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I. THE SPECIFIED OBJECT OF PIOUS AFFECTION, ON — THE CHURCH OF GOD. Here we include the whole body of believers, united under Christ their common head, together with the ministers, officers, laws, regulations, immunities, and designs of the Messiah's kingdom (Ephesians 4:11-16). This holy attachment is founded on the most reasonable basis.

1. Uniformity of character. Dante has somewhere said, "Conformity of character is the bond of friendship." Whatever may he thought of this maxim in its general application to human nature, it certainly is strictly true when applied to the Christian, in reference to his affectionate attachment to the cause of truth.

2. The exhibition of the Divine perfections.

3. The invulnerable security of the Church.

4. Its increasing prosperity and final glory.

II. THE DISTINGUISHING EVIDENCES OF ITS EXISTENCE.

1. Sorrow in the time of calamity bears testimony to the sincere affection of the friends of Zion.

2. Pious exultation in the day of prosperity.

3. Zealous effort to promote the interests of the Church. Those who are sincerely attached to herd labour to extend her boundaries, in the earth, by the diffusion of Gospel light — the administration of affectionate reproof — the repetition of earnest entreaty — the breathing of fervent intercession — and the communication of pecuniary assistance, supported by a due consistency of character. These are so many additional proofs of pious affection (Jeremiah 26:12, 15; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Exodus 36:4-7; Nehemiah 4:15-23).

III. THE DECLARED ADVANTAGE RESULTING FROM IT: — "They shall prosper."(1) In their reputation. Their ardency of affection — their deep humility — their unwearied patience — their unbending integrity — and the general consistency of their character, procure for them the esteem of all who are like-minded, and very frequently even the approbation and confidence of unconverted men (Acts 26:28; Acts 27:43).

(2) In their spiritual enjoyments: their capacities are enlarged — their faith increased — their union with Christ strengthened — and their anticipations of heavenly felicity multiplied (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

(3) In their benevolent enterprises: their children and households instructed and regenerated — the harmony of the Church promoted — the progress of impiety and profaneness impeded — and their ungodly neighbours and friends converted from the error of their ways (Psalm 1:3).

(4) In their temporal pursuits: although the religion of Jesus Christ does not warrant the expectation of opulence and grandeur, yet it secures to its adherents a regular supply of necessary things (Psalm 37:25; Luke 12:31).This subject teaches: —

1. That our professions of religion are of a very suspicious character, if unaccompanied with a corresponding zeal for the cause of God.

2. The folly of lukewarmness in matters of a religious nature (Revelation 3:16).

3. That genuine piety tends to promote the general welfare of its possessor (1 Timothy 4:8).

(Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)

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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.