CHAP. XXVII.

Of the Communion of Saints.

1. All Saints that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by his Spirit, and Faith; although they are not made thereby one person with him, have ⁴⁴⁷⁴⁴⁷1 Joh. 1.3. Joh. 1.16. Phil. 3 10 Rom. 6.5 6.fellowship in his Graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and being united to one another in love, they ⁴⁴⁸⁴⁴⁸Eph. 4.15.16. 1 Cor. 12.7. 1 Cor. 3 21,22,23.have communion in each others gifts, and graces; and are obliged to the performance of such duties, publick and private, in an orderly way, ⁴⁴⁹⁴⁴⁹1 Thes. 5.11.14. Rom. 1.12. 1 Joh. 3.17.18. Gal 6.10.as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

2. Saints by profession are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services, ⁴⁵⁰⁴⁵⁰ Heb. 10 24,25. with ch. 3.12,13.as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in ⁴⁵¹⁴⁵¹ Act. 12.29.30. [Note: It appears that the reference to Acts 12:29,30 in the original manuscript is an error (Acts 12:29,30 do not exists). Most modern versions cite Acts 11:29,30.]outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities; which communion according to the rule of the Gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relations wherein they stand, whether in ⁴⁵²⁴⁵²Eph. 6.4.families, or ⁴⁵³⁴⁵³1 Cor. 12.14.-27.Churches; yet as God offereth opportunity is to be extended to all the houshold of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as Saints, doth not take away or ⁴⁵⁴⁴⁵⁴ Act. 5.4. Eph. 4.28.infringe, the title or propriety, which each man hath in his goods and possessions.