THE

CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE.

Cabinet.

CHURCH PROSPERITY.

Ir is important to know what is meant by the term "church," and what by "prosperity." The Articles of the National Establishment explain the former as follows:-" A church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men," that is, believing men. It is consequently not a mere gregarious multitude, not a secular association, but a society of penitent believers in the testimony which God has given us concerning His Son. As to "prosperity," the term is complex; it refers primarily to the building up of believers, the conversion of the ungodly, the development of Gospel principles, and doing good unto all men as there is opportunity. From this it follows that all prosperity comes from God; it is the fruit of His indwelling Spirit, working in the souls of His people both the will and to do of His good pleasure." This prosperity will manifest itself in individual character, in family order, and in everything that appertains to Christian fellowship. Its excellence will be seen in its own light; all that observe such a fellowship will take knowledge of it that Christ is in it of a truth. It will not be necessary to ask with the prophet, "Is the Lord among us ?" His presence will be indicated by His power. A church so circumstanced will be specially characterised by two things-by the spirit of prayer and the spirit of preaching. It will pour out ceaselessly the prayer which has power with God, the prayer of righteous man which always avails, and the word of Christ will sound forth from it on every side: the faith will come by hearing the word, and multitudes will be obedient to the faith.