"All other ways of mortification are vain, all helps leave us helpless, it must be done by the Spirit"

John Owen's quote speaks to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is saying that all other techniques of self-denial and self-discipline are ineffective without the aid of the Spirit. He is stressing the value of counting on the Spirit to assist us in our spiritual journey. Without the Spirit, we are powerless to overcome our own wicked desires and habits. The Spirit is the only one who can really change us and help us to live a life of holiness and obedience to God. Owen is advising us that we must rely on the Spirit to assist us in our spiritual growth and transformation. He is motivating us to look for the Spirit's assistance in our lives and to rely on His power to help us conquer our weaknesses and temptations.