The only effectual way to revival

This, therefore, is the issue of the whole: a steady view of the glory of Christ, in his person, grace, and office, through faith, or a constant lively exercise of faith on him, according as he is revealed to us in the Scripture, is the only effectual way to obtain a revival from under spiritual decays, and such supplies of grace as shall make us flourishing and fruitful even in old age. (John Owen, The Glory of Christ p282)

This is Owen's thesis, derived from Scripture. He takes for granted that what God has given life is to continue to grow and bear fruit even to old age, and that decays in that growth are unnatural (though possible, and not surprising) and to be fought with all our might. The two major ways he calls us to the fight are (1) to see the glory of Christ, and (2) constantly to trust Him. So . . .

Let us live in the constant contemplation of the glory of Christ, and virtue will proceed from him to repair all our decays, to renew a right spirit within us, and to cause us to abound in all the duties of obedience. This way of producing these effects flesh and blood do not reveal, it looks like washing in the Jordan to cure a leprosy; but the life of faith is a mystery known only to them in whom it is (ibid. 284)