A53689:292
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 beginnings of great evils are to be resisted: that the neglect of the duty whereof we treat, which is always accompanied with contempt of the communion of Saints, hath been a main cause of the great dishonour & confusion whereunto most Churches in the world are fallen, was in part touched before; it being a righteous thing with God, to suffer the sons of men to wax vain in their imaginations; in whom, neither the love of Christ, nor terror of the Lord, can prevail against the fear of men.
The beginnings of great evils are to be resisted: that the neglect of the duty whereof we treat, which is alwayes accompanied with contempt of the communion of Saints, hath been a main cause of the great dishonour & confusion whereunto most Churches in the world are fallen, was in part touched before; it being a righteous thing with God, to suffer the sons of men to waxe vain in their imaginations; in whom, neither the love of Christ, nor terror of the Lord, can prevaile against the feare of men.
Let this then, with the danger and abomination of back-sliding, take such an impression on the hearts of the Saints, that ⟨p. 100⟩with full purpose of heart, they might cleave unto the Lord, follow hard after him, in all his ordinances; that if persecution arise, they may cheerfully follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes; and by their close adhering one to another, receive such mutual assistance and supportment, as that their joint praisers may prevail with the goodness of God, and their joint sufferings overcome the wickedness of men.
Let this then, with the danger and abomination of back-sliding, take such an impression on the hearts of the Saints, that ⟨p. 100⟩with full purpose of heart, they might cleave unto the Lord, follow hard after him, in all his ordinances; that if persecution arise, they may cheerfully follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes; and by their close adhering one to another, receive such mutuall assistance and supportment, as that their joynt praisers may prevail with the goodnesse of God, and their joynt sufferings overcome the wickednesse of men.