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 (a)
fellowship in his Graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and
being united to one another in love, they (b)
have communion in each others gifts, and graces; and are obliged to the
performance of such duties, publick and private, in an orderly way, (c)
as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.
a 1 Joh. 1.3. Joh. 1.16. Phil. 3
10 Rom. 6.5 6.
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, (d)
as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in
(e) 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 (f)
families, or (g) 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 (h) infringe, the title
or propriety, which each man hath in his goods and possessions.
d Heb. 10 24,25. with ch. 3.12,13.
