Eshcol: a cluster of the fruit of Canaan

Rom. 14. 19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Rom. 14. 19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edifie another.

Rom. 15. 5. Now the God of patience and consolation, grant you to be like-minded one towards another, &c.

1 Cor. 6. 5. Is it so, that there is not a wise man amongst you, no not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren, but brother goeth to law with brother; Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you.

EXPLIC. IV.

Union is the main aim and most proper fruit of love, neither is there any thing, or duty, of the Saints in the Gospel, pressed with ⟨p. 45⟩more earnestness, and vehemency of exhortation, then this. Now Unity is three-fold, First, purely spiritual, by the participation of the same Spirit of Grace; Communication in the same Christ, one head to all. This we have with all the Saints in the world, in what condition soever they be; yea, with those that are departed, Sitting down in the Kingdom of Heaven, with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Secondly, Ecclesiastical or Church-communion; in the participation of Ordinances, according to the order of the Gospel: This is a fruit and branch of the former; opposed to Schism, Divisions, Rents, evil surmisings, self-practises, causeless differences ⟨p. 46⟩in judgment in spiritual things concerning the Kingdom of Christ, with whatsoever else goeth off from closeness of affection, oneness of mind, consent in judgement to the form of wholesome words, conformity of practise to the Rule; and this is that which in the Churches, and among them, is so earnestly pressed, commanded, desired, as the glory of Christ, the honour of the Gospel, the joy and Crown of the Saints. Thirdly, Civil Unity, or an agreement in things of this life, not contending with them, nor about them, every one seeking the welfare of each other. Striving is unseemly for Brethren; why should they contend about the world, who ⟨p. 47⟩shall jointly judge the world?

VNnion is the main aime and most proper fruite of love, neither is there any thing, or duty, of the Saints in the Gospel, pressed with ⟨p. 45⟩more earnestnesse, and vehemency of exhortation, then this. Now Vnity is three-fold, First, purely spirituall, by the participation of the same Spirit of Grace; Communication in the same Christ, one head to all. This we have with all the Saints in the world, in what condition soever they be; yea, with those that are departed, Sitting down in the Kingdome of Heaven, with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Secondly, Ecclesiastical or Church-communion; in the participation of Ordinances, according to the order of the Gospel: This is a fruit and branch of the former; opposed to Schisme, Divisions, Rents, evill surmisings, self-practises, causlesse differences ⟨p. 46⟩in judgment in spirituall things concerning the Kingdome of Christ, with whatsoever else goeth off from closenesse of affection, onenesse of mind, consent in judgement to the forme of wholesome words, conformity of practise to the Rule; and this is that which in the Churches, and among them, is so earnestly pressed, commanded, desired, as the glory of Christ, the honour of the Gospel, the joy and Crown of the Saints. Thirdly, Civil Unity, or an agreement in things of this life, not contending with them, nor about them, every one seeking the wellfare of each other. Striving is unseemly for Brethren; why should they contend about the world, who ⟨p. 47⟩shall joyntly judge the world?

Motives to the preservation of both these, are

1. The remarkable earnestness of Christ and his Apostles in their prayers for, and precepts of this duty.

1. The remarkable earnestnesse of Christ and his Apostles in their prayers for, and precepts of this duty.

2. The certain dishonour to the Lord Jesus, scandal to the Gospel, […]he to the Churches, shame and sorrow to the Saints, that the neglect of it is accompanied withal, Gal. •. 15.

2. The certain dishonour to the Lord Jesus, scandall to the Gospel, 〈…〉he to the Churches, shame and sorrow to the Saints, that the neglect of it is accompanied withall, Gal. •. 15.

3. The gracious issues, and sweet heavenly consolation, which attendeth a right observance of them.

4. The many fearful aggravations wherewith the sin of renting the Body of Christ, is attended.

4. The many fearefull aggravations wherewith the sin of renting the Body of Christ, is attended.

5. The sad contempt and ⟨p. 48⟩profanation of Ordinances; which want of this hath brought upon many Churches; For a right performance of this duty, we must,

5. The sad contempt and ⟨p. 48⟩prophanation of Ordinances; which want of this hath brought upon many Churches; For a right performance of this duty, we must,

1. Labour by Prayer and Faith, to have our hearts and spirits throughly seasoned with that affectionate love, which our first Rule requireth.

2. Carefully to observe in our selves or others, the first beginnings of strife, which are as the letting out of waters, and if not prevented will make a breach, like the Sea.

3. Sedulously to apply our selves to the removal of the first appearance of divisions; and in case of not prevailing, to consult the Church.

3. Sedulously to apply our selves to the removall of the first appearance of divisions; and in case of not prevailing, to consult the Church.

4. Daily to strike at the root of all dissension, by labouring ⟨p. 49⟩for Universal conformity to Jesus Christ.

4. Dayly to strike at the root of all dissention, by labouring ⟨p. 49⟩for Universall conformity to Jesus Christ.