What is that good which you are to encourage, or what is the work denoted by building and planting? This is a much more agreeable part of the subject than the other, though not more necessary.

In general, encourage and impart just sentiments. The truth has ever been God’s honoured instrument in doing good. Encourage and cultivate holy tempers and dispositions. Labour to build up your people in these things. That is not always the best ministry that draws the most followers, but that which does the most good. When I see a company of modest, humble, upright, lovely, diligent, holy people, I see the best evidence of a good minister. But let me be a little more particular.

First, As a builder—

1. Be sure that you lay a right foundation.—Christ is the foundation of God’s laying, the foundation of the apostles and prophets; and you must lay him, as the foundation of faith and holiness. All true holiness is built upon faith in Christ. Many preachers who profess to entertain a great regard for a holy life, and deal much in moral declamations, omit this part of their work.

2. See that your materials be fitly framed together, Eph. 2:21. Three things belong to this: (1.) That the materials be hewed and squared. What would a company of proud, self-willed, prejudiced professors do together with the godly? These sins must be cut off. They ought to be like the stones of the temple before you lay them in the house of God. (2.) That they be formed by the same rule. The stones must not only be cut even, but so as to fit the foundation and each other, or they cannot be fitly framed. Whatever variety there may be in some respects, there must be uniformity in others. No society can exist without similarity of views. Our hearts must be renewed after the image of Christ; and if they fit and fall in with his gospel and government, they will fit one another. But all attempts to build men into religious society without this will be vain. “For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” &c.—See 2 Cor. 6:14–18. “How can two walk together except they be agreed?” (3.) That, in being placed in the building, every one be put in that situation for which he is formed.—Some have splendid gifts, and are like stones in the front of the building, for ornament and strength. Others have more private excellences; but, though less conspicuous, they may not be less useful. Some are like Barnabas, affectionate; and excel in seeking out obscure humble inquirers, Acts 9:27. Others are wise in counsel and grave in deportment. Every gift should be so disposed of as that it shall be of the greatest use to the whole, otherwise the building will not be fitly framed together. Where offices are filled with men because they are men of property, it is often otherwise.

3. So frame the whole as that it may be a fit habitation for God.—It must be God’s house, not yours. Beware that you go not about it as Nebuchadnezzar went about Babylon—“This is the house which I have built”—this is my house! I trust you have no greater desire than that God would take up his abode with you. Well—build you but upon his foundation, and by his rule, and he will dwell with you. All buildings are with a view to habitation.

Secondly, As a planter, prepare the soil by searching and convincing doctrine.—Sow “wholly a right seed.” When you see the plants growing up, give attention to them. Cultivate them by every means, and pray that they may be watered by the Holy Spirit.

Allow me a word or two, my brother, particularly applicable to yourself individually.

1. While you root out and pull down, and build and plant, in God’s house and vineyard, do not overlook your own. Personal religion is of the utmost importance to a minister.

2. Take into consideration that you are “a labourer together with God.” He that employs you will reward you. Look, my brother, beyond the grave for your reward. We have but little here; but if we had much, it would be an awful thing to receive that for our reward!

Fuller, A. G. (1988). “Ministers Appointed to Rooted Out Evil and Cultivate Good,” Sermon LXIV. The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller: Memoirs, Sermons, Etc. (J. Belcher, Ed.; Vol. 1, pp. 487–489). Sprinkle Publications.