A53689:127
Eshcol: a cluster of the fruit of Canaan
Eshcol: a cluster of the fruit of Canaan; brought to the borders, for the encouragement of the saints, travelling thither-ward, with their faces towards Zion. Or, Rules of direction, for the walking of the saints in fellowship, according to the order of the Gospel. Collected and explained for the use of the Church at Coggeshall, by John Owen their pastor.Eshcol: a cluster of the fruit of Canaan; brought to the borders, for the encouragement of the saints, travelling thither-ward, with their faces towards Syon. Or, Rules of direction, for the walking of the saints in fellowship, according to the order of the Gospel. Collected and explained for the use of the Church at Coggeshall, by John Owen their pastor.
London: printed for Philemon Stephens, 1648
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
III RULE.
Earnest striving and contending in all lawful ways, by doing and suffering for the purity of the ordinances, honour, liberty and privileges of the Congregation, being jointly assistant against opposers, and common adversaries.
EArnest striving and contending in all lawfull wayes, by doing and suffering for the purity of the ordinances, honor, liberty and priviledges of the Congregation, being joyntly assistant against opposers, and common adversaries.
Jude 3. And exhort you, that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the Saints.
Heb. 12. 3. For consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye he wearied, and faint in your minds. V. 4. ye have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Heb. 12. 3. For consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye he wearied, and faint in your minds. V. 4. ye have not resisted unto blood, striving against sinne.
1 Jo. 3. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
V. 13. For Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty.
1 Cor. 7. 23. Ye are bought with a price, be ye not the servants of men.
Cant. 6. 4. Thou art beautiful ⟨p. 39⟩O my love, terrible as an Army with banners.
Cant. 6. 4. Thou art beautifull ⟨p. 39⟩O my love, terrible as an Army with banners.
1 Pet. 3. 15. be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Pet. 3. 15. be ready alwayes to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
EXPLIC. III.
The former Rule concerned our dealing with God, in the behalf of the Church; This our dealing with men, to the right performance hereof many things are required; as
THe former Rule concerned our dealing with God, in the behalf of the Church; This our dealing with men, to the right performance hereof many things are required; as
1. Diligent labouring in the Word, with fervent prayer, to acquaint our selves with the mind and will of God, concerning the way of worship which we profess, and the ⟨p. 40⟩rules of walking, which we desire to practise, that so we may be able to give an account to humble enquirers, and stop the mouths of stubborn opposers; according to our knowledge, such will be our valuation of the ordinances we enjoy: a man will not contend unless he knows his title.
2. An estimation of all the aspersions cast on, and injuries done to the Church to be Christs, and also our own; Christ wounded through the sides of his servants, and his ways; and if we are of his, though the blow light not immediately on us, we are not without pain: all such reproaches and rebukes fall on us.
2. An estimation of al the aspersions cast on, and injuries done to the Church to be Christs, and also our own; Christ wounded through the sides of his servants, and his wayes; and if we are of his, though the blow light not immediately on us, we are not without pain: all such reproaches and rebukes fall on us.
3. Just vindication of the Church against calumnies, and ⟨p. 41⟩false imputations; who can endure to hear his parents in the flesh falsely traduced? And shall we be senseless of her reproaches who bears us unto Christ?
3. Just vindication of the Church against calumnies, and ⟨p. 41⟩false imputations; who can endure to hear his parents in the flesh falsly traduced? And shall we be senseless of her reproaches who bears us unto Christ?