Church Prosperity

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 24, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 28.

Church Prosperity.

THE general estimate of a church's spiritual prosperity is found by the additions to its membership. If these are numerous, it is taken for granted that they indicate a good spiritual state. In some respects this may be true, for a church destitute of active, prayerful piety is not likely to receive many accessions. Nevertheless, it is possible to err in the matter. Mere numbers are not infallible indications of prosperity, and some churches would be more prosperous if they counted fewer members than they do. Every worldly, inconsistent member is one too many for the church's good, and hinders its real prosperity. A musical society gains nothing for its great purpose by members who have no music in their souls; and so a church must have members who really add to its spiritual life if they conduce to its prosperity. The great want of our churches to-day is more real religion in the membership. If men cannot discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not; if our aims are as worldly as those of the world, and if our pleasures are derived from the same sources, can we hope to have power with them? There are many churches that need as much a gracious work within as do those "without." If professed Christians who are now bringing forth nothing, could be brought up to bring forth thirtyfold, and those who are bringing forth thirtyfold could be made to bring forth sixty or a hundredfold, it would be better for the ultimate honor of Christ's cause than a large number of new converts. Only as Christians are in earnest to know more of the real life of godliness, and exemplify its power in their lives, have we hope that the world will be impressed; and here will be the proof of prosperity and the starting-point of true advance.—Sel.