A53689:275
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.
THE former part of this rule was something, spoken to rule 4th. If the preservation of amity ought to be our aim, then certainly the causes and Causers of Division, ought to be avoided; From such turn away. There is a generation of men, whose tongues seem to be acted by the Devil; James calls it, Set on fire of hell, Chap. 3. 6. As though they were the mere of-spring of Serpents, they delight in nothing but in the fire of contention; disputing, quarrelling, backbiting, endless strivings, are that they live upon. Note such men and avoid them; Generally ⟨p. 88⟩they are men of private Interests, fleshly ends, high conceits, and proud spirits; from such turn away: So the latter part of the Rule in particular, concerning Seducers; That a judgement of discerning by the spirit, rests in the Church, and the several Members thereof, is apparent, 1 Joh. 2. 27. 1 Cor. 2. 15. Esa. 8. 28. To the exercise of this they are commanded, 1 John 4. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 15. So its commended, Acts 17. 11. And hereunto encouraged, Philip. 1. 9, 10. Heb. 5. 14. If the blind lead the blind, both will into the ditch: That gold may be suspected, which would not be tried. Christians must choose the good, and refuse the evil. If their Teachers could excuse ⟨p. 89⟩them, if they lead them aside, they might well require blind submission from them. Now that the Brethren may exercise this duty aright, and perform obedience to this Rule, it is required,
THE former part of this rule was somthing, spoken to rule 4th. If the preservation of amity ought to be our aime, then certainly the causes and Causers of Division, ought to be avoided; From such turne away. There is a generation of men, whose tongues seem to be acted by the Devill; James calls it, Set on fire of hell, Chap. 3. 6. As though they were the meer of-spring of Serpents, they delight in nothing but in the fire of contention; disputing, quarreling, backbiting, endlesse strivings, are that they live upon. Note such men and avoid them; Generally