The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Secondly, If Christians would exercise themselves to godliness,² they must be serviceable to the good of each other. The Temple was built in Solomons time, by men of all sorts; There is not the meanest Christian, but may do somewhat in his place, towards the building of the Spiritual Temple; The Communion of Saints, consisteth in three things.

SEcondly, If Christians would exercise themselves to godliness,² they must be serviceable to the good of each other. The Temple was built in Solomons time, by men of all sorts; There is not the meanest Christian, but may do somewhat in his place, towards the building of the Spiritual Temple; The Communion of Saints, consisteth in three things.

1. 2Be serviceable to others

1. In a mutual Communication of their graces and gifts; Grace is given us, not only for our selves, but also for the good of the Saints, 1 Cor. 12. 5, 6. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; differences of administration, but the same Lord; diversities of operation, but the same God, which worketh all in all; But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. The water of life is like a common stream, for the benefit of many. 2. In a mutual joining in the ordinances of God, Act. 2. 43. The Servants of the same Lord, wait upon him, sometimes singly, sometimes in company. There are set seasons, wherein they all meet ⟨p. 276⟩together to attend him, though when they are parted they are all about his business; And the same day there were added to the Church three thousand souls; And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles, Doctrine and Fellowship, and breaking of Bread, and Prayer. 3. In mutual serviceableness each to other. Every man is a Steward to manage his abilities for others good, and to improve his Talents for his Masters glory; Now if our stock were our own, that we were the Proprietors, to let it lie still would argue us guilty of much folly; but when it is altogether another's, and we are but factors for him, to neglect the improvement of it, speaks us arrant thieves, and guilty of unfaithfulness;