Refiner's Fire

Below is my verse summary of chapter 7 of OST, in which Owen maintains that unbelievers are incapable of mortification because they do not have the Spirit of Christ.  Challies summarized the chapter with this title: "Do Not Expect Unbelievers to Act Like Believers!"  Do you long for the salvation of a family member, friend, or neighbor?  Their conversion must precede the mortification of their sinful deeds.

Refiner’s Fire

Through trial of faith the vessels of grace are by God purified –

and when the dross that dwells within is daily mortified.

This – the task of every saint the Lord has justified.

So do not expect that vessels made of iron, brass, or tin

will want to cease from evil deeds or purge the filth within –

they have not the Spirit of Christ – such work will be in vain.

It is their calling first of all to convert their wicked way:
if they do not, they’ll be consumed on the great judgment day.

The sovereign Smith must make them new before sin will melt away.

For only vessels made of silver and vessels made of gold

will emerge from fiery trial more lovely to behold,

for He who walked the furnace hot will still His saints uphold.  

-Sarah Mowery