A53689:151
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.
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⟩