Based on Romans 7:21, 'I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me', Owen's work shows that sin is a powerful inward law or principle lodged in the heart whose whole nature is enmity against God. This powerful river, flowing from the Fall, can only be brought under control by regenerating grace. However, sin's enmity remains in believers after conversion, and the long war against it is one in which all Christians must engage.
This abridgement seeks to make Owen more accessible to present-day readers, but carefully retains the essence of his thought and as many as possible of his own expressions.