Mortification
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [1]
Any severy penance observed on a religious account. The mortification of sin in believers is a duty enjoined in the sacred Scriptures, Romans 8:13 . Colossians 3:5 . It consists in breaking the league with sin; declaration of open hostility against it; and strong resistance of it, Ephesians 6:10 , &c. Bal. 5: 24, . Romans 8:1-39 . The means to be used in this work are, not emacerating the body, seclusion from society, our own resolutions: but the Holy Spirit is the chief agent, Romans 8:13 . while faith, prayer, and dependence are subordinate means to this end. The Evidences of mortification are, not the cessation from one sin, for that may be only exchanged for another; or it may be renounced because it is a gross sin; or there may not be an occasion to practise it; but if sin be mortified, we shall not yield to temptation; our minds will be more spiritual; we shall find more happiness in spiritual services, and bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. Dr. Owen on Mortification and on the Holy Spirit, ch. 8: book 4; Charnock's Works, vol. 2: p. 1313; Bryson's Sermons on Romans 8:1-39 : p. 97, &c.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): ( n.) The death of one part of an animal body, while the rest continues to live; loss of vitality in some part of a living animal; gangrene.
(2): ( n.) Destruction of active qualities; neutralization.
(3): ( n.) Subjection of the passions and appetites, by penance, absistence, or painful severities inflicted on the body.
(4): ( n.) The act of mortifying, or the condition of being mortified
(5): ( n.) Hence: Deprivation or depression of self-approval; abatement or pride; humiliation; chagrin; vexation.
(6): ( n.) That which mortifies; the cause of humiliation, chagrin, or vexation.
(7): ( n.) A gift to some charitable or religious institution; - nearly synonymous with mortmain.
