Outline 23.

would shortly produce a gentleman who would refute it, as well as a pamphlet which Mr. Fletcher had distributed. These threats, however, they never thought proper to realize, while the bold and well timed remonstrance of the zealous vicar prevented them from making any considerable progress in that neighbourhood.” OUTLINE 23.

“Glory be to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” Luke 2:14.

INTRODUCTION. - How delightful to know the theme of angels songs. Ministers are called angels, and should be so in flesh. Allow me to take the song of angels for the subject of this day.

I. “Glory be to God on high.”

Angels, looking into the mystery of the incarnation, see the perfections of God in a new light, and ascribe glory to him. Justice had appeared in the condemnation of fallen angels.

Mercy was hid still in the bosom of God. Truth must not be violated. The law must be vindicated. God incarnates himself. Glory to justice, truth, mercy, faithfulness. These words were spoken to excite man. Give glory to God on high, ye sons of earth. Raise your hearts and voices. Give God glory for all his attributes shining in Christ. God is on high. The high and lofty One - how low has he stooped!

II. “Peace on earth.”

God hath the glory, man the benefit. Peace, in the Hebrew, means all good things. Peace be multiplied. The God of peace is come to reconcile the world unto himself.

1. Man, a rebel against God, an enemy. This enmity by nature in thoughts, words, actions, confederacy.

2. God is offended, and yet stoops to propose, to bring, to “make PEACE by the blood of the cross.”

3. Man cannot, will not go to God in heaven. God comes to man on earth.

4. Peace is now proclaimed. Angels are all heralds. Peace on earth. Down with your arms, sons of the earth. Peace, ye troubled souls, who tremble before the Most High. Peace, ye guilty souls. Peace, ye tempted souls. Multiplied peace, ye believing souls. The God of peace is now Emmanuel, God with us. Know the heavenly “peace on earth.” Enjoy the consequences of peace, “rest, quietness, assurance for ever,” union, communion, gifts, plenty.

III. “Good will toward man.”

God and angels well pleased with men in Christ. Full of good will as well as peace.

En anqrwpoiv, “among men,” complacence, forbearance, forgiving, harmony, love, mutual congratulations, and good offices. Mephibosheth and Ziba.

APPLICATION. -

Sinners. - Do you give glory to God in profaning, &c?

Unbelievers.—Believe or you cannot give glory.

Rebels. - “What have you to do with peace?” O accept it. Mourners. - We proclaim it still: peace to you.

Backsliders. - Peace again.

Passionate ones. - Believers, &c.

OUTLINE 24.

“Prepare to meet thy God,” Amos 6:12.

INTRODUCTION. - God had sent famine, (verse 6,) withheld rain, (7,) had sent insects, (9,) pestilence, (10,) Sodom’s plague, (11,) yet have ye not returned unto me.

I. When we shall meet our God?

1. At death. The officer will come, break open the prison, take the prisoner to his just doom.

2. In the day of judgment. The great assize.

II. What preparation is needful to meet him with joy?

1. A sight of our sinful and lost condition, Luke 13:3. Repenting, or pleading guilty and undone.

2. Making interest with the Judge.

By applying to him in time, as a Saviour for mercy, pardon, and a new heart.

As Benhadad came to Ahab, 1 Kings 20:31, 32.

As the poor harlot at Jesus’ feet, Luke 7.

As the publican. In all the means till he meets you, Exodus 20:24; James 6:8.

III. When we are to prepare?

1. Not on a death bed. We may never come there. Or we may be delirious, or oppressed with pain and weakness.

2. Not in old age. Not when we have settled all things on earth. Not tomorrow. “Thou fool.”

3. But to - day. When you have life and health. When God calls you by mercies and judgments. When messengers invite, and death suddenly snatches our neighbours. “Now is the accepted time,” &c. Meet God as your God.

IV. Motives to engage you to prepare.

1. If you are found unprepared, it will be too late to do it when the last summons comes: foolish virgins. You will have eternity to repent in, and in vain. I have seen some dying unprepared. Shocking sight!

2. When prepared, you are in peace. Death hath no sting. Christ is your friend. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” You have one heaven, and are sure of another.

3. Consider, that Christ is come to meet you in mercy. THY GOD.

4. How soon he may meet you in judgment.

APPLICATION. -