A53689:332
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. XIV.
There is a three-fold duty included in this rule, the main whereof, and here chiefly intended, is that of Admonition; whereunto the first is previous and conducing; the latter, in some cases consequent, and attending Christians conversation; whether you consider the glory of God, and the Gospel, therein concerned; or the bonds of relation, with those mutual endearments wherein they stand engaged; and obligations that are upon them for the general good, and spiritual edification one of another, ought to be ⟨p. 117⟩watched, marked, and considered by each other: not that we should curiously pry into one another's failings; much less maliciously search into doubtful unknown things; for the trouble, or disparagement of our brethren; both which are contrary to that love; which thinketh not evil, but covereth a multitude of faults, but only out of a sense of the glory of God, the honour of the Gospel, and care of each others souls; to observe their walking, that what is exemplary therein, may be followed; what faileth may be directed; what is a miss may be reproved, that in all things God may be glorified, and Christ exalted.
THere is a three-fold dutie included in this rule, the maine whereof, and here cheifly intended, is that of Admonition; whereunto the first is previous and conducing; the latter, in some cases consequent, and attending Christians conversation; whether you consider the glory of God, and the Gospel, therein concerned; or the bonds of relation, with those mutnall endearments wherein they stand ingaged; and obligations that are upon them for the generall good, and spirituall edification one of another, ought to be ⟨p. 117⟩watched, marked, and considered by each other: not that we should curiously prie into one anothers failings; much lesse maliciously search into doubtfull unknown things; for the trouble, or disparagement of our brethren; both which are contrary to that love; which thinketh not evill, but covereth a multitude of faults, but only out of a sense of the glory of God, the honour of the Gospel, and care of each others soules; to observe their walking, that what is exemplary therein, may be followed; what faileth may be directed; what is a misse may be reproved, that in all things God may be glorified, and Christ exalted.