A53689:210
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. VII.
IT is the glory of God, to cover a matter, Prov. 25. 2. free pardon is the substance of the Gospel; the work of God in perfection, Esa. 55. proposed to us for imitation, Matth. 18. 26, 27, 28. Whilst me are clothed with flesh, we do all things imperfectly; freedom from failings is a fruit of glory; we see here darkly as in a ⟨p. 65⟩glass; know but in part, in many things we offend all: who knoweth how often; mutual failings to be born with, offences to be pardoned, weakness to be supported, may mind us in these pence, of the Talents forgiven us: Let him that is without fault throw stones at others; Some men rejoice in others failings; they are malicious and fail more in that sinful joy, then their brethren in that which they rejoice at. Some are angry at weaknesses and infirmities; They are proud and conceited; not considering that they themselves also are in the flesh. Some delight to dwell always upon a frailty; they deserve to find no charity in the like kind: For injuries, who almost ⟨p. 66⟩can bear until seven times? Peter thought it much. Some more study revenge then pardon; some pretend to forgive, but yet every slight offence makes a continued alienation of affections, and separation of converse; Some will carry a smooth face over a rough heart. Christ is in none of these ways; they have no savour of the Gospel; Meekness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness, hiding, covering, removing of offences, are the foot-steps of Christ; seest thou thy Brother fail, pity him; doth he continue in it, earnestly pray for him, admonish him; Cannot another sin, but you must sin too? If you be angry, vexed, rejoiced, alienated