DR. OWEN was born at Stadham in Oxfordshire, in 1616. His father was minister of this parish, and reckoned a strict Puritan in those early days of reformation. The doctor early discovered an extraordinary genius, and made so quick a profieiency in his studies at school, that he was soon ripe for the university, being admitted into Queen's College, Oxford, when about twelve years of age; and when he was but nineteen, commenced Master of Arts, in 1635. He pursued his studies with incredible diligence, allowing himself for several years not above four hours sleep in a night; so that he soon had made a considerable progress in learning. Sometimes he would, for the benefit of his health use some recreations, but chiefly such as were violent and robust, as leaping, throwing the bar, ringing of bells, and such like exercises.

While he continued in the College, his whole aim and ambition was to raise himself to some eminence in church or state, to either of which he was then indifferent. It was his own ac VOL. II. New Series.

knowledgment afterwards, that being naturally of an aspiring mind, affecting popular applause, and very desirous of honor and preferment, he applied himself very close to his studies, to accomplish those ends he had so much in view; and he was ready to confess, with shame and sorrow, that then the honor of God or serving his country, otherwise than he might thereby serve himself, were most remote from his intentions.

About the time that Dr. Laud, archbishop of Canterbury, and chancellor of Oxford, imposed several superstitious rites on the University, upon pain of expulsion, Mr. Owen had then received such light, that his conscience would not submit to those impositions: however temporal interest might plead for compliance, yet other more weighty considerations of a religious nature prevailed for now God was forming impressions of grace upon his soul, which inspired him with a zeal for the purity of his worship, and reformation in the church. This change of judgment soon 2 A

discovered itself on this occasion, and was observed by his friends, who thereupon forsook him as one infected with Puritanism; and, upon the whole, he became so much the object of resentment to the Laudensian party, that he was forced to leave the College.

At this period he was exercised with many perplexing thoughts about his spiritual state, which, joined with outward discouragements, threw him into a deep melancholy, that continued in its extremity for a quarter of a year; during which time he avoided as much as possible all intercourse with others, and very hardly could be induced to speak a word; and when he did speak, it was with such disorder as rendered him a wonder unto many. Though his distress and melancholy did not abide in that violence, yet he was held under very great trouble of mind, and grievous temptations for a long time; and it was near five years before he attained to a settled peace; in which space the all-wise God, who designed him for such eminent service, was perfecting his conversion, and at last brought forth judgment unto victory. His very great troubles and distresses of soul were succeeded by a great degree of lasting serenity and joy, which more than recompensed his past sorrows and difficulties.

The manner in which he obtained relief from his spiritual trouble is remarkable. He went one Lord's day with Mr. Owen, a cousin of his, to Aldermanbu. ry church, with expectation of hearing Mr. Calamy. He wait. ed for his coming up to the pulpit, but at length it was known

that Mr. Calamy was prevented by some extraordinary occasion; upon which many went out of the church, but Mr. Owen resolved to abide there, though his cousin would fain have persuaded him to go and hear Mr. Jackson, then an eminent minister in the city, it not being certain whether there would be any person to supply Mr. Calamy's place. Mr. Owen being well seated, and too much indisposed for any farther walk, resolved, after some stay, if no preacher came, to go to his lodgings. At last there came up a country minister to the pulpit, a stranger, not only to Mr. Owen, but to the parish; who having prayed fervently, took for his text these words in Matt. viii. 26. "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" The very reading of the words surprised Mr. Owen; upon which he secretly put up a prayer, that God would please by him to speak to his condition. And his prayer was heard; for in that sermon the minister was directed to answer those very objections which Mr. Owen had commonly formed against himself: and though he had formerly given the same answers to himself, without any effect, yet now the time was come, when God designed to speak peace to his soul; and this sermon, though otherwise a plain familiar discourse, was blest for the removing of all his doubts, and laid the foundation of that solid peace and comfort which he afterwards enjoyed as long as he lived. It is very remarkable, that Mr. Owen could never come to the knowledge of this minister, though he made the most diligent inquiry."

How various and wonderful are the methods of divine grace in the conversion of souls! While some are brought by an easy and gentle progress to the knowledge and reception of the truth, and to the experience of that peace and joy which flow from believing, others are permitted to remain for a long time, under deep convictions, and distressing fears and perplexities, before they are lightened by looking to the great object of faith revealed in the gospel, and by coming to Jesus the Savior, find rest unto their souls. In these different arrangements, the sovereignty of divine grace is devoutly to be acknowledged.

But in many

instances of this kind, the wisdom of God is signally manifested, in adapting such dispensations to the character of the individual who is the subject of them, and to the services for which he is destined in future life.

Thus, in the case of Dr. Owen, by the uncommon distresses and deep bumiliations through which in early life he was called to pass, his natural vanity and am. bition were subdued, and his mind was formed to that unfeiga. ed humility and self-denial which so eminently distinguished his future character. By this means he was also led to lay aside, in his popular discourses, all affectation of the pomp of human learning, and to preach the gospel with that plainness and simplicity, which is the peculiar excellency of an evangelical minister.

These painful exercises, which were finally brought to so happy an issue, were not only conducive to Dr. Owen's personal improvement, but also served to

prepare him for superior useful. ness as a minister of the gospel. Thus he was furnished with a rich treasure of experience, which qualified him in an eminent degree for instructing others, for giving proper advice and comfort to souls under spiritual distress, and for publishing to perishing sinners the riches of the glory of that mystery which is contained in the gospel. Thus he became so thoroughly acquainted with the anatomy of the human heart, and its various workings, under the several influences of sin and grace. The fruit of his experience in this view appears in all his practical writings, which have already contributed largely to the edification of Christians; and which will continue, doubtless, to be held in estimation, so long as a taste for scriptural and experimental piety exists.

Dr. Owen applied to his studies with great diligence, and with great success, under the mere impulse of vanity and ambition. But through the overruling providence of God, these stores of learning thus acquired, were afterwards consecrated to the service of the church. In his critical and polemical writings, he has illustrated the Scriptures, and vindicated the peculiar doctrines of the glo rious gospel, with a sagacity and force of argument, which has never been surpassed. How similar to the case of Saul of Tarsus, who was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, and not only prof. ited above his equals in the learn ing then cultivated in his country, but was well acquainted also with the various lore of Greece and Rome! The valuable pur.

poses to which these acquire ments were applied, after his call to the apostolical ministry, abundantly appear from his his tory and his writings.

But however useful in its proper place human learning may be, it can do nothing for relieving the troubles of the soul. Of this fact Dr. Owen had, in his own experience, the most convincing, though painful proof. Profound erudition, elaborate reasonings, the ornaments of style, the charms of eloquence, can neither remove guilt from the conscience, nor fill the heart with peace and joy. But the testimony of Jesus, delivered in all its simplicity, even by the feeblest instrument, is mighty through the power of God to the pulling down of strong holds, and healing the broken hearted. Had relief been obtained in consequence of hearing Dr. Cal. amy, or any other of the renowned preachers of the day, there might perhaps have been some danger of appreciating too highly the power of the instrument. But the preacher is so obscure, that he cannot be found out. "The treasure is in earthen vessels, that the excellency and power may be of God,"

Let no faithful minister of the gospel be despised or discouraged, however obscure his station in the church, or however inferior in gifts to many of his brethren. The great Lord gives talents to his servants according to his own good pleasure, and assigns to each of them his proper place. The services of all are necessary; and the most unlikely instruments may be remarkably blessed. An Owen may be profited by the labors

of a man far inferior in talents to himself. Let no faithful minister decline a fair and regular opportunity of preaching the gospel. Certainly it is not duty obstrusively to interfere with the province of another. Discretion and conscience must decide in particular circumstances, as to the propriety of the call. But when a just occasion offers, let it not be declined. On circumstances apparently insignificant and casual, important consequences often depend. The relation of events to one another, though unperceived by us, is perceived and determined by God. His counsel shall stand, nor can his gracious purposes be frustrated by men. But if a minister, through love of ease, or any other improper motive, neglect an opportunity of usefulness which he might have improved, precious souls shall be convinced, converted, comforted, or confirmed, but no share of instrumentality in accomplishing these blessed effects shall be his. Let no faithful minister be unduly discouraged because he perceives not the immediate visible fruits of his ministerial labors. It is certainly desirable in a high degree to observe the effects of a divine power accompanying the ministrations of the gospel; but the minister who studies to ap. prove himself to God, has good reason to hope, that he shall not run nor labor in vain. It is probable, that some, perhaps many, are growing up in knowledge, and faith, and holiness, and comfort, and meetness for eternal life; and that like the honored servant of Christ, who preached in Aldermanbury church, on the occasion to which these reflections