____

BY REUBEN PUFFER, D. D. [ S.T.D. Harvard, 1778 ]

Pastor of the Church in Berlin.

____

BOSTON:

FROM THE PRESS OF JOHN ELIOT, Jun.

1811.

Reprint and digital file January, 2000. ]

Editor’s Notes:

This particular work by one of New England’s premier articulators of the English language,

is another colorful example of Dr. Puffer’s rare talent. Primarily, his use of metaphors to unforgettably imprint in his hearer’s memory lessons of critical import is the hallmark of this distinguished and well published pastor (See our 1803 Election Sermon by him). If only we could hear him in the original delivery ! Without a doubt, he had to be an accomplished and engaging preacher!

Points to look for in this reading:

In Section. I: Earth is not a cosmic accident, but instead "a theatre, whereon to display the exceeding riches of divine grace."

In Section II: "The office and duty of ministers; they are workers in this kingdom."

In Section III: "The special relation which ministers of the gospel bear to each other. They are fellow workers in the kingdom of God."

And finally his closing remarks:

"The present is a most eventful period. A crisis, highly interesting to the church and state and the world, is evidently impending. The eternal plan of providence is in swift progress. Events long since predicted and celebrated in the prophetic page, are rapidly unfolding. The mystery of God is soon to be finished. Heaven, earth and hell, is each acting its respective part in the august drama. The enemies and friends of religion are mustering their forces, and preparing for the contest. Christ seems about to take possession of the world, as his right; and Satan seems resolved not to resign his claim to it without a violent struggle. Such being the state of the world, there can be no doubt concerning the part which it is proper for ministers to act."

*****

COLOSSIANS IV. 11.

Fellow workers in the kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul was one of the most distinguished preachers of the gospel. Before his memorable conversion, he was a bigot in his attachment to the Jewish ritual, a virulent enemy of Christ, and a bloody persecutor of his church. But when it pleased God, who separated him from his mother'’ womb, and called him by his grace, to reveal his Son in him, immediately he conferred not with flesh and blood, did not consult his own ease, reputation, or interest ; but united with a cause that was every where spoken against, and preached the faith which once he destroyed.

To his lot it fell to exercise the ministry he received of the Lord Jesus, chiefly among the Gentiles. With what success, appears in many flourishing churches, plated by him, which long remained a glorious monument to the zeal, abilities, and fidelity of this eminent servant of Jesus Christ. A few chosen companions constantly attended to him, and ministered to his comfort. These he names with great affection. He calls them fellow workers unto the kingdom of God.

This concise, but complete description of christian ministers, presents for consideration three things; the kingdom of God, the office and duty of ministers, and their special relation to each other.

1. The kingdom of God.

In the present connexion, this intends that scheme of divine grace, or plan of redeeming mercy, revealed in the gospel. It is called the kingdom of God, because it originated in his eternal, self-moving love; the kingdom of Christ, because its foundations were laid in his mediatorial transactions, and the management of its affairs committed to his hand; and the kingdom of heaven, because, though begun on earth, it will be consummated in heavenly glory.

This kingdom employed the thoughts of God from eternity. For its sake, creating power was exerted in the production of worlds, especially earth, which was designed as a theatre, whereon to display the exceeding riches of divine grace. It is the centre, where all the lines of revelation meet; the grand object on which, through succeeding ages, the eye of God has been steadily fixed. Every thing in heaven and earth is arranged in the view of this kingdom, and made to subserve its interests.

The supreme Ruler in this kingdom, is Jesus Christ, God’s eternal Son. He is king in Zion, and Head over all things to the church. To him all power in heaven and earth is committed.

The subjects of this kingdom are gathered out of a race of lost and ruined creatures. The whole world is given into the hand of Christ, that he may exert in it the powers vested in him as Mediator, in raising up, out of its ruins, millions of holy and happy beings to celebrate, in endless songs of praise, that blood by which they are redeemed, that grace by which they are sanctified and saved.

In a world, it is an everlasting kingdom. Free from those tremendous evils by which earthly kingdoms are convulsed and overthrown, it is destined to continue forever, and fill the universe with light, life glory and happiness.

Such is the kingdom of God. By what a long train of preparatory means, during the space of four thousand years, were all things set in order for its reception ! By what wonders in heaven and earth was it at length produced ! Over what opposition of earth and hell has it already prevailed ! What mysteries of grace, hid from preceding ages and generations, does it unfold ! What vast accessions of glory accrue to the benevolent Parent of man ! How happily secured is the highest possible good of the universe ! Here stands Messiah’s throne, built on the immovable rock of infinite love. Here mercy is exercised in perfect consistency with the rights of eternal justice. Here grace triumphs in the pardon of sin, without in the least infringing the rectitude, or diminishing the awful glories of the moral government of God. I proceed to consider,

1. The office and duty of ministers; they are workers in this kingdom.

By means, and not by immediate acts of power, God is pleased to operate both in the natural and moral world. Instrumental agency is every where employed. The earth yields its fruits by the blessing of God; but, in order to its, it must be sown and cultivated. The gospel, in the hand of the Holy Spirit, is ""the power of God unto salvation;" but then it must be faithfully preached, otherwise its invaluable benefits will not be realized.

In the view that has now been given of instrumental agency, the part which ministers are appointed to act is clearly perceived. According to the constitution of things God hath established, their labours are necessary to the prosperity of Zion. They are workers in the gospel kingdom, divinely employed in aid of that glorious cause for which Christ descended from heaven, was clad in mortal flesh, saw many wearisome days and sleepless nights, went about doing good to the bodies and souls of men, toiled, suffered, and at length resigned his precious life on the cross.

"The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." In like manner, with the persuasive eloquence of redeeming love on their lips, and clothed with the power of divine truth, his ministers are sent, not to indulge in ease, nor yet to amuse themselves or others with useless speculations; but to gather subjects into the kingdom of God out of this apostate world, and, in the faithful discharge of official duty, to qualify immortal souls for immortal bliss.

The gospel invariably regards men in the light of fallen creatures, It addresses them as guilty, as helpless, as exposed to endless wrath; and, under any other character, disclaims all connexion with them. "The whole have no need of a physician, but the sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

This may serve to evince, what mode of preaching is best adapted to answer the moral purposes of the institution. Undoubtedly it must be that, by which men are led to see their ruin and recovery; the awful abyss into which apostasy from God has plunged them, and the astonishing grace exhibited in their deliverance by Jesus Christ. To "prophesy smooth things," and studiously to conceal whatever might disturb the security of guilt, will endanger the souls for which Christ died.

That he may "approve himself unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed," the preacher must exhibit an entire and connected view of christianity in its doctrines and duties, its principles and precepts. While he represents the gospel as a moral system, adapted to the regulation of human life, let him not fail to state and explain it, as a scheme of divine grace, devised by infinite wisdom, and carried into effect by infinite love, for the salvation of a perishing world. While he describes the nature, and points out the necessity of "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord," let him carefully trace it to a heart renewed by grace, the only soil in which it can grow and flourish. While Christ is recommended, as a preacher of righeousness, let him also be held up to the view of sinners, as a Redeemer, in whose atoning blood their sins must be washed away, by the sanctifying influence of whose word and spirit they must be prepared for heaven. Let christian practice be built on christian principles. Let good works be enforced by gospel motives.

Inspired scripture is an inexhaustible treasury of rich, important truth, morally fitted for the purpose of enlightening the mind, renewing the heart, and thus promoting the best interests of mankind. Thence the minister of Christ must draw his reasonings, his arguments, his motives, if he will hope to succeed in persuading men to be reconciled to God. Thence he must equip himself with those weapons, in the skilful use of which he may dare to meet a world in arms. Nor let it be once imagined, that any scripture doctrine requires concealment, or may be attended with hurtful effects. Christ will take on himself the responsibility of preaching his gospel. Ministers are bound to make, with undisguised integrity, a full and clear exposition of the truth as it is in Jesus, and leave the issue with him. Prudence, indeed, will dictate the choice of "acceptable words," and the least offensive view of truth possible. But then, truth must not be disguised, much less suppressed, for fear of its not being well received. If we thus "seek to please men, we shall not be the servants of Christ."

Vital godliness has ever been found to flourish, or decline, as evangelical principles have been maintained, or forsaken. Salvation wholly of grace, is the doctrine which answers the cries of inquiring souls, brings relief to burdened consciences, replenishes the church of Christ on earth, and peoples the regions of glory with his redeemed subjects.

This connexion between fidelity and success, established by God himself, and tested by experience, is a strong ground of encouragement and stimulus to exertion. Let it dwell on the heart of the christian minister. Let it have a prevailing influence in the closet, in the study, and when he ascends the sacred desk. Never let him lose sight of that kingdom, unto which he is an appointed worker; never forget, that the end of preaching is to save souls alive from death.

See the venerable man of God in the pulpit. Deeply impressed with the worth of immortal souls, and awed by the threatening denounced against unfaithful watchmen, he comes, not to entertain his hearers with ingenious theories, nor to captivate them with the charms of rhetoric; but to proclaim in their ears the everlasting truths of the gospel, and lay them submissive at the feet of Jesus. Far from being satisfied with having demolished the outworks of sin, he vigorously attacks it in its strong hold. Not content with lopping off the luxuriant branches, he lays the axe at the root of the tree. Nor yet stopping at the correction of a few prominent vices, he aims at the regeneration of the heart, without which, he is aware, no reformation will be lasting and effectual. Instead of dwelling altogether on the surface, he enters deep into the interiour of religion, accurately describes its spiritual nature, points out its connexion with the most impressive earnestness.

But man can only state the truths, and display the motives of the gospel. After having done his utmost, "the excellency of the power" on which success depends, he well knows, "is of God, and not of us." But knowing also, that success is ordinarily in proportion to the fidelity with which the gospel is preached, this kindles his zeal, this calls into action every power and talent of his soul, that he may be "pure from the blood of all men," especially those committed to his charge, and, if possible, "by all means save some." It remains to observe,

2. The special relation which ministers of the gospel bear to each other. They are fellow workers in the kingdom of God.

the design of the great Head of the church. Acting by his authority and appointment, and having the same great object in view, they are bound to act in concert. The purposes of the christian ministry should unite the energies, and prompt the cordial cooperation of all, who bear that sacred office. This will appear, if we consider,

1. The nature of the ministerial office. This was designed to be a lasting and

inviolable bond of union. Ministers are entered into an employment, which cannot be performed singly, but which requires, and must be rendered successfully by mutual aid.

In all other concerns men feel the necessity, and avail themselves of the advantages of union. It is the animating principle, which gives life and success to human enterprize; without which nothing of moment could be achieved, nor any plan of general utility carried into effect. But is union less necessary in the affairs of religion than in the affairs of the world ? Is it needful for men to combine for merely social purposes, and not needful for ministers to unite in the cause of Christ ? Will his kingdom flourish while those to whom its concerns are entrusted, are at variance ? Will their labours be successful so long as mutual co-operation is wanting ? If the builders in an earthly temple should carry their disagreement such length as to counter work each other, every one perceives it could not be completed, but must be left unfinished. How then can the spiritual temple, under similar circumstances, rise in goodly proportions, and become a dwelling place for God ? In other words, how can religion prosper, if its ministers, forgetting the object and design of their office, refuse to act as fellow workers ?

2. The same thing is required by the spirit of the gospel. This is a uniting, not dividing spirit; a spirit of harmony and peace, not of strife and contention. The religion of Jesus should unite all his disciples, especially his ministers, in bonds of holy friendship. With regular propriety are those scriptures, which discountenance divisions and enjoin unanimity, applicable to them. In all the varied intercourse, which springs from the relation of "fellow servants in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ," peculiarly needful is it for them to bear in mind the admonition, "One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." Nor may they suffer any thing, except what evidently endangers the truth and purity of the gospel, to violate the union, or interrupt the harmony and good agreement on which their usefulness greatly depends.

3. The magnitude of the work in which they are engaged, likewise demands their united efforts. Bearing the commission of Christ, ministers are sent to subdue hard hearts, to conquer stubborn wills, to reclaim rebellious subjects, and to raise dead sinners to life. They are sent to men immersed in the pursuits and pleasures of the world, with a peremptory command to deny themselves, and take the cross. They are sent to transform vessels of wrath into vessels of mercy; to bring into the narrow way of gospel holiness and eternal life, those who were securely travelling the broad way to destruction. "But who is sufficient for these things?" The most successful preachers of the gospel must humbly own, that they are but instruments in the hand of God. Still, however, as instruments, their united zeal and efforts are indispensable. In a work of such immense importance, how should they "strive together in their prayers to God," and by all suitable methods cooperate in the prosecution of it ?

4. As another cogent argument for ministers to harmonize, let me bring into view the trials and discouragements attendant on the ministerial office. These, in one shape or another, have existed in every age. "In the world ye shall have tribulation," said Christ to his disciples; and unless we mistake "the signs of the times," unusual trials await us, and probably at no great distance. What effect ought this consideration to have ? Certainly not to cool our ardour, or to abate our efforts; but to unite us in our Master’s work. Even enemies will unite, when danger threatens.

Let the apprehension of it cause us to draw closer the knot of friendship. If the evil day shall come, let it find us at our posts, united among ourselves, and "perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgement."

But whatever else may happen, death which terminates our labours, is not far off. Ah, my brethren, how forcibly at this moment does the thought press on our hearts ? From the premature graves of departed fellow workers a voice issues, "Give an account of thy stewardship." Let the admonition banish from our hearts every unfriendly feeling, and call forth our united zeal, our fervent cooperation, in finishing the work we have received to do.

1. Another pressing motive to union is found in the disagreements subsisting between

ministers of Christ at the present day. These can never be sufficiently deplored. They have a chilling influence on religion. They check and retard the growth of this tender plant. Many it is to be feared, are thereby confirmed in their prejudices; and still greater numbers held in suspense, or led to view religion with indifference.

Say not, my friends, that our controversies are harmless. The world sees and hears them; that world which crucified the Lord of glory; which persecuted his innocent disciples; and which smiles to see his cause weakened by those hands, which should have been employed in its defence. "Sirs, ye are brethren, why do ye wrong one to another ? Let there be no strife, I pay you, betwixt us." Why should we contend ? Why impede each other’s usefulness ? Why anticipate the work of a enemy ?

We often complain, and not without cause, that preaching has but little effect, and ask whence it is that doctrine of the cross, which once prostrated the world at its foot, has, in our hands, become weak and inefficient. The reason has already been told; the not acting as united fellow workers in the kingdom of God.

May not the alarming defection in some of our churches and congregations be traced to the same cause? With surprise and concern our hearers perceive the wide disagreement there is between ministers. They are at a loss to account how this should happen among men, who have made religion their principal study, and are professedly conducting others to heaven. To them this is a rock of offence, which they cannot easily get over. This weakens the confidence they once had in their spiritual guides. Disgusted, they turn from them, to seek among other teachers, and from other guides, that unity of spirit, that cooperation in the duties of the ministerial office, which they perceive do not exist in their own. Nor id s it to be thought strange if the sheep are scattered in the wilderness, when the shepherds fall out by the way. How these things will terminate, I pretend not to foresee; but forgive me, if I add my own fears, lest that goodly fabric of church order, reared by the pious care, and consecrated by the prayers and tears of our venerable forefathers, will fall in ruins, unless prevented by greater unanimity among us. Will these be thought unfounded surmises ? I appeal to ecclesiastical history. Trace it from the apostolic down to the present age, and if it do not yield unequivocal proofs of the dangerous tendency of clerical dissentions, and thus confirm the truth of these remarks, then let them be disregarded, and my speech counted nothing worth.

Finally, the aspect of the world loudly calls on us to unite. The present is a most eventful period. A crisis, highly interesting to the church and state and the world, is evidently impending. The eternal plan of providence is in swift progress. Events long since predicted and celebrated in the prophetic page, are rapidly unfolding. The mystery of God is soon to be finished. Heaven, earth and hell, is each acting its respective part in the august drama. The enemies and friends of religion are mustering their forces, and preparing for the contest. Christ seems about to take possession of the world, as his right; and Satan seems resolved not to resign his claim to it without a violent struggle. Such being the state of the world, there can be no doubt concerning the part which it is proper for ministers to act. Dropping those party names and distinctions, which have been a wall of separation between them, and losing sight of every thing, but what necessarily belongs to the gospel as a scheme of divine grace and redemption, let them, with one heart and one soul, unite in promoting the grand designs, the essential interests of the Redeemers kingdom. Whenever ministers can be prevailed with to unite on this basis, religion will prosper, and Jerusalem be builded as a city that is compact together, beautiful in its structure, and strong for defence.

In the conclusion, we are led to observe the honorable office and employment of christian ministers. They are "workers together with God." They are "ambassadors of Christ." They bear the messages of the King of heaven, and in his name transact concerns of the highest importance with fellow creatures. To them, as subordinate agents and instruments, are entrusted the honour, the preservation, the increase and prosperity of a kingdom not of this world. What solemn awe should this impress on their spirits ! How should it carry them, as it were, up to heaven, to catch somewhat of that ardent zeal, ["]which glows and burns in celestial bosoms."

In view of the workers in Zion, a field of extensive and laborious service is now opening. "Say not, there are yet four months, and then comes the harvest: lift up your now eyes, and behold the fields, that they are white already to harvest."

Having gone into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, Christ is now returning to take possession of it. Zion’s king is on his way, "travelling in the greatness of his strength." His chariot wheels, which have been long in coming, are now in motion, and will irresistibly bear down all that is opposed to them. Already the cry is heard, "Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him." Even now his standard is erected, and proclamation made, "Who is on the Lord’s side ? let him come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

My fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, never, it is believed, was there a time, when the union and cooperation of faithful ministers were more needed. The time evidently is come, "That the Lord’s house should be builded." All things are ready. Arise, ye builders in Zion, and enter upon the work. :For Zion’s sake, let us give ourselves no rest; until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burneth."

Great is the encouragement we have for united and persevering exertion. He, in whose name we preach the glad tidings of salvation, hath said, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." He is present to guide, to defend, to prosper, and he will reward our fidelity with crown of life. But woe to the negligent minister, who seeks a pretence for remaining inactive. The voice of God thunders in his ears, "If through thy neglect these men be missing, then shall thy life be for theirs."

Fear not, ministers of Jesus, his cause must, and will prevail. Though for a while it appear to be sinking, and afford to its enemies a momentary triumph, yet, like its blessed Author, when he burst the bars of death and rose from the grave, it will rise again, and live forever. At no very distant day, it is destined to break through all the bounds y which it is at present confined, and to cover the whole earth with the knowledge and salvation of the Lord. Happy for us, if we shall be found instrumental in aiding these glorious triumphs of divine grace.

To proselyte from one denomination to another, where the essentials of religion are not concerned, should be left to the zeal of those who are willing to expend their zeal in such attempts. Ours be the nobler work of proselyt[iz]ing souls to Christ, of enlarging his holy kingdom, and of diffusing the blessings of his reign. The saving of but one soul from death is an achievement of such inconceivable magnitude, that no proper or probable method of effecting it should be declined. It demands the united exertions of all who love the ways of Zion, who are not afraid to speak for Christ, nor ashamed of his righteous cause.

To this noble, delightful attempt, let me summon you, my brethren in the Lord. An attempt which, if successful, will brighten your eternal crown; and, even if not successful, yet surely may you say, "My judgement is with the Lord, and my work with my God."

I am aware of the charge of enthusiasm, with which ardent zeal in the cause of Christ has sometimes been stigmatized. But if this be enthusiasm, it is not the having, but the want of it, which we have most reason to dread. To attempt the salvation of perishing souls, by means such as inspiration prescribes and warrants, is a laudable, not a censurable zeal; a spark kindled at God’s altar, which should glow and burn in our breasts with inextinguishable ardour. Who would not be zealous in a cause which God, and Christ, and all holy beings from the beginning of the world have been labouring to promote ? Who would not be zealous in a cause, which secures privileges and blessings infinitely more valuable than the possession of the whole world ? If a house were on fire, who would not fly to extinguish the flames ? Who would not hazard much to snatch a friend, a brother, a child, from the devouring element ? Call not, then, by the odious name of enthusiasm, that zeal, that affection, which prompt the attempt to rescue those we love from everlasting burnings.

To conclude. "Ye see your calling, brethren." Your duty is to unite and cooperate with each other, to act as fellow workers, in promoting the designs of a kingdom which concentrates the glory of God, and the best good of the universe. May you stand in your lot at the end of the days, and when the Redeemer shall come to Zion, partake of that bright and glorious recompense, which is reserved for those who have turned many to righteousness.