USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 8
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" I was awakened to a sense of my lost estate, by nature, by a woman who, from religious motives, had
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quitted the practice of dancing. I thought she was wrong, and took uncommon pains to convince her. But she turned the scales upon me, and, by a few words, convinced me not only that I was wrong, but, moreover, that I was a vile, ungrateful sinner. She quoted this important truth from Scripture, 'That we must be converted'-a phrase that I had never heard, or, at least, had never considered before. This had the desired effect. It brought about an immediate self- examination, which was attended with Divine light, and I soon plainly discovered that I was far gone from original righteousness-that I was a most ungrateful be- ing, and, although I could not charge myself with any scandalous sins, so called by the world, I found myself destitute of everything truly and religiously good, my life having been devoted to the pleasures and maxims of this poor and wicked world. Immediately, I felt determined, by the grace of God, to seek for true re- ligion, let the consequence be what it might, and engaged in reading, prayer and meditation. The Word of God was my delight: things began to appear in a different light, and I was condemned by the Word of God and by my own conscience. I had violent opposition from various quarters, particularly from my husband, who peremptorily forbid my going to meeting, and often declared that, unless I would quit this new course of mine, he would live with me no longer. Once, because I attended a meeting in his absence, he was so much irritated that he whipped the boy that waited on me to the meeting, and went off for a short season. This was, indeed, a trying time-how to act so as to please God
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and be obedient to my husband. I expostulated, and told him I had a soul to save, and must do it-that I was willing to comply with all his reasonable com- mands, and would do everything I could with a clear conscience to please him, but could go no farther. I felt more and more the necessity of heart-felt religion, and was much in earnest to obtain it. I had parted with all my actual sins (as I verily believe), except one, for which I had a great propensity : it was jesting. I had great delight to please the company I then kept, and was of a very volatile disposition. In the meantime I heard of a people called 'The Methodists,' and was very desirous to hear them preach, but was debarred from it for two or three years. I took some pains to make myself acquainted with the different tenets of the various sects, that I might judge for myself; and, from what I could learn, the Methodists held opinions which accorded with mine.
" We were then living in King William county, in the midst of a people much opposed to vital religion and utterly ignorant of spiritual things; and I pray God for them, that they may not still continue in the same darkness. About the beginning of the Revolu- tionary war, however, we removed up the country, and settled in Halifax county, Virginia, where I had the great gratification to hear a Methodist preacher. His name was John Dickins. It was a comfortable season. His doctrines were edifying, and well coincided with the creed which I had formed for myself. He preached from Second Corinthians, chapter v. verse 17th-' Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a
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new creature'-and his words came with power. Even my companion, who heard in much prejudice, acknowl- edged he never had heard a man who knew how to preach extempore, till then ; and, I believe, through the instrumentality of this man, my companion was awakened to seek the salvation of his soul. After reading the Rules of the Methodist Society, he proposed joining members to form a class. I was so captivated with his preaching, doctrine and Rules, that I would gladly have joined him immediately, and partaken of the reproaches of Christ which had fallen upon this little body of people. But my companion did not consent. I was determined, however, to keep the Rules, although my name could not be enrolled on their class paper. After this, I was freed from restraint about hearing them preach ; and, in a few weeks, I went to hear a youth of eighteen-Ishum Tatum. Although a mere beardless boy, he spake by the energy of the Spirit; and, whilst he pronounced the words of truth, I was blessed with the spirit of adoption. My load of sin fell off-peace and joy sprung up in my soul-love to God and man flowed into my heart-and I knew that, 'For me, the Saviour died !' My witness was so clear and manifest, that not a doubt of its reality has ever arisen in my mind. I was so overpowered, by divine grace, that, for some time, I forgot my home; and, with truth, I could say, ' Old things are passed away ! Behold all things are become new "'
"That day, four weeks, the young preacher came again ; and, after his sermon was ended, again proposed to admit members into his Society : and, to the surprise
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of every one present, my companion went forward and desired to have his name enrolled as a member. This was highly pleasing to me ; and I, also, went forward and joined at the same time. This took place about thirty-three years ago. Thus happily placed among the people whom I loved as my soul, I felt inexpressible joy, whilst we sweetly took counsel together. The preaching place was near our house, so that I could conveniently attend the preaching and class-meetings; and we had comfort in helping each other on, in our way towards the peaceful shores of bliss.
" After having been some time in this state of peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, I began to discover there were greater attainments in religion than those I had as yet experienced. Although I felt no condemnation for actual transgression, yet I found my heart was not wholly given to God : I did not love the Lord with all my soul, might, mind and strength. I found remains of the carnal mind, and that the body of sin was not destroyed. Again I began to double my dili- gence in calling upon God, reading his precious Word, and in hearing discourses on the doctrine of sanctifica- tion. It was not long till I was nearly convinced it was my privilege to enjoy this unspeakable blessing. I was then frequently determined, by the grace of God, to seek after it, and not rest till I had found the blessed treasure; and I as often saw with clearness, that, without holiness of heart and life, no one shall see the Lord. Sometimes I had no doubt but that the Lord would bestow it upon me, sooner or later, and began to cry to God to sanctify
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me throughout soul, body and spirit-to give me that perfect love which casteth out fear !
' Oh make me all in Thee complete ! Oh make me all for glory mete !'
But I was several times discouraged by conversing with some professors of religion in the neighborhood, who declared against the possibility of the attainment, and appealed to their own experience for their own confirma- tion. At length, however, my conviction of the reality of this grace was still more deepened, and I was brought to cry, mightily too, in earnest expectation of the bless- ing. And the Lord was good and gracious unto me. He heard and answered my petition. I was enabled, by faith, to trust His great and precious promises ; and I knew, by joyful experience, that 'God was faithful and just, not only to forgive us our sins, but also to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'
" This great and happy additional change took place something more than two years after I had experienced the forgiveness of my sins. From that time, even until now, I feel myself a poor, needy and unprofitable crea- ture-the least of all God's people ; but let His name be praised for the revelation of this grace. I do know I love Him with my whole heart. I love His law-I love His people ; and I had rather be a door-keeper in His house, than dwell in the palaces of kings. I daily feel that love which passeth all understanding, and is full of glory ! ' I reckon myself dead unto sin,' 'and to this world.' I feel universal love and good will to men ; and
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my daily and heart-felt prayer to God is, 'Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven !' I have no confidence in the flesh-and I can say with truth, 'The life I now live, is by faith in Christ Jesus.'
' There is my home and portion fair, My treasure and my heart are there, And my abiding home. For me, my elder Brethren stay, And angels beckon me away, And Jesus bids me come !'
" It may be useful to others for me to state, that I have been much afflicted with sickness, and, for more than twenty years, have hardly experienced one well day. In the year 1780, I went to the Warm Springs, but ex- perienced very little benefit. Several years afterwards, I visited the Sweet Springs, and found some relief; and the last few years of my life have been the most healthy I have experienced for the space of forty years. But, blessed be the name of the Lord, I am bound to say that, under all my pain and sufferings, I never had a mur- muring thought. With the Psalmist, I felt 'It was good for me to be afflicted'-and was constanily sup- ported by the words of the great Apostle to the Hebrews : ' Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.'
" I have now been endeavoring to walk in the way of obedience thirty-six years ; and it has been something more than thirty-three years, since I was brought to the knowledge of God in the pardon of my sins. And in all this course I have found, that it is by faith alone that I have attained to anything pertaining to true godliness. When I obtained mercy at the first, I was enabled to
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believe that Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, had died for all, and especially for me. I loved the Lord, for He had first loved me. I ventured my soul upon Him, and felt joy and peace in the Holy Ghost. When I was burdened with a conscious sense of inbred corrup- tion, I ventured again to cast myself upon his mercy and his power, believing Him 'able and willing to save to the uttermost, them that believe.' My prayer, then, was, ' Give me a clean heart, oh God ! and renew a right spirit within me.'
" From the day that my faith in God became stead- fast, even until now, I enjoy a continual peace-a peace which flows like a river. I am still a monument of the Divine mercy ; and I feel, as much as ever, disposed to spend my few remaining days to the honor and glory of the Redeemer's grace. The hope of an immortal crown now raises my heart above the trifling toys of this vain world. I am not, however, without my comforts here- for I take the greatest delight in the worship of God, and in the fellowship of the saints. I have joy in seeing the prosperity of Zion. When I first became a member of the Methodist Society, there were not more than three or four thousand on this whole continent, including all the riding preachers, twenty in number. From this little cloud, I have seen the work spread, until I have now lived to hear there are not less than sixteen thousand members, five hundred riding and two thousand local preachers. May God continue to bless his vineyard. Great Father of Light, let Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
E. MARTIN."
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THE OWENS FAMILY.
" Ah me! full sorely is my heart forlorn,
To think how modest worth neglected lies, While partial Fame doth with her blasts adorn, Such deeds alone, as pride and pomp disguise, Deeds of ill sort, and mischievous emprise, Lend me thy clarion, goddess ! let me try To sound the praise of merit, ere it dies.
" In elbow chairs, (like those of Scottish stem, By the sharp tooth of cankering old defaced, In which, when he receives his diadem,
Our sovereign prince and liefest liege is placed,) The matron sat; and some with rank she graced, The source of children's and of courtier's pride,) Redressed affronts-for vile affronts there passed- And warned them not the fretful to deride, But love each other dear, whatever them betide."
Extracts from SHENSTONE'S SCHOOL-MISTRESS.
OWEN OWENS and Mrs. JANE OWENS were na- tives of Augusta county, but soon after the settle- ment of Lynchburg they removed thither, where they soon became the most prominent of its inhab- itants, giving to the newly formed town influences
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which bave greatly tended to advance its prosperity and refinement.
Mr. and Mrs. Owens were well educated and in- telligent, possessing, in a high degree, the purest and most refined species of mental culture-for they both had the most enthusiastic love for the beauti- ful, as seen in creation, particularly in shrubs, plants and flowers, which they cultivated in great perfection, thus investing life with all the poetry of which it is capable, and diffusing through Lynch- burg a taste for Botany and Floriculture.
They established in this town a school, which was first kept at the house on the corner opposite to the old Masons' Hall, but removing to the present resi- dence of Dr. William Owens, the school was for many years kept in the basement of that house : and from that room have been carried impressions whose influence will be felt through time and eternity.
The heart expands at the mention of the name of Owens, and there are doubtless many now in Lynchburg, besides numbers scattered throughout the Union, who will sympathize in these emotions. Mrs. Owens was the beloved instructress of nearly every child in Lynchburg, and grateful indeed should the present inhabitants feel, could they com- mand the services of such a teacher. Incredible was the rapidity with which her pupils were brought forward. In those good old days, learning was
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taken in the natural way ; and there were no pleas- ing series with pictures to allure on the child, but only Webster's* Spelling-Book, in an unmitigated form, with the Bible and Testament as sole reading books for beginners; yet her pupils made more rapid progress than those of the present day, with all of their alleviations, correct spelling and beau- tiful penmanship being the peculiar forte of our beloved instructress. Having an enthusiastic love for flowers, these simple, beautiful tokens were given out by her on Friday evening as rewards. She had a knowledge of drawing and painting, and gave lessons in these accomplishments. Plain and ornamental needle-work were important branches in her school, and many of her patterns and designs would put to shame those in Godey's Lady's Book. Judicious and impartial, she reigned supreme in the hearts of the loving band of young children who en- circled her, and no clouds overshadowed this happy abode, till the death of Mr. Owen Owens; but after this period, Mrs. Owens resumed her labors, continuing them for many years, and relinquishing them most unwillingly on the advance of age and infirmity. She survived her husband many years,
* Mrs. Owens was among the first in Virginia who adopted this spelling-book, and at a time when his pronunciation and his manner of dividing words was ridiculed by most persons.
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living to an advanced age,* and when full of years and honors, she calmly breathed her last at the re- sidence of her daughter, in the town of Lynchburg.
The taste for flowers, drawing and painting was not all for which Lynchburg was indebted to the Owens family. Many years since they established a circulating library, with a number of choice volumes by the best authors. The works of Madame de Stael, Madame de Sevigne, Madame de Genlis, the works of Lady Morgan, Miss Burney, Monk Lewis, the works of Miss Edgeworth, as many as were then written-all these adorned their book- shelves, in addition to a large quantity of useful and valuable reading, which fostered in Lynchburg a taste for the best writings; and Owens' Circulating Library has been the means of bringing many ac- quainted with the standard British authors, and ยท stimulating them to pursue still farther their read- ing, when perhaps their taste for literature might have remained dormant, but for the facilities afforded by this library.
Of this family alone survive Mrs. HENRY LA- THAM and Dr. WILLIAM OWENS, both well known and beloved in our community. Dr. Owens is much
* Should not her numerous pupils over the United States unite to place a monument over her remains ?
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esteemed for his excellence, and valued for his skill in medicine ; but both of these qualifications are only secondary in comparison with his many virtues as a son and brother ; his dutiful and affectionate con- duct to his parents in his early youth, his respectful, devoted attachment to them when they were aged and infirm, his tender care of sisters and brothers, to whom he acted the part of a parent-all these it is, which make us admire and respect this good man, and ardently desire that he may experience fully the truth of the only commandment with pro- mise. Dr. William Owens married, when a young man, Jane Latham, of Culpeper. She was a lady of great worth and intelligence, and her death many years since, was a sad loss to her husband and young family.
There were two younger brothers of Dr. William Owens-BENJAMIN FRANKLIN and SEPTIMUS D. OWENS. They were young men of fine intellectual gifts, and of great promise, but both of them died young. These brothers were remarkably hand- some, and their portraits, beautifully taken in oil, still remain in the family, serving to recall the past in a manner both pleasant and mournful.
After the decease of Mr. Owen Owens, the family continued unbroken till the death of Mrs. HUGHES,* the oldest daughter. Sarah Owens pos-
* In 1820 or '21, according to the memory of the writer.
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sessed the loveliest traits of character, and was greatly beloved in Lynchburg, where she resided. She had been married for some years to Mr. Hughes, and they lived about a square from the residence of Mrs. Owens. Occasionally we would see her with her sister and mother, and before we could define why it was, we felt better and happier after we had been with them. On a Friday morn- ing in the summer of 1820, we hastened as usual to school, ever anxious, as we were, to meet our beloved teacher, but missing her from her accustomed place, we were told by a domestic that her mistress had been sent for in the night to see Mrs. Hughes, who was dangerously ill.
The heart-rending notes of distress from her young sister up stairs, told us in thrilling accents, that Mrs. Hughes was in the last extremity. Pre- vious to this time, an unexpected holiday had always been a delight, for then we would go off in small bands to roam the adjacent hills for plants and flowers, often stimulated in the pursuit by the anticipated pleasure of presenting some of these simple offerings to our beloved instructress. But on this day no joy could such pursuits afford ; we dispersed, it is true, to the hills, but ere attaining the summit of the highest and most beautiful, the mournful notes of the bell announced to us that Mrs. Hughes had breathed her last, and the solemn knell was echoed through glen and valley,
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till the number of years of the deceased had been tolled.
The following Monday we returned to school, and our teacher, as usual, sat by her little table, the moisture in her eye and slight tremor of her hand alone evincing outwardly the sorrow within; and we knew not, till in after years, what efforts it cost that bereaved mother, so soon to again enter upon the active duties of life. Two lovely little girls, the daughters of Mrs. Hughes, we found domes- ticated with their grandmother, and, with tender- ness and childish sorrow, we gazed on these young children, so early deprived of their mother ; and feeling that though we could not recall the dead, we could at least bring more peace to our own hearts, by cherishing the living ; and from that hour we all felt bound to those little beings by the strongest cords of love and sympathy !
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SCHOOLS ON CHURCH STREET.
" While some on earnest business bent, Their murmuring labors ply,
'Gainst graver hours that bring content, To sweeten liberty,
Some bold adventurers disdain
The limits of their little reign, And unknown regions dare descry ;
Still as they run they look behind, They hear a voice in every wind, And snatch a fearful joy."
GRAY's lines on a distant view of Eaton College.
The schools on this street were so numerous that it might very properly have been called "School Street." One of these institutions was kept by JOHN REID, Esq., in the house now occu- pied by Mr. John Cary. Mr. Reid was a younger brother of the Rev. W. S. Reid, and he was re- markable for steady discipline, governing his pupils with all the vigor and energy of "Canny York- shire." In the next house above was a school kept by Mrs. LOYD; and the house at the corner, just below the present residence of Dr. William Owens,
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was occupied by Mr. RAWSON, a native of New England, who kept there, for boys, an excellent classical school. The excellent institution of Mrs. OWENS has already been mentioned in the preceding chapter ; and the house, at the corner above, just across the street from the old Masonic Hall, was the residence of Mrs. VICTOR, a venerable, excellent lady, from Fredericksburg. Her daughter, Mrs. Lucy Johnson, then resided with her mother, and long will the former lady be affectionately remem- bered in Lynchburg, for her kindness to the sick and afflicted. Possessing a very retentive memory, and a fund of anecdote, her society was peculiarly acceptable to the invalid; and so great were her conversational powers, that she would attract the young to her for hours, causing them to forget engagements made to join a gay circle. Her sister, Miss MARIA VICTOR, kept, for many years, an excellent school in the basement of that house, and, being a worthy communicant of the Presby- terian Church, her scholars were principally the children of members who worshiped with that denomination. Miss Maria Victor was the first teacher who introduced medals in Lynchburg, the system having been by her fairly tested, and the results being such as to show that their use tended to stimulate pupils, and to induce amongst them a spirit of emulation. She was an advocate for colonization, liberating some valuable slaves be-
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longing to her, amongst them Tom Dyson, well known in Lynchburg as an accomplished servant and excellent carriage-driver.
Musical instruments, at this time, were very rare in Lynchburg, and an old spinet stood in this school-room, bereft of all its strings, save one, and looking quite as pensive and mournful as Tara's harp. Yet this ancient piano was looked upon with great awe and respect, by the urchins from the different schools in that vicinity.
A school was always kept in the old Masonic Hall of Lynchburg. In the year 1822, one was established there by the Rev. F. G. SMITH ; and in a few years, he was succeeded by JOHN CARY, Esq., who then as now exercised a powerful in- fluence in this town. It has been said that one reason that there are not more good male teachers is, that the employment is generally regarded as only a stepping-stone to some of the learned professions, and the time occupied in imparting instructions, is too often regarded as a time of probation, till circumstances permit the teacher to emerge as a barrister or a physician. May not the great success which has attended Mr. Cary in this department, be owing somewhat to his having made teaching his permanent profession ? It is highly desirable that there should be more who choose for their avocation that of teaching, and diligently
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pursue it for a term of years, after the example of Mr. Cary.
There was great rivalry between the pupils of these numerous institutions, none of them being willing to acknowledge a less number of pupils than assembled in the school-rooms attended by their companions. Frequent practical jokes were played off, by way of retort, on those who made insinuations against teachers, pupils and school- rooms ; and every opportunity of this sort was greatly prized by all of the scholars on that street, particularly by those attending the boys' school, held in the Masonic Hall.
In the year 1828, a man by the name of WATSON appeared in Lynchburg, with hand-bills and advertisements, affirming that, in sixteen lessons he would give a thorough knowledge of the Eng- lish Grammar-stating, also, that the years usually spent in studying the structure of the English language was nothing but a wanton and sinful waste of our precious time. The tendency of human nature, in general, has been to find a royal road to geometry, and this disposition was now, with respect to grammar, manifested in the good town of Lynchburg. Accordingly, crowds of urchins, who had never before dreamed of any kinder intention than that of murdering the King's English, were now entered as pupils to Mr. Watson.
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