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I. WHEREIN THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH CONSISTS.

1. Peace. Not that which results from mere inertness or indifference, but that which co-exists with the highest degree of spiritual life and energy; a peace which springs from unanimity, all being of one mind and one judgment as to the great and paramount questions of Christian doctrine and duty, and displaying one toward another, with respect to minor points, the spirit of humility and kindly forbearance.

2. Prosperity. Not that which is implied in high worldly distinctions; but the gracious presence of Cod with His people, and the abundant continuous effusion of His Holy Spirit upon them.

II. THE MEANS BY WHICH THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH IS TO BE PROMOTED.

1. "Love" to the Church is indispensably requisite in order to fit us for rendering to her any effective and acceptable service. Under the influence of this principle, we shall be always ready to engage in any service which may promote the glory of God and the prosperity of His cause; we shall not be discouraged or driven aside by the difficulties that may obstruct our course; we shall patiently endure the infirmities and faults of other men; we shall, in one word, be "steadfast, unmovable," etc. (1 Corinthians 15:58).

2. Prayer is one direct means of securing the good of the Church (Isaiah 62:6, 7; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).

3. There must also be corresponding exertion (ver. 9). Every person, however humble his station, possesses some degree of ability to promote the good of the Church: let his gifts and influence, of whatever kind they are, be prayerfully and assiduously devoted to this object.

III. THE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH SHOULD URGE US ONWARD IN THIS COURSE OF DUTY TO THE CHURCH.

1. A regard for our own benefit. "They shall prosper that love thee." We may with absolute certainty take this promise in its spiritual import. The prosperity of the soul is, after all, our truest and highest prosperity.

2. Another incitement to seek the good of Jerusalem is supplied by philanthropy (ver. 8). Whatever concerns the welfare and salvation of our fellow-men concerns us. Our brethren and companions in the kingdom and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ, as members of His visible Church on earth, are obviously and directly interested in all that affects its peace and prosperity. By conserving the peace of the Church, and promoting its prosperity, we therefore contribute to the personal happiness and social elevation and improvement of mankind, in the most direct way, and upon the largest scale.

3. Above all, piety to God should stimulate us in this course (ver. 9). All we are and have, and all the good we still hope to realize throughout the vast future of our being, comes from God. Our obligations to serve and glorify Him are infinite, indissoluble, eternal. And is the Church His house, wherein He condescends to dwell? Then with what unremitting solicitude and assiduity should we seek its good!

(W. Herren.)

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KJV: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

WEB: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.