USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > The old Trappe Church, 1743-1893 : a memorial of the sesqui-centennial services of Augustus Evangelical Lutheran Church, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania > Part 11
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The old Trappe Church is Muhlenberg's best memorial, since it is in it, and through it, that we can best find the setting, the body, by which we can recall what he was, and what his life has to teach us. The occasion of its sesqui-centennial, and of grateful remembrances of him, are identities, ever inseparable, always mutually arising in our conscious- ness. Here he came in the very beginning of his ministry in America; this is the building which he designed and constructed, upon whose wall his name stands engraved in loving association with those who toiled and built with him, and under him; this was his ever loyal congregation, among whom he made his home, reared his family, to whom he returned again and again from his ever recurring journeys of superintendency ; here he sought refuge when war was abroad in the land, and here he came, weary with age and worn with labors, to wait until his God called him to his reward ; here he died, and here was he buried, and this is the holy shrine whither many a pilgrim comes to read, with uncovered head, the prophetic epitaph upon his humble stone.
The old Trappe Church and Muhlenberg are inseparable : he is the spirit of which it is the body, and it is the thing visible and external, tangible and material, which makes it possible and real to set his virtues before us as ever living, ever potent, ever exhaling a fresh and fragrant
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The Need of a Well-Equipped Ministry.
perfume, wholesome and invigorating, inciting to the service of God by fidelity in His Church.
We must be grateful to those who have limited our thoughts by naming our theme. There is so much that might be said, such a richness of suggestion in the place and the occasion, that despair of knowing where to end might otherwise have resulted in perplexity as to how to begin. This old church stands for so much to many of us. It is ances- tral for not a few here present, and the bones of the generations that were rest within its burial enclosure, while friend and relative are still com- municants within its fold, and are before us and with us this very day. Then, too, Muhlenberg himself was so many sided, and the exigencies of his position were so peculiar and so diverse. As great Cæsar says of him- self, upon one great crisis of battle, so might it be said of him for whom this church stands as a memorial, that " all things had to be done by him at one and the same time." He was to be pastor and teacher, he was to supply a need and create that need, or, at least, give it intelligent form and wholesome hunger : he was to organize the Church which was, as yet, to be planted, and which, nevertheless, had been in part misplanted. He was to be here and there and everywhere in a land without roads or bridges.
Yet all these considerations lead us directly to the theme chosen for us-the need of a ministry well educated, well provided for its task. Surely Muhlenberg sets this preeminently before us! Picture him land- ing from his tedious voyage along the coast, still enfeebled and suffering from it. He is absolutely alone, must force recognition upon those to whom he has been sent, must rely upon his own powers and address to make friends of those in authority, and to expose those planning and scheming against his Church. He must know thoroughly well what he is to teach and how to defend it against all objectors. He must be able to set it plainly before plain people, crumbing the bread of life for them, and yet with dignity and grace before the more cultured. He must rise above the provincialism of but one tongue, one language, into the tolera- tion of any or all, as vehicles for the truth he would set forth. Who but the well educated, well trained man is sufficient, by the grace of God and the courage of much faith, for all these things? Zeal may suffice for an assault, but this was a siege of many years' duration, and for such a warfare the man of God must be thoroughly furnished for all good works. But I realize that to have named my theme is to have proved it; it is axiomatic, and its self-evidence makes it difficult to demonstrate it. Times may change and circumstances may vary, but the need is ever the same ; the Christian ministry to be effective must be well equipped for its work, not ignorant, though well-meaning, not neophytes, though sincere.
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The Old Trappe Church.
Muhlenberg prevailed because, in addition to fervent piety and generous faith, he was a man of learning, of experience in social life, of trained executive ability, of cultured oratory, well-read in theology, of linguistic gifts : because he was, in a word, well educated, well equipped for the ministry.
The descent by natural birth is but an inseparable accident : to be in the line of spiritual descent by voluntary act of our own is a mark of character. We may all be spiritual descendants of him who is set before us this day as a great proto-type. Let us seek with our whole heart and mind to gain that adoption into his name and lineage. We shall compass it by striving for a well educated, well equipped ministry. We will en- dow and provide institutions of learning for those who would serve our ·churches in the most generous spirit and noblest conception. We will sustain them in that same spirit and watch over their efficiency with most loving jealousy. Let us do these things, and as the years roll by, we shall verify again and again that epitaph which declares that posterity will need no towering shaft, no costly pyramid, to know that Muhlenberg lived, or who or what he was, and ever has continued to be. Unto this end may this day and this occasion inspire us anew, and confirm us therein with an increased measure of devotion.
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The Triumph of Small Beginnings.
Address
BY
Rev. O. P. Smith.
The Triumph of Small Beginnings.
The duty and privilege assigned to me on this memorable occasion is to deliver a ten minutes' address on the subject, " The triumph of small beginnings." The Lutheran Church had a beginning in this Western land of ours, and that beginning was small.
Every thing in God's Universe that is intended to grow, has a small beginning, and this is particularly true in reference to His Kingdom of Grace established among the children of men. The Prophet Ezekiel represents to us the growth of the Church, in his vision of the holy waters ; first the waters are to the ankle, and as the stream flows on it augments, and its depth reaches to the loins ; still increasing, it becomes impassable. The Incarnation first manifested itself in the manger at Bethlehem-in the babe Christ Jesus. When Christ speaks of the growth of His Church, He utters this parable, " The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which is indeed the least of all seeds," and after He refers to its small beginning He lets us know of its wonderful possibilities of expansion and growth. Smallness is often the disguise of the infinite. You may be able to count the apples on a tree, but you are not able to count the trees in the apple. So you may count the acorns on a mighty oak, but who can count the mighty oaks in the acorns -there you meet infinities. It is well to remember this fact-smallness often the disguise of the infinite. It encourages patience ; it stimulates courage and perseverance ; it lightens the burdens of life-makes toil and labor easy even in the midst of small results at the time, and persuades us to wait patiently until the Lord leads on to the fulfilment of his designs.
When Muhlenberg came to these shores, he found the Lutheran Church, as was God's Earth in the beginning of Creation-"without form and void," but the Spirit of God had not forsaken her.
The Lord found a man after His own heart, a man whom He had endowed with the faith, courage and learning of a Paul and a Luther-a
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man fit for the kingdom of Heaven, who put his hand to the plow and never looked back.
Out of a small number of scattered and divided Lutherans he brought forth organization and system.
It was not only a small beginning, but on account of disadvantageous circumstances, a difficult beginning, but wisely, judiciously and prayer- fully the foundations were laid, the superstructure grew, and to-day the Lutheran Church can speak of her mighty triumphs, and gather her chil- dren around her altars in every part of this dear country of ours, in many languages and tongues, praising and glorifying God.
In 1742, when Muhlenberg landed in this country, what was the numerical strength of our Church? No Synod, about ten ministers and three thousand communicants. In 1891 there were 61 Synods, 4,861 ministers, 8, 232 congregations, 1,185, 116 communicant members.
When the Mother Synod, the Pennsylvania Ministerium, was organ- ized, in August, 1748, there was a synodical roll of about a half dozen clergymen ; now that Synod has a clerical roll of 291 names, and be- side this roll there are at least 60 other synodical rolls, swelling the num- ber to nearly 10,000.
When Muhlenberg began his work here the Lutheran Church had no educational institutions ; there are now 25 or more Theological Semi- naries, 30 Colleges, 35 Academies, 12 Ladies' Seminaries.
Then there were no charitable institutions in this country ; now there are 33 Orphans' Homes and 42 Asylums and Hospitals : the small beginning has been crowned with triumph ; the mustard seed has grown into a mighty tree, extending its branches in every legitimate channel of Church work, sheltering every noble cause of the kingdom of Christ and offering the blessing and peace of the healing of its leaves to a million of souls, reaching out and sending its benign blessing unto thousands in heathen lands.
How suitable and fitting in this Columbian year, when the great World's Exposition at Chicago speaks of the triumph of small beginnings in every branch of industry, science, literature and art, to contemplate the triumph of the small beginnings of our dear Zion.
The Lutheran Church, which has advanced so near to the front in the column of denominational statistics during the century about closing, what is before her in the next century ? Her banner should move to the very front ; it is her possibility. This is not a statement of sectarian enthusiasm, but a prophecy dictated by the very signs of progress. Her literature is addressing itself to the English speaking people of this coun- try. The large number she receives from year to year by immigration is rapidly swelling her ranks ; her confessions are more appreciated by her
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The Triumph of Small Beginnings.
children. When other denominations become alienated from their con- fessional basis and divided, the Lutheran Church of America forms stronger devotion to and appreciation of her symbols of faith. Her wisdom in avoiding cold legalism on the one hand, and narrow puritan- ism on the other, gives her the golden mean, a true evangelical position, that will make her the Church to lead in the ecclesiastical progress of the twentieth century, bringing her banner to the front among the American Churches.
If this position is not reached, it is because she has failed to do her duty ; she has been blind to her opportunities and possibilities, unfaith- ful to herself and false to her Master, the Great Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus.
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The Old Trappe Church.
Address
BY Rev. Samuel Laird, D. D.
Home Missions.
Muhlenberg is not to be commended because he originated a new work, but he deserves and receives praise because of the manner in which he carried on the work of the Church, which was committed to him. Our Lord, before His Ascension into heaven, said to His apostles, " Go ye and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy. Ghost: teaching them to ob- serve all things whatsoever I have commanded you." The import of this commission, coming down from the days of the infancy of the Chris- tian Church, Muhlenberg realized, and devoted himself to the close of his life to the performance of the duty here enjoined. The appreciation of the holy character of his ministerial office, the blessedness of his work, and the far reaching nature of the results of his labors, affecting the des- tiny of men both for this life and for that which is to come, so moved him that he consecrated himself unreservedly to the service of his Lord. So ex- emplary was he in his conduct, both in public and private, so wise in ordering the affairs of the congregations, so constant and loving in his ministrations, that his praise is in all the churches.
He was animated by a spirit of self-sacrifice. When he received the call to his field of future usefulness, it required that he should leave his kindred and friends and native land, and come to this new western world. He cheerfully abandoned the comforts he might have enjoyed, to en- counter the risks and dangers of travel over sea and land, at that time far greater than they are! now, and to endure the hardships inci- dent to life on the borders of civilization. It was not in thickly popu- lated districts that he labored, but to sparse settlements of immigrants, widely scattered over a great extent of territory, requiring him to under- take constant journeys at all seasons of the year, which were often at- tended with peril. Nor was it to well-established, influential congrega- tions that he ministered, but to small bodies of people, frequently holding dissentient views and varying opinions, demanding the greatest forbear- ance, tact and patience, in order that they might be gathered into harmo-
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nious organizations. Regardless of selfish interests he continued through many years of time to " preach the Word ; instant in season, out of sea- son ; reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all long suffering and doctrine."
Fidelity was another marked characteristic of his ministry. He was faithful to the truth. He recognized in all its fullness the great fact that " It hath pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe," and in all his presentations from the pulpit he adhered closely to the Divine Word. He believed thoroughly that the Holy Spirit moves upon the spirit of man through the agency of the truth and of that alone, hence his anxiety that the purity of the truth should be maintained in the churches, and in his estimation that purity could only be secured by adherence to the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Hence we find him ever upholding the Church in which he had been ordained a Minister, and seeking in the Ministerium and in the congre- gations and among his brethren so to arrange that the Church of that period and of the future might remain true to the faith.
Not only was he faithful in dealing with the interests of large bodies of people, but also with individuals. He recognized the value of an im- mortal soul. Intense love for sinful mortals inflamed him, and moved by a sincere desire for their salvation, he dealt wisely with each one, as is seen from the accounts of his manner of acting with men in private as well as in public, hesitating not to rebuke where need required, as well as to encourage, and setting before men their sins as well as the way of pardon and peace. Fidelity to God, to the Church, to individuals, is a prominent feature in his whole career.
He was zealous. There was no languid performance of the duties ` of his office. The Spirit of the Master influenced and quickened him. With heartiness he undertook the most laborious works, and prose- cuted them with unwearied earnestness. The great spiritual interests of the people whom God had committed to his care, were ever upon his heart, and on their behalf he labored constantly. He had a keen appreciation of the value of the ministry, and that he made full proof of it is abundantly shown by the results of his life-work which still abide among us. Pious, without cant, gentle, without weakness, firm and yet considerate and kindly, reverent towards God, loving to man, this noble Patriarch exhibited true zeal enlightened by knowledge, in carrying on the work of his office, so that he is held in affectionate and respectful remembrance wherever his deeds are known.
Such a life is an example and an inspiration to us. The same com- mission which was first given to the Apostles, the force of which Muhlen- berg realized, is given to us. To the entire Christian Church the charge comes to preach the Gospel to every creature. This is a duty
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The Old Trappe Church.
laid upon each individual member, which may not be thrust aside or neglected with impunity. Do we take in the meaning of the com- mand of our Lord to His Apostles, and do we endeavor to obey it ? Does love for souls so influence our hearts as that we are willing to labor for their salvation ? These are questions which it behooves us to answer. The scene which is here presented, this old building in which we are assembled, the memories of the past which come crowding upon us, all remind us of one who stood foremost among the men of his period in the work of missions, one of whose descendants has addressed us to-day. If these dumb walls could speak, would they not re-iterate in our ears the burning words of Gospel truth which issued from his lips, and bear wit- ness to the fidelity with which he besought men to be reconciled to God. Oh ! what have you done for Jesus? What sacrifice have you made, what fidelity have you shown, what zeal have you exercised in the endeavor to save souls? Have you allowed this subject its due weight in your minds, and have you been so impressed by it, that your activities show the sin- cerity of your convictions ?
No one should underrate his ability in this respect, and think because he is moving in an humble walk in life, or is not numbered among the rich, that he cannot be expected to do anything. If there is true zeal in the cause of Christ, ways of serving Him will be found so as to benefit our fellow mortals and win them over to a religious life. By your ex- ample, by your exertions, by your gifts, by your prayers the cause of mis- sions may be furthered. The demand is great. At home, abroad, the fields are white unto the harvest. The laborers are few. The population of our land is increasing with great rapidity. From all parts of the old world immigrants are coming, adding thousands yearly to our densely popu- lated cities, and bringing under cultivation the broad acres of hitherto un- tilled plains. These new comers, as well as the rising generation must be brought into the fold of the Church. The good of our country requires it, the value of immortal souls demands it. It is Christ's own work. He has commissioned us to carry it on.
This community has entered into the possession of the blessings of Muhlenberg's missionary labors. The precious legacy bequeathed from his untiring spiritual activity, is enjoyed most largely by those who live where he established his home, and where his body lies buried. These thoughts should lead you to greater consecration in the service of that Lord, whose he was, and whom he served. This venerated building in which he preached stands as a preacher to remind you of your duty, as it inspires us all to do what in us lies to meet the pressing needs of Home Missions.
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Foreign Missions.
Address
BY
Rev. C. J. Hirzel.
Foreign Missions.
It is but proper that the celebration, which calls us together in festive assembly within these antiquated surroundings and amid these sacred associations, should reach out with broad sweep and bring in subjects of interest from remoter points. The preceding speakers have forcibly pre- sented matters of nearer interest and direct concern-and you will allow me, in a few remarks, to dwell on a subject of more distant setting yet of unending necessity. I do this, however, conscious of having to gather up only remaining fragments other builders did not need.
No thoughtful mind in this assembly will deny the powerful inspira- tion this hallowed church, that has withstood the blasts and fury of so many years, must be in the loving work of Foreign Missions. But ours is the subject of personal, honest, loving devotion to this never-ending work. We question not the necessity for it. But do we realize our personal duty in it ? To more properly understand the devotion for this work with which this old Trappe church should inspire us, we must contem- plate this building, and what it implies, from the other side of the At- lantic. To Muhlenberg and his advisors it was work in a foreign land, demanding the willing and ready surrender of home, friends, kindred and every personal comfort, preference and delight-proceeding along this line we note the following reasons for devotion to the work of Foreign Missions :
I .- Because we have the men.
When the distracted Lutherans of Pennsylvania, a century and a half ago, sent their urgent appeal to the Church in the Fatherland, the first question to be answered was: Have we the man? And this was soon answered when they thought of Muhlenberg. They had the man. And when Muhlenberg was asked he could only say, " If I can see the hand of Providence in this call, I will go." We also have the men. There may be and must be sons of godly parents in our Church, and in this
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The Old Trappe Church.
time-honored Trappe congregation, sons of mental power, pious spirit and Christian devotion, that shall be taught and trained to enter the work of gathering in the heathen for the possession of Christ. But, in send- ing Muhlenberg to this country the Church sent a man, not fresh from the Theological school, but experienced, tried and fitted by practical work in the ministry.
No field is so trying, no labor in the ministry is so exacting, no position demands so much of the ripest wisdom, the safest judgment and the sharpest experience, than is and does the labor of the Foreign Missionary. Our loving devotion is justly required when we consider the great trust and courage this work demands. Muhlenberg came over to serve his own countrymen, people of his own blood and tongue, whose spirit, habits and customs were no unknown quantity. To-day, however, Foreign Missionaries must carry their very lives in their hands : must suffer all the changes of climate, food and country ; must master new alphabets and languages : must face untold dangers and hardships. But we have the men, and should devote ourselves lovingly to the work for their sakes as our brethren.
II .- We have the means.
When Muhlenberg came to America he had the Mother Church back of him. Should the stipulations of the longing brethren here fail him, he could lean with reasonable assurance on the assistance and protection of the fathers at home. But he must build his churches out of American materials and with forces on American soil. This old Trappe church was built with stone from American quarries, lumber from American forests, and with hearts and hands here on the ground. The man who is a Foreign Missionary, in the eyes of Halle, is a Home Missionary among the people in America. Out of these small beginnings have grown large congregations, churches and synods. From the simple means and limited resources of this old Trappe church have accumulated large in- comes and an abundance of material power. Behold the vast means we have inherited. To devote ourselves with love to the work of Foreign Missions entails no hardship, demands no sacrifice from us. It only needs that every one do something, and the harvest of means will be ripe and great. Every stone and piece of timber in this antiquated building was set up and put in place piece by piece. Your prayers and gifts, your offerings each one must bring for him or herself and set up in sanctified array upon the altar of loving devotion to the work of bringing into the fold the souls groping in blindness and sin, though so far, far away. Who cannot spare of their plenty for this work so preeminently Gospel ?
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Foreign Missions.
III .- Because of its exalted character.
Angels may bring tidings of God's goodness, and from their shim- mering wings spread rays of heavenly truth and grace. But only the Christ could put into actualization the will and purpose of man's redemp- tion. To proclaim the glorious Gospel, to preach the blessed tidings, to point and tread the way of everlasting peace and life in guiding love and pity ; this is the hallowed work of your Missionaries. They do it for you. The Master's command they fulfill for you. It is your Christ-like work performed by sanctified lives and labors. Angels may witness the zeal and devotion of the Church in her endeavors ; but the Missionaries carry the very Christ in their hearts and hands as they labor for you among the benighted masses in distant lands. What task more noble and exalted, what calling more spiritual and sublime, than shedding the light of love divine and grace eternal amid the engulfing gloom of hea- then ignorance and despair. So exalted is your duty, your privilege ; so rich is your calling in blessing and promise. Then raise up and send forth the men, your men ; and freely give the means of love and devotion, your own means ; and so send out the rays of Christian love and duty over the raging sea of heathen superstitution, ignorance and woe, to light immortal souls to the haven of rest.
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