The following incident recorded about Owen is very revealing:
Mr Davis, who subsequently became pastor of the independent church at Rowell, in Northamptonshire, being under religious impressions, opened the state of his mind to Dr Owen. In the course of conversation Dr Owen said, Young man, pray in what manner do you think to go to God? Mr Davis answered, Through the Mediator, sir. To which the doctor replied, This is easily said, but I assure you it is another thing to go to God through the Mediator, than many who make use of the expression are aware of. I myself preached Christ some years, said he, when I had but very little, if any experimental acquaintance with access to God through Christ; until the Lord was pleased to visit me with sore affliction, whereby I was brought to the mouth of the grave, and under which my soul was oppressed with horror and darkness : but God graciously relieved my spirit, by a powerful application of Psalm cxxx. 4But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be fearedFrom whence I received special instruction, peace, and comfort, in drawing near to God, through the Mediator; and preached thereupon immediately after my recovery.