A53689:306
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.
Where the Lord hath not distinguished, neither ought we; in Jesus Christ, there is neither rich, nor poor; high, nor low; but a new creature: generally, God hath chosen the poor of this world to confound the mighty.
VVHere the Lord hath not distinguished, neither ought we; in Jesus Christ, there is neither rich, nor poor; high, nor low; but a new creature: generally, God hath chosen the poore of this world to confound the mighty.
Experience shows us, that not many great, not many ⟨p. 105⟩wise, not many mighty after the flesh, are partakers of the heavenly calling; not that the Gospel of Christ doth any way oppose, or sever; those many differences and distinctions among the sons of men, caused by power, authority, relation, enjoyment of earthly blessings, gifts, age, or any other eminency whatsoever, according to the institution and appointment of God, with all that respect, reverence, duty, obedience, and subjection due unto persons in those distinctions; much less, pull up the ancient bounds of propriety, and interest in earthly things; but only declares, that in things purely spiritual, these outward things, which for the most part, happen alike unto ⟨p. 106⟩all, are of no value or esteem; men in the Church are considered as Saints, and not as great, or rich; all are equal, all are naked before God.
Experience shewes us, that not many great, not many ⟨p. 105⟩wise, not many mighty after the flesh, are partakers of the heavenly calling; not that the Gospel of Christ doth any way oppose, or sever; those many differences and distinctions among the sons of men, caused by power, authority, relation, enjoyment of earthly blessings, gifts, age, or any other emminency whatsoever, according to the institution and appointment of God, with all that respect, reverence, duty, obedience, and subjection due unto persons in those distinctions; much lesse, pull up the ancient bounds of proprietie, and interest in earthly things; but only declares, that in things purely spirituall, these outward things, which for the most part, happen alike unto ⟨p. 106⟩all, are of no value or esteem; men in the Church are considered as Saints, and not as great, or rich; all are equall, all are naked before God.
Free-Grace is the only distinguisher, all being Brethren in the same Family, Servants of the same Master; employed about the same work; acted by the same precious Faith, enjoying the same purchased Privileges; expecting the same recompense of Reward, and eternal abode: Whence should any difference arise? Let then the Greatest account it their greatest honour, to perform the meanest necessary service to the meanest of the Saints; a community in all spiritual advantages, should give equality in spiritual affairs; ⟨p. 107⟩Not he that is richest, not he that is poorest, but he that is humblest, is excepted before the Lord.
Free-Grace is the only distinguisher, all being Brethren in the same Family, Servants of the same Master; imployed about the same work; acted by the same precious Faith, enjoying the same purchased Priviledges; expecting the same recompence of Reward, and eternall abode: Whence should any difference arise? Let then the Greatest account it their greatest honour, to performe the meanest necessary service to the meanest of the Saints; a community in all spirituall advantages, should give equality in spirituall affaires; ⟨p. 107⟩Not he that is richest, not he that is poorest, but he that is humblest, is excepted before the Lord.
Motives hereunto, are
1. Christs example.
2. Scripture-precepts.
3. Gods not accepting persons.
4. Joint participation of the same common Faith, Hope, &c.
4. Joynt participation of the same common Faith, Hope, &c.
5. The unprofitableness of all causes of outward differences in things of God.
5. The unprofitablenesse of all causes of outward differences in things of God.
RULE XIII.
IF any be in distress, persecution or affliction, the whole Church is to be humbled, and to be ⟨p. 108⟩earnest in prayer in their behalf.
IF any be in distresse, persecution or affliction, the whole Church is to be humbled, and to be ⟨p. 108⟩earnest in prayer in their behalf.
Acts 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayers was made without ceasing unto God for him. vers. 7. And behold, the Angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly; And his chains fell off from his hands. vers. 12. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the Mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
Acts 12. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayers was made withont ceasing unto God for him. vers. 7. And behold, the Angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly; And his chains fell off from his hands. vers. 12. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the Mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
Rom. 12. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom. 12. 15. Rejoce with them that do rejoyce, and weep with them that weep.
1 Cor. 12. 26. And whether one Member suffer, all the Members suffer with it, or one Member be honoured, all the Members rejoice with it. vers. 27. Now ye are the Body of Christ, and Members in particular.
1 Cor. 12. 26. And whether one Member suffer, all the Members suffer with it, or one Member be honored, all the Members rejoyce with it. vers. 27. Now ye are the Body of Christ, and Members in particular.
2 Thes. 3▪ 2. Pray for us Brethren, that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.