A53689:78
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.
Rules of walking in fellowship, with reference to Pastor. › Rule 5 › Explication 5: EXPLIC. V.
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. V.
IT is a promise to the Church under the Gospel, that Kings should be her nursing Fathers, and Queens her nursing Mothers, Isa. 49. 23. To such it belongs principally to provide food and protection for those committed to them; the fruit of this promise the Churches in many ages enjoyed: Laws by supreme and Kingly power have been enacted; giving portions and ⟨p. 19⟩granting privileges to Churches and their Pastors. It is so in many places, in the days wherein we live; on this ground where equitable and righteous Laws have allowed a supportment in earthly things, to the Pastors of Churches, arising from such as may receive spiritual benefit by their labour in the Gospel; it is thankfully to be accepted and embraced, as an issue of Gods providence for the good of his. Besides, our Saviour warranteth his Disciples to take and eat of their things, by their consent, to whomsoever the word is preached, Luk 10. 8. But it is not always thus, these things may sometimes fail; wherefore the continual care, and frequently the burden, or rather labour of love ⟨p. 20⟩in providing for the Pastors, lies, as in the Rule, upon the Churches themselves, which they are to do in such a manner as is suitable to the condition wherein they are, and the increase given them of God. This the whole in general, and each Member in particular is obliged unto; for which they have as Motives,
IT is a promise to the Church under the Gospel, that Kings should be her nursing Fathers, and Queens her nursing Mothers, Isa. 49. 23. To such it belongs principally to provide food and protection for those committed to them; the fruit of this promise the Churches in many ages enjoyed: Laws by supream and Kingly power have been enacted; giving portions and ⟨p. 19⟩