John Owen

son of Hen. Owen sometimes a petty Schoolmaster at Stokenchurch, afterwards Vicar of Stadham near Watlington, in Oxfordshire, was born in the said Town of Stadham, bred in Grammar learning, mostly under Edw. Sylvester, who taught School for many years in Allsaintes Parish in Oxon, entred a Student in Queens Coll. in 1628, instructed in Logic and Philosophy by Tho. Barlow Fellow thereof, and took the degrees in Arts, that of Master being taken and compleated in 1635; at which time, as the cumstom and statute is, he swore allegiance and fidelity to the King, his heirs, and lawful successors. Which Oath is taken by all who take but one degree: And this for one is to be noted of all such whom I have, and shall mention in this Work. About the same time he entred into holy Orders, and when made Priest swore canonical Obedience to the Bishop his Diocesan. Afterwards he became Chaplain to Sir Rob. Dormer of Ascot in the Parish of Great Milton near the place of his nativity, where he served and did all things requisite to his Office according to the Church of England, and taught also the eldest son of the said Knight. About that time he became Chaplain to John L. Lovelace of Hurley in Berkshire, where continuing till the turn of the times, he sided then with the rebellious rout, preached against Bishops and their Courts, Common Prayer Book, Ceremonies, &c. Afterwards he was made Minister of Fordham in Essex, took the Covenant, became Pastor of factious Coggeshall in the same County, where lately that noted Presbyterian Ob. Sedgwick had held forth. But then he perfectly beholding that the Independents grew prevalent, he changed his mind, adhered to them, and endeavoured to ruin the Presbyterians. He violated all Oathes, as of canonical Obedience, Solemne League and Covenant, &c. and being a man of parts was more enabled to do greater mischief by them, especially in preaching up Sectarisme, as he did ever and anon wheresoever he came. By the doing of these things he became endeared to Ol. Cromwell, who had him ever after in great respect, and in some things relied on his Council. In the latter end of 1648, when K. Ch. 1. was beheaded, he in his discourses and Sermons applauded ((a))((a)) Letter to a friend concerning some of Dr. Owens principles and practices. Lond. 1670. qu. the Regicides and declared the death of that most admirable King to be just and righteous, preached against K. Ch. 2. and against all the Loyal party. In 1649 June 7. was a Thanksgiving by the Parliament Officers of the Army, Lord Mayor and Citizens at Ch. Ch. in London for Cromwells victory over the Levellers, at which time Tho. Goodwin and this our author Owen (who had about that time taken the Engament) preached to them out of the Politicks; and on the day after a Committee was appointed to consider how to prefer those two Preachers to be Heads of Colleges in this University, as a reward for asserting the late proceedings of Parliament and Cromwell, upon the aforesaid Thanksgiving day. It was not then thought fit that such men should serve God for nothing: In the times of S. Peter and S. Paul Godliness was great gain, but in the days of the late Saints Gain was great godliness. On the 17. Sept. 1650, it was ordered by the Parliament, according to the desire of Ol. Cromwell then General of the forces, that he and Joseph Caryl should go into Scotland, and on the 18 of March following, it was ordered by them that he should be Dean of Ch. Ch. in Oxon. In which place being soon after setled, he with Tho. Goodwin President of Madg. Coll. (the two Atlases and Patriarchs of Independency) did, with some others who were their admirers, endeavour to setle Independency in the University according to Cromwells mind, but in their designs they found much opposition from the Presbyterians, with whom they had several clashes concerning the promoting of their doctrine. In the year 1652 he was made Vicechancellour, in which Office, he being then also one of the Visitors, (for by that time several Independents had been added to them) he endeavoured to put down Habits, Formalities and all Ceremony, notwithstanding he before had taken an Oath to observe the Statutes and maintain the Privileges of the University, but opposed in this also by the Presbyterians. While he did undergo the said Office, he, instead of being a grave example to the University, scorned all formality, undervalued his office by going in quirpo like a young Scholar, with powdred hair, snake-bone bandstrings, (or bandstrings with very large tassels) lawne band, a large set of ribands pointed, at his knees, and spanish leather boots, with large lawne tops, and his hat mostly cock [•] d. On the 10. of Dec. 1653 he the said Owen, Tho. Goodwin, R. Fairclough the elder, Nich. Lockyer, Jos. Caryl, &c. were presented to the Parliament to be sent Commissioners, by three in a Circuit, for ejecting and setling Ministers according to the rules then prescrib’d, but that project taking not effect, there were Commissioners appointed by Oliver for approbation of publick preachers, whereof John Owen was one of the chiefest; and in the year following Commissioners from the Layty, and Assistants to them from the Clergy, in every County, for the ejecting of such whom they then called scandalous, ignorant and insufficient Ministers and Schoolmasters, that is Loyal and Orthodox Divines. At which time John Owen and Tho. Goodwin were appointed for the County of Oxon, together with Thankful Owen Pres. of S. Jo. Coll, Sam. Wells Minister of Banbury, Joh. Taylor Min. of Broughton, Cristoph. Rogers, Ambr. Upton, Pet. French, Hen. Wilkinson, Ralph Batton, Hen. Cornish Canons of Ch. Ch. Edm. Stanton Pres. of C CC. Rob. Harris Pres. of Trin. Coll. Franc. Howell of Ex. Coll. Mr. Brice of Henley, &c. In 1654 Owen stood to be elected Burges for the University of Oxon, to sit in a Parliament then called, and rather than he would be put aside, because he was a Theologist, he renounced his orders, and pleaded that he was a meer Layman, notwithstanding he had been actually created D. of Div. in the year before: But his election being question’d by the Committee of Elections, he sate only for a little time in the said Parliament. While he was Vicechanc. he preached frequently, blasphemed God with bold and sensless effusions, and in his Sermons and Prayers he did often confound the Royal Family. He had a wonderful ((b))((b)) Sam. Parker, in his Defence and continuation of Eccles. Polycy, &c. after p. 588. knack of entitling all the proceeding of his own party, however villainous and inhuman, nay any the least revolutions or turn of affairs, which hapned to be in favour of his own cause, to an especial Providence, to the peculiar and plainly legible conduct of heaven; which he zealously preached up, as sufficient to unty the strictest bonds of faith, allegiance and all other Oaths to overlure all the obligations of conscience and religion. He could easily make the transactions of the three kingdoms to be the fulfilling of many old prophetical predictions and to be a clear edifying comment, on the Revelations, still te [•] ching (as most of the Brethren did) that to persue a success in villany and rebellion, was to follow the guidant of providential dispensations. He was also then, while he was Vicechancellour, so great an enemy to the Lords Prayer, that when some Preachers concluded their own with it, which was very seldom done by any, especially the Presbiterians and Independents, (because it was looked upon, forsooth, as formal and prelatical so to do) he would with great snearing and scorn, turn aside or sit down and put on his hat. Which act of his being looked upon as diabolical, especially by the Royal party, it gave occasion to Dr. Mer. Casaubon to write and publish A vindication of the Lords Prayer, &c. as I have told you elsewhere. In 1657 when Rich. Cromwell (son of Oliver) was elected Chancellour of this University, our author Owen was removed from his Vicechancellourship, and the year after, when he was made Protector, he was, by the endeavours of the Presbyterians, removed also from his favour, and St. Maries Pulpit cleansed of him and Goodwin. All which our author taking in great scorn, he, out of spite, set up a lecture at another Church, using these ((c))((c)) Letter to a friend, as before, p. 28. words, I have built Seats at Maries, but let the Doctors find Auditors, for I will preach at Peters in the East; and so he did for a time and many flocked to him. In the latter end of 1659 he was outed of his Deanery of Ch. Ch, and then retired to Stadham, (the place of his birth) where a little before he had bought Land and a fair dwelling House. There he lived for some time, called together some of his party to preach, and many of his Disciples went from Oxon to hear him and receive comfort from his doctrine; but they being several times silenc’d by Soldiers of the Militia Troop belonging to the County of Oxon, and sorely threatned, that Congregation was broken. After all this (when our author for his rebellious actions, blasphemies, preachings, lyings, revilings, perjuries, &c. was not excepted from the Act of Oblivion, which was much wondred at and desired) Sir E. Hyde then Lord Chancellour treated ((d))((d)) Ibid. him with all kindness and respect, and designed him, if he could not Conform, to employ his time and abilities in writing against the Papists, and not to violate public Laws and endanger public Peace by keeping Conventicles. Whereupon Owen gave his word that he would be obedient to his commands, but being not long after found preaching to about 30 or 40 of the godly party, in his house at Stadham, by an officer of the Militia Troop, he was complained of to the Lord Chancellour. Soon after Owen having received intelligence that that great person was very angry, upon information of the matter made to him while he was at Cornbury in Oxfordshire, he wrote to Dr. Tho. Barlow (whom he had obliged with the like kindness in the raign of Oliver) and desired him to mediate on his behalf to the said person. Whereupon Barlow went from Oxon to Cornbury, where the L. Chanc. hearing his Errand he ((e))((e)) Ib. p. 39.40. told him then that Dr. Owen was a perfidious person in that he had violated his engagements, and therefore he would have nothing. to do with him, but leave him to the penalty of those laws he had transgressed, &c. Upon this our author resolved to go to New England, but since that time the wind was never in a right point for a voyage. After this he setled in London, set up a Church, preached and prayed, having been encouraged thereunto (as tis said) by the Papists; and at length burying his wife, married (after 60 years of age) the young widdow of Thom. D’ oyley his neighbour, (younger brother of Sir Joh. D’ oyley of Chesilhampton near Stadham Baronet) and took all occasions to enjoy the comfortable importances of this life. A certain Nonconformist (J. H.) doth charactarize ((f))((f)) J. H. in his Authority of the Magistrate about religion discussed, &c. Lond. 1672. oct. p. 6. our author thus. He is a reverend man, a Doct. of Div. of much gravity and of long standing, excellent in learning and all sorts of it for his profession, of dignity in his time as much as any have been capable of, a person of noted constant piety and a studious life, of universal affability, ready presence and discourse, liberal, graceful and courtious demeanour, that speak him certainly (whatsoever he be else) one that is more a Gentleman than most in the Clergy, and that he is accordingly favoured somtimes with the Princes converse, and the general veneration of the people, &c. Thus the author here quoted, whom I take to be Joh. Humphrey; but another, ((g))((g)) The author of A Letter to a friend, as before. (a great Loyallist) several times before quoted, saith that this our author Dr. Owen was the Prince, the Oracle, the Metropolitan of Independency, the Achitophel of Oliver Cromwell—Or which is more than all a servant of Jesus Christ in the the work of the Gospel, and that as in the same sense as the innocent, m [•] ek and devout Christian is the servant of the Devil in the work and vassalage of sin. He also often stiles him a blasphemer and perjur’d person, a libeller of authority after the restauration of K. Ch. 2, that he praised god for shedding the blood of Christian Kings and their loyal subjects, that he was guilty of reiterated perjuries against that God whom he confidently affirmed to be inspirer of all his prayers; and therefore (as he further adds) he ought in conscience, before he departs this life, to give satisfaction to the English Church and Nation, for those mischiefs which his Councells, Preachings, Prayers and writings drew not only upon the Royal Family and Church, but upon the lives, liberties and fortunes of so many loyal Gentlemen, who were either murthered in cold blood and imprisoned and banished, &c. Another high-flown ((h))((h)) Sam. Parker in his Defence and Continuance of Ecclesiast. Policy, &c p. 610. Loyallist tells us of Dr. Owen that there is scarce a Principle of Blasphemy or Rebellion in the Alcoran that that wretch hath not vouched upon divine authority. He is a person of such a rank complexion that he would have vy’d with Mahomet himself both for boldness and imposture, &c. Much more of such black language the said author here quoted hath in his (1) preface Bishop Bramhalls treatise, which he published, but shall be now omitted. Here you see the Characters given by persons of several perswasions according as their affections led them, but what I my self knew of him, which may, I hope, be mention’d without offence, envy or flattery is, (let rash and giddy heads say what they please) that he was a person well skil’d in the Tongues, Rabinical learning, Jewish rites and customs; that he had a great command of his English Pen, and was one of the most gentile and fairest writers, who have appeared against the Church of England, as handling his Adversaries with far more civil, decent and temperate language than many of his fiery Brethren, and by confining himself wholly to the cause without the unbecoming mixture of personal slanders and reflection. Dr. Edw. Stillingfleet saith that this our author Owen treated him with civility and decent Language, for which he thank’d him; and Mr. Hen. Dodwell, that he is of a better temper than most of his Brethren, as abstaining from personal slanders in confining himself wholly to the cause. His personage was proper and comely, and he had a very graceful behaviour in the Pulpit, an ((i))((i)) Printed at Lond. 1673. oct. sec. ed [•] t. eloquent Elocution, a winning and insinuating deportment, and could by the persuasion of his oratory, in conjunction with some other outward advantages, move and wind the affections of his admiring Auditory almost as he pleased. The things that he hath written are these.

A display of Arminianise, being a discovery of the old Pelagian idol, Freewill, with the new Goddess contingency, &c. Lond. 1643. 49. qu.

The duty of pastors and people distinguished: or, a brief discourse touching the administration of things commanded in religion, &c. Lond. 1644. qu.

The Principles of the doctrine of Christ: unfolded in two short Catechismes, wherein those Principles of Religion are explained, the knowledge whereof is required by the late Ordinance of Parl, before any person is admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Lond. 1645. oct. Written for the use of the Congregation at Fordham in Essex, the author being then Pastor there.

Several Sermons as (1) A vision of unchangeable free mercy, &c. Fast Sermon before the House of Commons 29. Apr. 1646, on Acts 16.11. Lond. 1646, qu. To which is added A short defence about Church Government. (2) Fast Sermon before H. of Commons, 31. Jan. 1648, on Jerem. 15.19.20. Lond. 1649. qu. To which is added A discourse about toleration, and the duty of the Civil Magistrate about Religion. In the epist. dedicatory before the said Sermon, he doth insolently father the most hellish action of the preceeding day (the decollation of K. Ch. 1.) on the great dispensation of Providence, in order to the unravelling of the whole web of iniquity, interwoven of Civil and Ecclesiastical tyranny, in opposition to the kingdom of the Lord Jesus. But therein, and in the Sermon, being several positions destructive to the sacred persons of Princes, their state and government, &c. they were condemned by the University of Oxon, as pernicious and damnable, in their Convocation held 21. Jul. 1683, and thereupon burnt by the hand of their Marshal in the School quadrangle before the Members of the said University, then, and there, present. (3) The shaking and translating of heaven and earth, Serm. before the H. of Com. 19. Apr. 1649, a day of extraordinary humiliation, on Heb. 12.27. Lond. 1649. qu, the author being then Minister of Coggeshall in Essex. (4) The Stedfastnes of promises, and the sinfulnes of staggering, preached at S. Marg. in Westm. before the Parliam. 28. Feb. 1649. being a day of solemn humiliation, on Rom. 4.20. Lond. 1650. qu. (5) The branch of the Lord, the beautie of Zion, &c. Two Sermons, one at Berwick, the other at Edenburgh, on Isa. 56.7. Edenburgh 1650. qu. (6) The advantage (or advancement) of the Kingdome of Christ, &c. Sermon of Thanksgiving preached to the Parliam. 24. Oct. 1651. for the destruction of the Scots army at Worcester, &c. on Ezeck. 17.24. Oxon. 1651. and 54. qu. (7) The labouring Saints dismission to rest, &c. Serm. at the funeral of Henry Ireton Lord Deputy of Ireland, in the Abbey Church of Westm. 6. Feb. 1651. on Dan. 12.13. Lond. 1652. qu. (8) Concerning the Kingdome of Christ and the power of the Civil Magistrate about things of the worship of God, preached before the Parliament, 13. Oct. 1652, being a day of solemn humiliation, on Dan. 7.15.16. Oxon. 1652. qu. (9) Gods work in founding Zion, preached before the Protector and Parl. 17. Sept. 1656. on Isa. 14.32. Oxon. 1656. qu. (10) Gods presence with a people, the spring of their prosperity, with their special interest in abiding with him, preached to the Parl. of the Com. Wealth of Engl. &c. at Westm. 30. Oct. 1656. being a day of solemn humiliation, on 2. Chron. 15.2. Lond. 1656. qu. (11) The glory and interest of nations professing the Gospel, opened in a Serm. at a private fast to the Commons assembled in Parliam. 4. Feb. 1658. on Isa. 4.5. Lond. 1659. qu. (12) How we may bring our hearts to receive reproofs, on Psal. 141.5. This is in the Supplement to the morning Exercise at Cripplegate. Lond. 1674. and 76. qu.

Besides these Sermons he hath also others extant, that I have not yet seen; among which is (1.) A Thanksgiving Sermon, before the Parl. at S. Marg. in Westm. 25. Aug. 1653. (2) Sermon on 1. Joh. 1.3. printed 1658. qu. And thirdly another Sermon, as it seems, called Mene Tekell, which, as tis said, was published by him: wherein asserting that Birthright and proximity of blood give no title to Rule or Government, and that it is lawful to preclude the next Heir from the right of Succession to the Crown, it was therefore censured, and condemn’d to be burnt, by the whole body of Convocation of the Univ. of Oxon. 21. July 1683. Dr. Owen hath also written,

Escholl: A cluster of the fruit of Canaan, brought to the bordures, for the encouragement of the Saints, travelling thither wards, with their faces towards Sion. Or rules of direction for the walking of the Saints in Fellowship, according to the order of the Gospel. Lond. 1648. 55. 56. in oct. and tw.

Eben-Ezer: Being an exposition on the first 10. verses of the third Chapter of Habukkuk, in two Sermons, one at Colchester, the other at Rumford, in memory of the deliverance of Essex Countie and Committee, 1648.

Salus Electorum Sanguis Jesu. A Treatise of the redemption and reconciliation that is in the blood of Christ, with the merit thereof, and the satisfaction wrought thereby; wherein the whole controversie of universal redemption is fully discussed in four books. Lond. 1649. qu.

Appendix upon occasion of a late book published by Mr. Joshua Sprigg, containing erroneous doctrine.—This is printed with Salus Elect.

Primier for Children.—This little book which was written for the training up of children in Independency, I have not yet seen, and therefore I cannot tell you where or when ’twas printed.

Of the death of Christ, the price he paid, and the purchase he made. Or the satisfaction and merit of the death of Christ cleered. and universality of redemption thereby oppugned, &c. Lond. 1650. qu.

Diatriba de justitia divina, seu justitiae vindicatricis vindiciae, &c. Oxon. 1653. oct.

The doctrine of the Saints perseverance explained and confirmed, &c. against Joh. Goodwins Redemption redeemed, &c. Lond. 1654. fol.

Vindiciae Evangelicae: or the mystery of the Gospel vindicated, and Socinianisme examined, in consideration of a Catechisme called A Scripture Catechisme, written by John. Biddle M. A, and the Catechisme of Valentinus Smalcius, commonly called The Racovian Catechisme. Oxon. 1655. qu.

Vindication of the testimonies of the Scripture concerning the deity and satisfaction of Jesus Christ, &c. against Hugo Grotius—Printed with Vindiciae Evangelicae.

Vindication of some things formerly written about the death of Christ and the fruites thereof from the animadversions of Mr. Rich. Baxter—Printed also with Vind. Evang.

Of the mortification of sin in Beleivers, &c. resolving cases of conscience thereunto belonging. Lond. 1656. oct. &c.

A review of the Annotations of Hugo Grotius, in reference to the doctrine of the deity and satisfaction of Christ, &c. with a defence of the charge formerly laid against them. Oxon. 1656. qu. Written in answer to Dr. H. Hammond.

Catechisme; or, an introduction to the worship of God, and discipline of the Churches of the New Testam.—Printed 1657. oct. &c. Animadverted upon by Geor. Fox the Quaker in his Great mystery of the great whore unfolded, &c. Lond. 1659. fol. p. 263.

Of the true nature of Schisme, with reference to the present differences in religion. Oxon. 1657. oct.

Review of the true nature of Schisme, with a vindication of the congregational Churches in England from the imputation thereof unjustly charged on them by Mr. Dan. Cawdrey Minister of Billing in Northamptonshire. Oxon. 1657 oct.

Of Communion with God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, each person distinctly; in love, grace and consolation: or the Saints fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, unfolded. Oxon. 1657. qu. In this book (as in some other of his works) he doth strangely affect in ambiguous and uncouth words, canting, mystical and unintelligible phrases to obscure sometimes the plainest and most obvious truths: And at other times he endeavours by such a mist and cloud of sensless terms to draw a kind of vail over the most erroneous doctrines. But against this book came out another, long after, written by Dr. Will. Sherlock, entit. A discourse concerning the knowledge of Jesus Christ and our union and communion with him, &c. Lond. 1674, &c. Which book at its first coming out made a great noise and found many Adversaries, viz. besides Dr. Owen, who wrot a vindication as I shall tell you anon, was (1) Rob. Ferguson a noted Scotch Divine, who taught boys Grammar and University learning at Islington near London, in his book called The interest of reason in religion, &c. Printed in oct. (2) Edw. Polhill of Burwash in Sussex Esq. in his Divine will considered, &c. as it seems. (3) Antisozzo, or Sherlocismus enervatus, &c. Pr. in oct. said to be written by Benj. Alsop a Nonconforming Minister, who since the death of their famous A. Marvel hath been Quibler and Punner in ordinary to the dissenting party, tho he comes much short of that person. It was the first piece in which he bestowed his pretensions to wit and buffoonry, and it was admired much by the Brethren. Besides these, Tho. Danson put in his answer entit. A friendly debate, &c. and one or two more viz. the author of Speculum Sherlockianum, supposed to have been written by Hen. Hickman, and Prodromus: or a character of Mr. Sherlocks book called A discourse, &c. Lond. 1674. oct. Written by Sam. Rolle sometimes Fellow of Trin. Coll. in Cambridge. Afterwards Sherlock made a Reply to Owens Vindication, and Fergusons Interest of reason, &c. (not taking any particular notice of Polhill and Antisozzo) in a second piece called A defence and continuation of the discourse concerning the knowledge of Jesus Christ and our union and communion with him, with a particular respect to the doctrine of the Church of England &c. Lond. 1675. oct. Dr. Owen hath also written,

A defence of Mr. John Cotton from the imputation of self-contradiction, charged on him by Mr. Dan. Cawdrey, written by himself not long before his death. Lond. 1658. oct, whereunto is prefixed by our author Owen.

An answer to a late treatise of Mr. Cawdrey about the nature of Schisme.

Nature, power and danger of temptation. Oxon. 1658. octavo.

Pro sacris scripturis adversus hujus temporis Fanaticos exercitationes Apologeticae quatuor. Oxon. 1658. oct.

Of the divine original, authority, self evidencing light and power of the Scripture, &c. Oxon. 1659. oct.

Vindication of the integrity and purity of the Hebrew and Greek text of the Scripture—Printed with The Divine Original, &c.

Considerations on the Prologomena, and Appendix to the late Biblia Polyglotta—This, which is also printed with The Divine Original, &c. was written against Dr. Brian Walton.

A paper containing resolutions of certain questions concerning the power of the supreme Magistrate about religion, and the worship of God; with one about Tythes. Lond. 1659 in one sh. in qu. Answer’d soon after by a Quaker in another sheet entit. A Winding-sheet for Englands Ministry, which hath a name to live but is dead.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . sive de natura, ortu, progressu & studio verae Theologiae, Libri 6. &c. Oxon. 1661. qu.

Digressiones de Gratia universali scientiarum ortu, &c. Pr. with the former book.

Animadversions on a Treatise entituled Fiat lux, &c. Lond. 1662. oct. Which book, Fiat lux: or a general conduct to a right understanding and charity in the great combustion and broiles about religion in England, between Papists and Protestants, Presb. and Independents, printed the same year in oct, was written by a learned Franciscan Fryer called John Vincent Cane, who dying in, or near, Somerset house in the Strand, within the liberty of Westm. in the month of June 1672, was buried in the Vault under the Chappel belonging to that House. About 1665 he, (Cane) published a little thing entit. Diaphanta, written by him, partly against Mr. Edw. Stillingfleet, in which he endeavours barely to excuse Catholick religion against the opposition of several Adversaries. It is briefly animadverted on by the said Mr. Stillingfleet in a Postscript to his reply to Mr. Joh. Sargeants Third Appendix; which reply is placed as an Appendix at the end of Mr. Joh. Tillotsons book called The rule of faith. He also wrot An account of Dr. Stillingfleets late book against the Church of Rome. Together with a short postill upon his text. Print. 1672. in oct. The title of which in the first page of this book, is ΤΩ ΚΑΘΟΛΙΚΩ Stillingfleeton. He also wrot A Dialogue between a Knight and a Lady about Popery; and Letters under the name of Diaphanta in tw. Besides this Jo. Vinc. Cane, was one John Keynes a Jesuit, born, as I have heard his acquaintance say, at Compton Painsford in Somersetshire, author of Doctor Stillingfleet against Dr. Stillingfleet; which being answer’d, he came out with a reply entit. Dr. Stillingfleet still against Stillingfleet: or a reply to Dr. Stillingfleets answer to a book called Dr. Stillingfleet against Dr. Stillingfleet, &c.—But all this being spoken by the by, let’s now go forward with Owen, who hath also written,

Vindication of the animadversions on Fiat Lux. Lond. 1664. oct.

A peace-offering; in an Apology and humble plea for indulgence and liberty of conscience. Lond. 1667. qu.

Indulgence and toleration considered in a Letter to a person of honour—Printed with the Peace offering.

Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews: Also concerning the Messiah, &c. with an Exposition and discourses on the two first chapters of the said Epist. to the Hebrews. Lond. 1668. fol.

Truth and innocence vindicated; in a survey of a discourse concerning Ecclesiastical Polity. Lond. 1669. oct. By the publishing of which book, written against Samuel Parker, he thought (as ’tis ((*))((*)) In A Letter to a friend, as before, p. 34. said) to have put a stop to the whole proceedings of Parliament, and to have involved the nation in confusion and blood.

A brief declaration and vindication of the doctrine of the Trinity: As also of the person and satisfaction of Christ &c. Lond. 1669 in tw. &c. He the said Dr. Owen was also supposed to be the author of

A sober answer to A friendly debate between a Conformist and Nonconformist; written by way of Letter to the author thereof. Lond. 1669. oct. Published under the name of Philagathus; but the true author, as it since appears, was Sam. Rolle a Nonconformist, before mention’d.

Practical exposition on the 130. Psalm, wherein the nature of the forgiveness of sin is declared and the truth and reality of it asserted, &c. Lond. 1669. 1680 qu.

Exercitations concerning the name, original, nature, use and continuance of a day of sacred rest, wherein the original of the Sabbath from the foundation of the World, the morality of the fourth commandment, &c. are inquired into, &c. Lond. 1671. oct.

Discourse concerning evangelical Love, Church peace and unity, &c. written in vindication of the principles and practice of some Ministers and others. Lond. 1672. oct.

Plea for Nonconformists, tending to justifie them against the clamorous charge of Schisme. Lond. 1674. oct, wherein are two printed sheets on the same subject, by John Humphrey.

Discourse concerning the holy spirit; wherein an account is given of its name, nature, personality, dispensation, operations and effects, &c. Lond. 1674. fol. Answered by Will. Clagett of Cambridge in a book entit. A discourse concerning the operations of the holy spirit; with a confutation of some part of Dr. Owens book on that subject. Lond. 1680. &c. oct. It consists of three parts, in the last of which the author proveth that the Antients make not for Dr. Owens turn, as Dr. Owen insinuats by adorning his margin with quotations out of the Fathers.

Vindication of some passages in a discourse concerning Communion with God, from the exceptions of Will. Sherlock. Lond. 1674. oct. Soon after came out a book against this, entit. A discourse concerning the imputation of Christs righteousness to us and our sins to him, with many questions thereunto pertaining, resolved: Together with reflections more at large upon what hath been published concerning that subject by Mr. Rob. Ferguson in his Interest of Religion, and Dr. Owen in his book stiled Communion with God. Lond. 1675. oct. Written by Tho. Hotchkis Rector of Staunton near Highworth in Wilts, sometimes M. of A. of Corp. Ch. Coll. in Cambridge.

Exercitations, and an exposition on the third, fourth and fifth Chapters of the Ep. of S. Paul the Ap. to the Hebrews Lond. 1674. fol. This is the second Vol. of the exercitations before mention’d. The first vol. is an exposition on the first and second Chapters, and the exposition on all five, is contracted by Matth. Pole (who stiles it Lucubratio non vulgari doctrina conscripta) and put into the fifth vol. of Synopsis.

The nature, power, deceit and prevalency of the remainder of indwelling sin in Believers; together with the ways of its working and means of prevention. Lond. 1675. oct. It was also printed in 1668. in oct.

The nature of Apostasie from the profession of the Gospel, and the punishment of Apostates, in an exposition o [•] Hebrews chap. 6. ver. 4.5.6. Lond. 1676. oct.

The reason of faith; or an answer unto the enquiry, whether we believe the Scripture to be the word of God; with the causes and nature of that faith wherewith we do so. Lond. 1677. oct.

The doctrine of justification by faith through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, explained, confirmed and vindicated. Lond. 1677. qu. Briefly answered by the aforesaid Tho. Hotchkis in a Postscript at the end of the second part of his Discourse concerning imputed righteousness. Lond. 1678. oct.

The causes, ways and means of understanding the mind of God as revealed in his word with assurance therein. And a declaration of the perspicuity of the Scriptures, with the external means of the interpretation of them. Lond. 1678. oct.

The Church of Rome no safe guide: or reasons to prove that no rational man, who takes due care of his eternal salvation, can give himself up to the conduct of that Church in matters of religion. Lond. 1679. qu.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : or a declaration of the glorious mystery of the person of Christ, God and Man: with the infinite wisdome, love and power of God in the contrivance and constitution thereof. As also of the grounds and reasons of his incarnation, &c. Lond. 1680. qu.

A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, viz. on the 6.7.8.9 and tenth chapters. Wherein, together with the explication of the text and context, the Priesthood of Christ as typed by those of Melchisedeck and Aaron with an account of their distinct Offices, &c. are declared, explained and confirmed. Lond. 1680. fol. This is the third vol. of exposition on Hebrews.

A brief vindication of the Nonconformists from the charge of Schisme, as it was managed against them in a Sermon preached before the L. Mayor; by Dr. Stillingfleet Dean of S. Pauls. Lond. 1680. qu. A character, first of this Answer, 2. of Mr. Baxters, which is in qu. 3. Of the Letter written ((a))((a)) Printed at Lond. 1680. qu. out of the Country to a person of quality in the City, 4. Of B. Alsops book call’d Mischief ((b))((b)) Lond. 1680. qu. of imposition, 5. Of The Rector of Sutton committed with the Dean of Pauls, or a defence of Dr. Stilling fleets Irenicum, &c. against his late Sermon entit. The mischief of separation, against the author of The Christian temper (said to be written by John Barret M. of A.) in a ((c))((c)) Ib. 1680. qu. Letter to a friend; I say the respective characters of these five answers to Dr. Stillingfleets Sermon before mention’d, together with that of The peaceable design renewed, &c. wrot by John Humphrey (with which Dr. Stillingfleet begins first) are to be found in the preface to the said Doctors Unreasonableness ((d))((d)) Ib. 1681. qu. sec. edit. of separation, &c. Which characters as are thus given, are reflected on by a short piece entit. Reflections on Dr. Stillingfleets book of the unreasonableness of separation. Lond. 1681. qu. Written by a Conformist Minister in the Country, in order to peace.

The nature and efficacy of the sacrifice of Christ, as typed by all the sacrifices of the Law, the erection of the Tabernacle according to the heavenly pattern; with the institution of all its utensils and services; their especial signification and end, &c. Lond. 1681.

An enquiry into the original, institution, power, order, and communion of Evangelical Churches, the first part. Lond. 1681. qu.

Answer to a Discourse of the unreasonableness of separation, written by Dr. Stillingfleet—Printed with the Enquiry.

Discourse of the work of the holy spirit in prayer, with a brief enquiry into the nature and use of mental prayer and formes. Lond. 1681. oct.

An humble testimony unto the goodness and severity of God in his dealing with sinful Churches and Nations: or, the only way to deliver a sinful Nation from utter ruin by impendent judgments: in a discourse on Luke 13.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Lond. 1681. oct. Printed with the Discourse of the work, &c.

The grace and duty of being spiritually minded; declared and practically improved. Lond. 1681. 82. qu. This is the sum of certain of Sermons.

A brief instruction in the Worship of God, and discipline of the Churches of the New Testam. by way of question and answer, with an explication and confirmation of those answers. Lond. 1682. oct. &c.

Meditations and discourses on the Glory of Christ, in his person, office and grace, with the difference between faith and sight, applyed to the use of them that believe. Lond. 1683. 84. &c. oct. Opus Posth.

Treatise of the dominion of sin and grace; wherein sins reign is discovered, in whom it is, and in whom it is not; how the law supports it, how grace delivers from it, by setting up its dominion in the heart. Lond. 1688. oct.

The true nature of a Gospel Church and its government; wherein these following particulars are distinctly handled. 1. The subject matter of the Church. 2. The formal cause of a particular Church. 3. Of the policy of the Church in general, &c. Lond. 1689. qu. Afterwards came out certain Animadversions on the said book, but by whom written, I cannot tell.

A brief and impartial account of the nature of the Protestant religion, its present state in the World, its strength and weakness, with the ways and indications of the ruin or continuance of its publick national profession. Lond. 1690. qu.

Continuation, or the second part of that book formerly printed, the difference between faith and sight, being the meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ, applyed unto converted sinners, and Saints under spiritual decays, in two chapters from John 17.24. Lond. 1691. oct. Our author Dr. Owen, with Dr. Tho. Jacomb, Dr. Will. Bates, Dr. Jo. Collings, Mr. Pet. Vinke, Joh. How, Dav. Clarkson and Ben. Alsop did undertake in June 1682 to finish the English Annotations of the Holy Scripture, in 2. vol. in fol. which were began by Matthew Pole or Poole, and carried on by him to the 58 chapt. of Isaiah, and there is no doubt but that Owen did his share in that work; who also hath written prefaces and epistles before divers books, by way of recommendation, among which are his and Dr. Tho. Goodwins epist. before Dr. T. Taylors works: A preface also to the Exposition of the song of Solomon, written by Jam. Durham sometimes Minister of the Gospel in Glascow—Printed 1669. in qu. An Epist. commend. (with another by Mr. Baxter) to The Christians dayly walk in holy security and peace, written by Hen. Scudder—Printed 1674. the eleventh edit. An ep. by way of recom. to A new and useful concordance of the Holy Bible, &c. Another before The Ark of the Covenant, and a large preface to The true Idea of Jansenisme, as I have already told you in Theoph. Gale, &c. But as for Jo. Bradshawes Ultimum vale, being the last words that are ever intended to be spoke of him; as they were delivered in a Sermon preach’d at his interment, printed in two sh. in qu. and said to be written by John Owen D. D. Time-server general of England, is not his, but fathered upon him by one who desired then to make sport in the great City. At length he the said Dr. Owen having spent most of his time in continual agitation to carry on the cause, to promote his own interest and gain the applause of people, he did very unwillingly lay down his head and die at Eling near Acton in Middlesex on S. Barthelmews day in sixteen hundred eighty and three, having a little before been knowing of,1683. and consenting to, the Presbyterian Plot that was discovered some time before his death: Whereupon his body was conveyed to a house in S. James’s, where resting for some-time, was, on the 4. of Sept. following, attended by about 20 mourners and 67 coaches that followed, to the Fanatical burying-place, called by some Tyndales Burying-place, joyning on the North side to the New Artillery-garden, near London; where it was buried at the East end thereof. Soon after was an Altar-tomb of freestone erected over his grave, covered with a black marble plank, with a large inscription thereon, part of which runs thus. Johannes Owen S. T. P. Agro Oxoniensi oriundus, patre insigni Theologo Theologus ipse insignior, & seculi hujus insignissimis annumerandus: Communibus humanarum literarum suppetiis, ménsura parum communi instructus; omnibus quasi ordinata Ancillarum serie suae jussis familiari Theologiae, &c.—Obiit Augusti 24. anno à partu virginio 1683 Aetat. 67. Besides this John Owen, I find another of both those names, Chaplain to Henry Lord Grey of Ruthen, author of Immoderate mourning for the dead prov’d unreasonable and unchristian, &c. Sermon on 2. Sam. 12.21.22.23. Lond. 1680 in oct, and perhaps of other things.