of Spiritual Barrenness (Ezekiel 47:11) – pdf, 23 pp.
    10. God’s Withdrawing His Presence, The Correction of His Church (Isaiah 63:17) – pdf, 15 pp.
    11. Perilous Times (2 Timothy 3:1) – pdf, 18 pp.
    12. The Evil and Danger of Offenses (Matthew 18:7) – pdf, 7 pp.
    13. Christ’s Pastoral Care (Micah 7:14) – pdf, 17 pp.
    14. The Beauty and Strength of Zion (Psalm 48:12-14) – pdf, 16 pp.
    15. The Divine Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16) – pdf, 26 pp.
    16. God the Saint’s Rock (Psalm 61:2) – pdf, 24 pp.
    17. A Christian, God’s Temple (2 Corinthians 6:16-18) – pdf, 13 pp.
    18. Gospel Charity (Colossians 3:14) – pdf, 18 pp.
    19. The Christian’s Work of Dying Daily (1 Corinthians 15:31) – pdf, 22 pp.
  2. Several Practical Cases of Conscience Resolved – pdf, 58 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 17. (635 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. Thirteen Sermons Preached on Various Occasions – pdf, 138 pp.
    1. The Everlasting Covenant, The Believer’s Support Under Distress (2 Samuel 23:5) – pdf, 14 pp.
    2. On the Everlasting Covenant (2 Samuel 23:5) – pdf, 14 pp.
      Both sermons on 2 Samuel 23:5 – pdf, 28 pp.
    3. The Ministry the Gift of Christ (Ephesians 4:8) – pdf, 13 pp.
    4. Ministerial Endowments the Work of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11) – pdf, 14 pp.
    5. The Duty of a Pastor (Jeremiah 3:15) – pdf, 13 pp.
    6. Four sermons on Psalm 45:1-3 – pdf, 35 pp.
    7. The Use and Advantage of Faith in a Time of Public Calamity (Habakkuk 2:4) – pdf, 10 pp.
    8. The Use of Faith Under Reproaches and Persecutions (Habakkuk 2:4) – pdf, 8 pp.
    9. The Use of Faith, If Popery Should Return Upon Us (Habakkuk 2:4) – pdf, 7 pp.
    10. The Use of Faith in a Time of General Declension in Religion (Habakkuk 2:4) – pdf, 7 pp.
      All four sermons on Habakkuk 2:4 – pdf, 32 pp.
  2. Twenty-five Discourses Suitable to the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 129 pp.
    1. A discourse on 2 Corinthians 5:21 – pdf, 3 pp.
    2. Two discourses on 1 Corinthians 10:16 – pdf, 19 pp.
    3. A discourse on 1 Corinthians 11:26 – pdf, 9 pp.
    4. Two discourses on 1 Corinthians 11:28 – pdf, 23 pp.
    5. A seventh discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 4 pp.
    6. An eighth discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 5 pp.
    7. A ninth discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 3 pp.
    8. A discourse on Matthew 28:20 – pdf, 6 pp.
    9. A discourse on Isaiah 53:11 – pdf, 5 pp.
    10. A discourse on Philippians 3:10 – pdf, 5 pp.
    11. A discourse on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – pdf, 8 pp.
    12. A fourteenth discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 4 pp.
    13. Two discourses on John 12:32 – pdf, 7 pp.
    14. A discourse on Leviticus 16:21 – pdf, 4 pp.
    15. Two discourses on Galatians 2:20 – pdf, 8 pp.
    16. A discourse on Romans 5:5-6 – pdf, 4 pp.
    17. A discourse on Ephesians 3:9 – pdf, 4 pp.
    18. A twenty-second discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 4 pp.
    19. A twenty-third discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 4 pp.
    20. A twenty-fourth discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 3 pp.
    21. A twenty-fifth discourse on the Lord’s Supper – pdf, 3 pp.
  3. The Nature of Apostasy From the Profession of the Gospel, and the Punishment of Apostates Declared (Hebrews 6:4-6) – pdf, 320 pp.
  4. Some Considerations About Union Among Protestants and the Preservation of the Interest of the Protestant Religion in This Nationpdf, 11 pp.
  5. A Brief and Impartial Account of the Nature of the Protestant Religion; Its Present State in the World, Its Strength and Weakness, With the Ways and Indications of the Ruin or Continuance of Its Public Professionpdf, 31 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 18. (634 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. Animadversion on a Treatise Entitled “Fiat Lux”(or, A Guide in Differences of Religion, Between Papist and Protestant, Presbyterian and Independent) – pdf, 209 pp.
  2. A Vindication of the Animadversion on ‘Fiat Lux’ pdf, 379 pp.
  3. The Church of Rome No Safe Guide (or, Reasons to Prove That No Rational Man, Who Takes Due Care of His Own Eternal Salvation, Can Give Himself Up Unto the Conduct of That Church in Matters of Religion) – pdf, 44 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 19. (611 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. The Duty of Pastors and People Distinguishedpdf, 61 pp.
  2. Eschol: A Cluster of Fruit of Canaan, Brought to the Borders for Encouragement of the Saints Travelling Thitherward, With Their Faces Toward Zion (or, Rules of Direction for the Walking of Saints in Fellowship According to the Order of the Gospel) – pdf, 44 pp.
  3. Of Schism; The True Nature of It Discovered and Considered, With Reference to the Present Differences in Religionpdf, 147 pp.
  4. A Review of the True Nature of Schism, With a Vindication of the Congregational Churches in England From the Imputation Thereof; Unjustly Charged on Them by Mr. D. Cawdrey, Preacher of the Word at Billing, in Northamptonshirepdf, 84 pp.
  5. An Answer to the Late Treatise of Mr. Cawdrey, About the Nature of Schismpdf, 43 pp.
  6. Two Questions Concerning the Power of the Supreme Magistrate About Religion and the Worship of God, With One About Tithes, Proposed and Resolvedpdf, 11 pp.
  7. A Discourse Considering Liturgies and Their Impositionpdf, 68 pp.
  8. A Brief Instruction in the Worship of God, and Discipline of the Churches of the New Testamentpdf, 105 pp.
  9. A Brief Vindication of the Nonconformists From the Charge of Schismpdf, 47 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 20. (602 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. An Inquiry into the Original Nature, Institution, Power, Order, and Communion of Evangelical Churchespdf, 249 pp.
  2. An Answer to Dr. Stillingfleet’s Book of the Unreasonableness of Separationpdf, 86 pp.
  3. The True Nature of a Gospel Church and its Governmentpdf, 265 pp.

The Works of John Owen, Volume 21. (602 pages)
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This volume contains the following:

  1. A Discourse Concerning Evangelical Love, Church-Peace, and Unitypdf, 159 pp.
  2. Truth and Innocence Vindicated in a Survey of a Discourse Concerning Ecclesiastical Polity and the Authority of the Civil Magistrate Over the Consciences of Subjects in Matters of Religionpdf, 212 pp.
  3. Indulgence and Toleration Considered in a Letter Unto a Person of Honor – pdf, 29 pp.
  4. A Peace-Offering, in an Apology and Humble Plea for Indulgence and Liberty of Conscience, by Sundry Protestants Differing in Some Things From the Present Establishment About the Worship of God – pdf, 41 pp.
  5. A Word of Advice to the Citizens of London – pdf, 11 pp.
  6. The State of the Kingdom With Respect to the Present Bill Against Conventicles – pdf, 8 pp.
  7. An Account of the Grounds and Reasons on Which Protestant Dissenters Desire Their Liberty – pdf, 4 pp.
  8. The Case of Present Distress on Nonconformists Examined – pdf, 6 pp.
  9. A Letter Concerning Matter of the Present Excommunications – pdf, 16 pp.
  10. A Discourse Concerning the Administration of Church Censures – pdf, 19 pp.
  11. An Answer Unto Two Questions, With Twelve Arguments Against Any Conformity to Worship, Not of Divine Institution – pdf, 17 pp.
  12. Of Marrying After Divorce in Case of Adultery – pdf, 6 pp.
  13. On Infant Baptism and Dipping – pdf, 15 pp.
  14. Reflections on a Slanderous Libel Against Doctor Owen in a Letter to Sir Thomas Overbury – pdf, 13 pp.
  15. Orationes Sex Oxonii Habitaepdf, 42 pp.

8 thoughts on “John Owen

  1. awesome. Thank you so much . . .and have you ever seen “the Morning Exercises at Cripplegate”, which I am currently coping from the poor photo copy *.pdfs to Word documents, the only volumes I can find that don’t need doing so are the 5th and possibly 6th volumes that have to do with the error and evils of popery. The others I have found to be very enlightening and valuable, as these I imagine are also so.

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