Eshcol; a Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan

John Owen — from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

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Contents (28)

1. Prefatory note
2. To the reader
3. Rules of walking in fellowship, with reference to the pastor or minister that watcheth for our souls 4. Rule I. The word and all ordinances dispensed in the administration to him committed, by virtue of ministerial authority, are to be diligently attended and submitted unto, with ready obedience in the Lord 5. Rule II. His conversation is to be observed and diligently followed, so far as he walks in the steps of Jesus Christ 6. Rule III. Prayer and supplications are continually to be made on his behalf for assistance and success in the work committed to him 7. Rule IV. Reverential estimation of him, with submission unto him for his work’s sake 8. Rule V. Maintenance for them and their families, by the administration of earthly things suitable to the state and condition of the churches, is required from their flocks 9. Rule VI. Adhering to him and abiding by him in all trials and persecutions for the word 10. Rule VII. Gathering together in the assembly upon his appointment, with theirs joined with him 11. Conclusion
4. Rules to be observed by those who walk in fellowship, and considered, to stir up their rememberance in things of mutual duty one towards another 13. Rule I. Affectionate, sincere love in all things, without dissimulation towards one another, like that which Christ bare to his church 14. Rule II. Continual prayer for the prosperous state of the church, in God’s protection towards it 15. Rule III. Earnest striving and contending, in all lawful ways, by doing and suffering, for the purity of the ordinances, honour, liberty, and privileges of the congregation, being jointly assistant against opposers and common adversaries 16. Rule IV. Sedulous care and endeavouring for the preservation of unity, both in particular and in general 17. Rule V. Separation and sequestration from the world and men of the world, with all ways of false worship, until we be apparently a people dwelling alone, not reckoned among the nations 18. Rule VI. Frequent spiritual communication for edification, according to gifts received 19. Rule VII. Mutually to bear with each other’s infirmities, weakness, tenderness, failings, in meekness, patience, pity, and with assistance 20. Rule VIII. Tender and affectionate participation with one another in their several states and conditions, — bearing each other’s burdens 21. Rule IX. Free contribution and communication of temporal things to them that are poor indeed, suitable to their necessities, wants, and afflictions 22. Rule X. To mark diligently and avoid carefully all causes and causers of divisions; especially to shun seducers, false teachers, and broachers of heresies and errors, contrary to the form of wholesome words 23. Rule XI. Cheerfully to undergo the lot and portion of the whole church, in prosperity and affliction, and not to draw back upon any occasion whatever 24. Rule XII. In church affairs to make no difference of persons, but to condescend to the meanest persons and services for the use of the brethren 25. Rule XIII. If any be in distress, persecution, or affliction, the whole church is to be humbled, and to be earnest in prayer in their behalf 26. Rule XIV. Vigilant watchfulness over each other’s conversation, attended with mutual admonition in case of disorderly walking, with rendering an account to the church if the party offending be not prevailed with 27. Rule XV. Exemplary walking in all holiness and godliness of conversation, to the glory of the gospel, edification of the church, and conviction of them which are without 28. Conclusion