July 26

"Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee."—Psalm exxii. 7, 8.

SUCH are the effusions of a heart filled with love to God. In them consider

THE DESIRE EXPRESSED. Peace and prosperity. This we should implore

For ourselves. Personal piety is essentially requisite to prosperity in the various scenes and associations of life. What is the health of the body to the prosperity of the soul? what are common mercies to covenant blessings? what is a portion in life to a hope in death? If our souls are prosperous, there will be in us an increasing hatred to sin, and a growing desire after holiness.

For our families. How delightful is it to see pious parents training up their children for God; and most anxious that they may "live," in the best sense of the word, before him. Nothing insures domestic comfort and happiness so much as religion. Baxter remarks, that if parents did their duty, more would be savingly called in the family than in the sanctuary.

For the Church. We should desire peace and prosperity, not only for that section of the church to which we belong, but for the whole family of God. In proportion as we are attracted by the holy influence of the cross, shall we be drawn as with the power of the loadstone to each other; and our shades of difference will be eclipsed by the splendors of that glory with which we are enshrined.

THE REASON ASSIGNED. Three may be given.

The Redeemer's honor. This is involved in the prosperity of the Church. "Upon himself shall the crown flourish;" the crown of dignity and honor; and every redeemed sinner is a bright diamond in that crown, adding to its lustre and increasing its brilliancy.

The Church's comfort. "For my brethren and companions' sakes." How refreshing and reviving is it to the minds of believers when peace and prosperity reign in the church!

The minister's joy. This is closely identified with his usefulness. How can he rejoice if the cause of God is declining, and the love of many is waxing cold? "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not ye even in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? for ye are our glory and joy."