THE occasion of the preceding discourse is thus explained by one of Mr. Fletcher's biographers : "When he was on the eve of his departure, the Roman catholics opened a chapel at Madeley, and drew over to their communion some individuals of his flock. Under these circumstances he considered it his duty to oppose them, and for that purpose to delay his journey for a few weeks. He accordingly preached a sermon in which he ably contrasted the doctrines of the apostles with the errors of the papists. The apostles,' he observed, 'represent the holy scriptures as a sufficient rule of faith and practice; but the papists maintain that tradition is to be received with the same veneration, and that those are accursed who knowingly contemn it. The apostles declare, that the one living and true God is the sole object of religious worship; whereas the papists enjoin the worship of the host, and of angels, saints, images, and relics. The apostles affirm, that Christ is the only Mediator be tween God and man; but the papists assert, that there are many mediators, to whom they are wont to have recourse, as the virgin Mary, St. Peter, and departed saints in general. The apostles teach us that there is no merit, strictly speaking, in us, or in our works or sufferings; that at the best we are unprofitable servants; and that all merit is in Christ, his life and death, his atonement and intercession; that there is no propitiatory sacrifice but that of his cross, and no purgatory but his blood and Spirit; whereas the church of Rome by her doctrine of indulgences, penances, and works of supererogation, as well as by that of the sacrifice of the mass and of purgatory, evidently departs from that faith, affirming that the works of justified persons do truly deserve eternal life, and pronouncing him accursed who denies that such works merit an increase of grace here and eternal life hereafter. The apostles declare, that the Holy Spirit is the only source of all inward or outward holiness; but the papists maintain that the virgin Mary is also a source of grace to the faithful, being accustomed to address her in these words, Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord be with thee, thy grace with me' As to the commandments, he said, The papists mangle the first, curtail or openly break the second, and evidently contradict and violate the tenth, the Council of Trent having pronounced them accursed who say that concupiscence is sin. As to prayer, it is perverted by them, being ridiculously addressed to saints and angels, and that by means of beads and strings, as well as frequently offered for the dead, and when in public generally uttered in an unknown tongue. The two sacraments,' he continued, ' are corrupted and abused by them : that of the Lord's supper, by their doctrine of transubstantiation, by their considering it as a sacrifice for the dead, and also by their denying the cup to the laity. The other sacrament is rendered ridiculous, partly by their baptism of bells, and partly by their joining it with sundry foolish and unscriptural ceremonies. Marriage,' he continued, ‘is constituted a sacrament without any authority from scripture, and yet is forbidden to their clergy. "The Romanists, who were previously sufficiently irritated, now openly professed their indignation. A man who acted as their spokesman cried out several times to the people as they were leaving church, that there was not a word of truth in the whole sermon; and then, turning to Mr. Fletcher, assured him, that he 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, whilst the bold and well-timed remonstrance of the zealous vicar prevented them from making any considerable progress in that neighbourhood." OUTLINE XXIII. Glory be to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.-Luke ii. 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." 66 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. 66 66 III. "Good-will towards man." God and angels well pleased with men in Christ. Full of good-will as well as peace. 66 Ev avlрwπоis, " 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. OUTLINE XXIV. Prepare to meet thy God.-Amos iv. 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 prison, take the prisoner to his just doom. 2. In the day of judgment.—The great assize. the II. What preparation is needful to meet him with joy? 1. A sight of our sinful and lost condition. Luke xiii. 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 xx. 31, 32. As the publican. In all the means till he meets you. Exodus xx. 24; James iv. 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 to-morrow."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 friend. your "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. not be too soon. APPLICATION.—1. Young sinners.-Prepare.-It can"Remember thy Creator," &c. 2. Busy worldlings.-Your field, house, rent, is prepared. Is your soul so? If you had a cause to be tried, would prepare. you 3. Old people. Your hoary heads and wrinkled foreheads show, that death comes. Your body is preparing for the tomb. Is your soul ready for God? End your follies with the year. 4. Relatives. Prepare. The call is to all, doubly to you. O seek manger! look at Christ's tomb,-though this by faith. Mix your souls with Jesus, as you will mix your dust with OUTLINE XXV. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha.-1 Cor. xvi. 22. INTRODUCTION.-Devoted to destruction, execrable. |