One of the few things I’m certain of is the spiritual usefulness of John Owen. He is worth every fighting moment of consideration and meditation. He rewards the reader’s rigorous attention with untold treasures for the soul.

But not all of his books are like wading through a literary slog. Owen does occasionally puts the cookies on the lower shelf for those of us more feeble in mind. One such work was recently republished by Reformation Heritage under the title of Rules for Walking in Fellowship.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THIS GEM

RHB says, “In Rules for Walking in Fellowship, John Owen supplies struggling congregations with biblical guidelines for making church life in the present a foretaste of heavenly fellowship to come. He discusses both the responsibilities congregations have toward pastors as well as the duties members have toward one another. Together, Owen presents twenty-four rules for fostering gospel fellowship, supporting them with numerous proof texts, brief explanations, and words of motivation to keep them. His simple approach makes this book ideal for personal or small group study. Here, then, is a collection of indispensable biblical rules that will challenge Christians in any given congregation, of whatever denomination—a little gem that is at the same time doctrinal, practical, and ecumenical.”

The book’s usefulness is quite clear when you browse the Table of Contents . . .

PART 1: Rules for Walking in Fellowship, with Reference to the Pastor or Minister Who Watches Over Your Souls

1. Attending to the Ordinances Dispensed by Your Pastor
2. Following Your Pastor’s Example
3. Praying for Your Pastor
4. Esteeming Your Pastor
5. Paying Your Pastor’s Salary
6. Standing by Your Pastor in His Trials
7. Gathering to Worship when Summoned

PART 2: Rules to Be Observed By Those Who Walk in Fellowship, to Remind Them of Their Mutual Duties Toward One Another

8. Loving One Another
9. Praying for the Church
10. Taking a Stand for the Church
11. Preserving Unity
12. Separating from the World
13. Engaging in Spiritual Conversation
14. Bearing with One Another’s Faults
15. Bearing One Another’s Burdens
16. Helping the Poor
17. Being Wary of Those Who Divide the Church
18. Sharing the Church’s Lot, No Matter What
19. Associating with the Lowly
20. Praying for the Afflicted
21. Keeping Each Other Accountable
22. Being Holy

In many ways, this is the Puritan answer to the question of, “What is a Healthy Church Member?” Grab a few copies, a few friends, and tolle lege!