begun in the Spirit, turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them." The usual quarterly visitation of the classes was viewed by Mr. Owen as a very important means of grace. It is much to be regretted, that this valuable and strictly spiritual part of the pastoral visitation of our societies is, by a few-and, we trust, but a few-of our people, systematically neglected. Our excellent economy makes provision, that every member of our several societies, whether these societies be large or small, shall have the opportunity, at certain times in the course of a year, of meeting his Pastor, and of receiving from him wholesome counsel and advice; positively requiring the members, individually, unless prevented by unavoidable absence or sickness, to be present. Mr. Owen valued this provision; and, for several weeks anterior to the specified time of meeting, he would urge the attendance of all upon such an interview, which the people soon were inclined to hail, as a "time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord."

As a man of business, he maintained a character unblemished. On this part of Mr. Owen's history, the writer must of necessity have recourse to the testimony of those who were witnesses of his proceedings. Mr. Law, of Rotherham, after an acquaintance of thirty years, informs us, "His integrity as a tradesman will be long remembered: he was a brilliant example of industry, punctuality, and uprightness : his religion extended to all the concerns of life." To this Mr. Jones adds, that "he possessed talents and qualification for business of no ordinary description; a quick perception, sound judgment, and agreeable address; faithful in the fulfilment of his engagements, and strictly honourable in his mercantile transactions, reliance was placed, without hesitation, upon his word." In Mr. Owen there was none of that insatiable thirsting after riches which has led many professors of Christianity into "temptations and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts." That speculative spirit—the spirit of the age-to which much of the commercial distress of this nation may be justly attributed, he most religiously avoided; and attended to the multifarious engagements of an extensive business, with correctness, diligence, and despatch; and, not forgetting that even his rivals in commercial transactions were his neighbours, and many of them his friends, he could not stoop to the employment of any scheme, the object of which was to rivet the public gaze solely and exclusively upon himself: he wished others around him to prosper; while the blessing of God, resting upon his industry and uprightness, vouchsafed to him that promised competency which is expressed in the words of the wise man: "He that gathereth by labour, shall increase."

In the domestic circle, the piety of Mr. Owen shone with no ordinary lustre. In the language of one who was best qualified to appreciate his general excellencies, "home was to him the most desirable spot upon earth. He ordered his household in the fear of God, and

The sal

was spared to train most of his children to years of maturity,-the spi ritual and temporal welfare of whom was his constant care.' vation of his offspring was sought with exemplary earnestness; and if any were not decidedly on " the Lord's side," such were the subjects of powerful intercession at the throne of grace. Mr. Law says, "I have been witness to his agony when pleading on behalf of his family : like the ancient Patriarch, he wrestled in prayer; and, after many cries and tears, prevailed. He lived to see several of them serving the God of their fathers. May his supplications for those who are still "out of the way," be speedily answered! He possessed the unlimited confidence of the younger branches of his house; so that his heart was the recognised receptacle of their hopes and fears. It was an idea firmly impressed upon his mind, that one cause why some of the children of the Methodists have been alienated in attachment from the people with whom their parents associated, and from the house in which their "fathers praised," was, indifference to worldly conformity, and allowing an indiscriminate companionship with those who were of no decided religious principle or profession. Against this Mr. Owen conscientiously guarded his family; and, being encouraged in the discharge of these parental duties by the judicious counsel and maternal assistance of Mrs. Owen, he successfully exercised the happy art of securing the adherence of his children to the Wesleyan society or congregation. Whenever any member of the domestic circle was removed from under the father's roof, Mr. Owen was solicitous to maintain with that individual a free and constant correspondence, which on his part displays the yearnings of an affectionate and pious soul for the eternal welfare of his child. Writing to one of those daughters, who had married a Wesleyan Minister, and alluding to him, he says, "I hope Mr. is employing all that lies within his power to advance the kingdom of his Redeemer. This is the only object for which life, and especially that of a Christian Minister, is desirable. There are undoubtedly other duties which he may have to perform; but when we keep eternity in view, that is the sum of all. I trust you are fully resolved to enjoy all that grace which has been purchased, and so freely offered you."

In the progress of Wesleyan Methodism in Sheffield, Mr. Owen ever manifested a strong and lively interest. He was one of the early Trustees of the Carver-street chapel; and, with the exception of two persons who survived, he lived to witness the departure into the world of spirits of all who were contemporary with himself in the original trust of that splendid edifice. The various lay-offices of the Connexion Mr. Owen frequently filled. During the last forty years, Methodism has occasionally been disturbed by certain mischievous and ambitious men, whose unreasonable and factious attempts to throw the apple of discord into peaceable and prosperous societies, were intended to revolutionize and destroy. These malicious attacks upon our economy and disci

pline, which confessedly served, for the time, to test the attachment and principles of our people, were met and repelled; and in these painful trials of the faith and love of our people, Mr. Owen stood as "an iron pillar strong." His attachment to Methodism was ardent and firm, whilst he cordially approved of her doctrines and discipline. His principle Mr. Owen would not compromise: he therefore was at all times ready to offer an opinion, when the cause of truth required it, with fortitude and courage. In his tongue was the law of kindness: therefore, harsh expressions-which sometimes silence, often irritate, and but seldom convince-were not heard from his lips. Occasions, also, have transpired, in which good temper was in danger of being lost, and bad feeling produced, when Mr. Owen, through a fear of being drawn into personal controversy, would frequently leave the place, a proceeding which, we do not hesitate to say, was unadvised, and to be deplored, inasmuch as his presence and influence might have tended greatly to the speedy promotion of harmony and peace. With cheerful and unostentatious liberality, he supported the cause of Christ. His benevolence was not restricted to the greater and more extraordinary calls of the church, while the intervals were characterized by a feeble and grudging assistance, now and then doled out in favour of our common and ordinary institutions: his gifts were uniform and consistent: he gave freely, and he always gave.

The inward condition of the heart will be more correctly ascertained from incidental circumstances, and the more usual and daily habits of feeling and disposition. In these respects, much spiritual-mindedness was indicated. His visits from home, whether on business, or in search of health, will long be remembered. He invariably attempted the introduction of morning and evening domestic devotion: in the habitation where he sojourned, a room was generally engaged for that purpose; and an intimation was given, either by himself, or the head of the establishment, to the company, of his intention; when many were solicitous to unite; and numerous also were "the times of refreshing" which were realized. Mr. Owen could not suffer sin to pass unreproved in his presence. Travelling on a stage-coach, with a gentleman who, in a state of great excitement, gave utterance to an oath, -after allowing time for the ebullition of the moment to subside,-Mr. Owen calmly observed, "You must have made a mistake, Sir: you could not really wish your friend in hell!" The effect was instantaneous as powerful; and, after expressing his obligation to Mr. Owen for the salutary nature of his reproof, the gentleman promised amendment.

These traits of character were the effects of faith in the Redeemer, through which he had power to follow His steps. His piety was deep, fervent, and unaffected: the spirit of devotion abided upon him. Prayer was not performed as an occasional duty: it was the source of perpetual delight. In the midst of worldly employment, and with

scarcely an opportunity to secure his ordinary food, he "entered his closet, and shut the door;" consequently, the withering tendency of sublunary things was prevented, and the spirituality of the mind strengthened and preserved. How influential such an example! How precious to his children this memorial of a father's piety and love! All his affairs, whether of great moment, or of comparative insignificance, were taken to the mercy-seat. He hid the word of God in his heart, that he might not sin. The constant perusal of the more sure word of testimony," made him a scribe well instructed; and, being "furnished out of this treasury," he was clothed with humility, as with a garment. The habit of detraction is soon gained; and many allow themselves a latitude in speaking evil of others, which is utterly at variance with the precepts and genius of Christianity. Such wickedness Mr. Owen abhorred in the most hearty and decisive manner. Gladly would he dwell upon the excellencies of those persons who from time to time came under his observation; for some pleasing features, in their character or conduct, he would not fail generally to discover. He possessed that love which "suffereth long, and is kind, thinketh no evil, hopeth all things, and which covereth a multitude of sins."

Through the greater part of a long and laborious life, Mr. Owen was favoured with much bodily health and vigour; but towards the close of his earthly race, many appearances indicated that the "keepers of the house were trembling, and that the strong men were bowing themselves." About two years previous to his death, he had a violent attack of paralysis, from the effects of which he never recovered. This alarming visitation altered materially his position in society: from an active, he had to retire into passive, life; but absence from the duties of business, and the services of the sanctuary, caused no murmuring or complaint. Although, very prudently, he resigned several of those important offices which he had long held in connexion with the Sheffield West Circuit, he retained his class, which was removed from its usual place of assembling, to his own habitation, where his faltering tongue, for a little longer period, administered counsel and instruction to the people of his care.

On the demise of the late Thomas Holy, Esq., Mr. Owen was chosen to fill the office of Treasurer to the Benevolent Society; the duties of which he performed until the failure of his health: this office, on account of the delight he ever had in listening to, in order to relieve, the "widows' and the orphans' cry," he reluctantly surrendered; and being aware, from the nature of his complaint, of the uncertain tenure on which he enjoyed even a moment's existence, he humbly and submissively retired, "to set his house in order." His whole demeanour pointed out an increasing deadness to the world. "I will try," said he, "to rest my all on God, and praise him: he will not forsake a helpless worm; no, never!" The Bible was his companion; while

the goodness of God in the way in which he had led him through the wilderness, his manifested love in Christ Jesus, and the glory to which he was fast approaching, formed the themes on which he took pleasure in expatiating.

His family correspondence, during this protracted affliction, gave evidence to its hallowing effect. To one he observes, "I trust you are enabled to rise above your family cares, and to feel that the Saviour is to you the central point' of happiness. What an unspeakable mercy is it, that we are encouraged to come to, and by simple faith spread all our want and care at, the throne of mercy! May you and I possess the assurance, that God, out of his fulness, will abundantly supply, and finally receive us to himself! If I am spared until to-morrow, I shall complete my grand climacteric. How short the life of man! How quickly have I seemed to pass from childhood, youth, and manhood, to declining years! And how important the work to be accomplished! Life is indeed a precious gift of God."

A short time prior to his departure, he was favoured with an extraordinary manifestation of divine grace. His bereaved wife, referring to this visitation, relates, "On returning from the town, Mr. Owen said, 'I am glad to see you; for I have blessed news to tell you. I have had such a gracious visit from the Lord, that I feel exceedingly happy. I can now give up all to God. I have no burden. My cares are all gone." And although he continued to be the subject of severe affliction, he was preserved in the enjoyment of this happy feeling, "all unruffled and serene," until the moment of his removal to a better world.

A fear being expressed, on the accession of some unfavourable symptoms, when gloomy forebodings were entertained by his friends, but which symptoms happily vanished, he remarked, "What needless alarms you have! Trust in the Lord: he has never forsaken us, and he never will: he is our God." To the Rev. Joseph Roberts, jun., who visited him a few moments before he died, he said, "I have peace, great peace: I have rest in Christ."

His death, as several of his friends anticipated, was sudden. During the day on which this mournful event transpired, he was more free from pain than usual. His medical attendant judged him better, and his family were rejoicing in the prospect of his continuing among them for a longer time;-but how short-sighted is man! While conversing with his eldest son, in a cheerful strain, the summons arrived; and almost imperceptibly he fell asleep in Jesus, July 1st, 1840, aged sixtythree. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."