PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 3 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 243,969 words · 482 reading sections
138 1 Samuel, Vl 20. [287.
having both his head and his hands broken from the trunk. Should tliey not have learned from this that their idol had neither wisdom nor power to effect any tiling*^? But when they would not understand from this sign the superiority of the God of Israel, Jehovah smote multitudes of them with a pestilence, of which…
656 wordsSECTION 122138 1 Samuel, Vl 20. [287.
Doubtless the wicked can never stand before God — [God is a holy Being, that " cannot look upon iniquity" without the utmost abhorrence of it. The profane sinner, however he may " contemn God," and " puff at his judg- ments," will have far other thoughts of God when once he begins to feel, either in liis body or i…
257 wordsSECTION 123140 1 Samuel, Vi. 20. [287.
before God : for " not every one that saitli unto Christ, ' Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of our Father which is in heaven." Men may plead that they have eaten and drunk in his presence, and done many wonderful works in his name ; but the Lord Jesus will say to the…
772 wordsSECTION 124142 1 Samuel, Vii. 8, 9. [288.
u Isai. xlv. 17. ^ 1 Pet. i. 12. y Phil. viii. 7—10. z 2 Cor. iii. 18. « Col. i. 12. Samuel's successful intercession. 1 Sam. vii. 8, 9. And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he unll save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb…
781 wordsSECTION 125144 1 Samuel, Vii. 8, 9. [288.
This sacrifice he accompanied with fervent prayer — [Samuel well knew, that as prayer without a sacrifice would be of no avail, so neither would a sacrifice without prayer. He therefore " cried unto the Lord." O what is intimated in that expression ! what humility, what fervour, what importunity ! Such is the pray…
497 wordsSECTION 126Cclxxxix.
MEMORIALS OF GOD's GOODNESS. 1 Sam. vii. 12. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it hetween Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. THERE is in the generality of men a very culpable inattention to the ways of Providence. A variety of dispensations succeed each…
329 wordsSECTION 127146 1 Samuel, Vii. 12. [289.
Whether the agency of God be more or less visible, it is certain that not so much as a sparrow falls to the ground without his special direction. Let us then take a view of the mercies he has vouchsafed to us. These have been, 1. Pubhc— [These have been exceeding great^ and they de- mand our devoutest acknowledg…
422 wordsSECTION 128289.1 Memorials Of God'.S Goodness. 147
our ears, and its light been exhibited before our eyes ; " for many prophets and kings have in vain desired to see and hear these things," which we so richly enjoy. We have all, more or less, been made the subjects of re- straining grace : and O, what a tribute of praise does that demand ! How many of our fellow-c…
501 wordsSECTION 129148 1 Samuel Vii. 12. [289.
himself as the greatest monument of mercy that can be found on earth. Whether then we consider our temporal or our spiritual mercies, we cannot but find unbounded occasion to raise grateful memorials to the Lord our God.] But it will be proper to shew, II. In what manner we should do it — External and visible mo…
691 wordsSECTION 130148 1 Samuel Vii. 12. [289.
4. We must trust him in all future difficulties and dangers — [This is a very principal end of raising memorials of any kind : it is, not merely to remind us of what God has done, but of what he is ever ready to do, if we call upon him. Here again we are called to admire the conduct of David, who re- garded the d…
703 wordsSECTION 131148 1 Samuel Vii. 12. [289.
L That God is a hearer of prayer — [This the people could not but acknowledge, since they all had applied to Samuel to entreat the Lord in their behalf^ And this was a truth which it was of the utmost importance to commemorate, since it demonstrated Jehovah to be the only true God. To this truth the whole Scriptur…
750 wordsSECTION 132148 1 Samuel Vii. 12. [289.
out your salvation Think of your spiritual mercies. Have you any measure of light in your minds, of softness in your hearts, of holiness in your lives ? Have you any hopes in Christ as your Saviour ; any experience of the Spirit as your Comforter; any prospects of heaven, as your inheritance? Think of multitudes a…
354 wordsSECTION 133154 1 Samuel, Vii. 15—17. [291.
Application — 1. Take now a review of all that God has done for you m times past — [Let those who are yet living as without God in the world contemplate God's forbearance towards them — Let those who have been brought out of darkness into the marvel- lous light of the Gospel survey the riches of divine grace dis…
309 wordsSECTION 134Ccxcl
Samuel's judicial character. 1 Sam. vii. 15 — 17. And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. And his return tvas to Ramah; for there tvas his house ; and there he judged Israel; and there he b…
452 wordsSECTION 135156 1 Samuel, Vii. 15— 17. [291.
gave security to those who were quiet in the land. His know- ledge of the laws inspired all with confidence: his known in- tegrity disposed all to a ready acquiescence in his decisions: his authority silenced opposition, where unreasonable selfish- ness would otherwise have maintained and perpetuated discord: and …
673 wordsSECTION 136158 1 Samuel, Vii. 15—17. [291
And who amongst us has not reason to bless God for such a constitution as this? Who is there that can injure the very meanest amongst us, without being amenable to the laws, and paying the penalty due to his transgression ? The peace and security which we of this happy land enjoy, under the dominion of the laws, a…
704 wordsSECTION 137292. J Conversion A Ground Of Joy. 159
<= Jam. ii. 5. Verily, I must say, if we praise not God for these benefits, *' the very stones may well cry out against us."] 2. How^ to improve the influence we possess — [Samuel improved his influence for the honour of God, and for the benefit of man. And thus must we also act, according to our ability. True, w…
324 wordsSECTION 138160 1 Samuel, X. 12. [292.
1 Sam. X. 12. Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets ? PROVERBS are short and weighty sentences, comprising in few words some great and important truth. Of this kind was that which David addressed to Saul : " Mine hand shall not be upon thee : as saith the proverb of the ancients. Wickedne…
444 wordsSECTION 139292.J Conversion A Ground Of Joy. 161
man^" All these predictions came to pass accord- ingly ; and all the people, when they saw Saul pro- phesying, as skilfully as any of the other prophets, were filled with wonder, that he, who had never been instructed, should be able to perform his part in so extraordinary a way. They could scarcely believe their…
373 wordsSECTION 140162 1 Samuel, X. 12. [292.
of such moment. Of them we may suppose the observation to be, What ! at his early age has he begun to think ? At a time of Hfe when we might expect aiothing but thovightless levity to occupy his mind, has he begun to set God before him, and to devote himself to his Sa\iour with his whole heart? Who could have conc…
469 wordsSECTION 141292.] Conversion A Ground Of Joy. 163
decorum ; he has conformed to the standard which the society in which he hves has estabhshed ; and he has seen no great end of hfe, but to consult his own happiness, and to contri- bute liis quota to the haj)piness of those around him Another has felt himself more at liberty, and has launched forth into a more Hce…
446 wordsSECTION 142164 1 Samuel, X. 12. [292.
David, he prophesied again, and excited in the be- holders the same wonder as before " ; we cannot but feel extremely jealous of such conversions ; and, to- gether with our grateful admiration, blend also a measure of prudential inquiry, saying, " Is Saul among the prophets ?" This is a matter which ought not to …
447 wordsSECTION 143292.1 Conversion A Ground Of Joy. 165
holy," and "pure as he is puie"." If we would not deceive our own souls, we should take the faith of Abraham, the meekness of Moses, the devotion of David, the firmness of Elijah, the integrity of Daniel, and all the characteristic virtues of the several prophets, as tests whereby to try our own : and thouffh we a…
471 wordsSECTION 144166 1 Samuel, Xii. 16—23. [293.
[Respecting too many of you, alas! it imist rather be asked, ' What! Is he not yet among the prophets?' Has he heard the word so long and so faithfully preached in vain? Has the Spirit of God so often striven with him m vain? Has he made so many good resolves in vain? Alas! how aggravated is his guilt! and how aw…
260 wordsSECTION 145293.1 Israelites Reproved For Rejecting Samuel. 167
THE Israelites' rejection of samuel reproved. 1 Sam. xii. 16 — 23. Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the Lord will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to-day ? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain ; that ye may perceive and see that your tuickedness is great, whi…
569 wordsSECTION 146168 1 Samuel, Xii. 16—23. [293.
that this change in the constitution of Israel was pleasing to God : but Samuel, by divine command, declared the contrary, and condemned the people with great severity. This is related in the words of our text ; from whence we shall be led to notice, I. The sin committed — The Israelites desired to change the for…
436 wordsSECTION 147293.] Israelites Reproved For Rejecting Samuel. 169
after the appointment of a king had been ratified and confirmed. Then indeed he appealed to them, whether he had not con- ducted himself towards them with the most unblemished inte- grity^ But past services were of Uttle account with persons so infatuated and self-willed as that people were at this time. But furth…
684 wordsSECTION 148294.] Devotion To God Urged From Gratitude. 171
By way of improvement, let us beware lest there be amongst us also any who reject God — [If the rejection of Samuel was a rejection of God, what must a rejection of Christ be? and yet, how many are there who say of him, " We will not have this man to reign over us*^!" Yes, though expostulated with, and warned with…
334 wordsSECTION 149172 1 Samuel, Xii. 23, 24. [294.
1 Sam. xii. 23, 24. I will teach you the good and the right way : only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth loith all your heart : for consider hoiv great things he hath done for you. A ZEAL for the honour of God, and a concern for the welfare of men's souls, are the most striking features of a spiritual mind ; …
654 wordsSECTION 150294.1 Devotion To God Urged From Gratitude. 173
a 2 Chron. xxv. 2. ^2 Chron. xxxi. 20, 21. c 1 Chron, xxviii. 9. '• Matt. vii. 13, 14. excused, " he that departeth from evil is considered as a prey^," which all are at liberty to hunt and devour. But the testimony of Samuel, confirmed as it is by numberless other passages of Holy Writ, is sufficient to outweigh …
458 wordsSECTION 151174 1 Samuel, Xii. 23, 24. [294.
operate as inducements to fidelity and diligence in the service of our God ? Does not every favour bestowed upon us address us, as it were, in the words of Samuel, " Only fear the Lord?" Does it not bind us also, according to the ability and oppor- tunities afforded us, to teach others " the good and the right way…
796 wordsSECTION 152176 1 Samuel, Xiii. 11—13. [295.
That we may understand exactly wherein Saul's conduct was exceptionable, I will shew, I. How far it was good and commendable — We by no means condemn it altogether ; for, in part, we think it deserving of praise. He did well, a Job xxxiv. 18. b Tit. ii. 15. 1. In that he dared not to encounter his adversa- ries …
781 wordsSECTION 153178 1 Samuel, Xiii. 11—13. [295.
2. His unwarranted dependence on a merely ritual observance — [He evidently thought that the performance of this cere- mony was the only effectual way to secure for himself and his people a deliverance from their impending danger. But how absurd was this thought ! Could it be supposed, that to dis- obey God's com…
811 wordsSECTION 154180 1 Samuel, Xiv. 6. [296.
Jonathan's victory over the Philistines. 1 Sam. xiv. 6. And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these jmcircumcised: it may he that the Lord zvill ivork for lis : for there is no restraint to the Lord to save hy many or hy few. SO frequent are the won…
744 wordsSECTION 155180 1 Samuel, Xiv. 6. [296.
Wonderful was this victory, and most instructive : in contemplating it we cannot but see, 1. That God can work by the weakest means — [Nothing can be conceived more inadequate to the occa- sion than the means that were here used — • But God delights to magnify his own strength in his people's weakness, and to int…
321 wordsSECTION 156182 1 Samuel, Xv. 11. [297.
3. That faith in him will ensure to us the victory — [" Who ever trusted in him and was confounded ? " See what wonders have been wrought by faith in former ages*^; and shall it have less efficacy aiow? Will it not still, as formerly, bring Omnij^otence to our aid? Only have " faith as a grain of mustard-seed," an…
253 wordsSECTION 157297.1 Mourning For The Sins Of Others. 183
1 Sam. XV. 11. And if grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night. NEVER can we be weary of contemplating the scripture history ; so diversified are its incidents, and so instructive the examples it sets before us. The whole life of Samuel, from his first dedication to God by his mother to the very hour …
610 wordsSECTION 158184 1 Samuel, Xv. 11. [297.
of the kingdom, we do not find that he was grieved either for himself or his children : but for Saul and his children he deeply grieved. In his own case, Samuel had nothing to de- plore : whilst he fell a victim to the ingratitude of man, he had a testimony from the whole nation, and from God himself, that he had …
427 wordsSECTION 159297.] Mourning For The Sins Of Others. 185
" mthout God in tlie world," and no one will lay it to heart, or shew the least concern about the dishonour which is done to God. The eternal interests of men too, it is surprising how little they are thought of. Men are dying all around us, and no one inquires whether they are prepared to die : and, when they ar…
483 wordsSECTION 160186 1 Samuel, Xv. 11. [297.
and should we scarcely offer a petition for ourselves ? Should the deposing of another from an earthly kingdom appear a judgment to be deprecated, and shall we not deprecate the loss of heaven for ourselves ? Verily, in neglecting to pray for ourselves, we not only sin against God, but grievously sin also against …
452 wordsSECTION 161Saul S Self-Deceit.
1 Sam. XV. 13 — 16. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto lim\, Blessed he thou of the Lord : I have per- formed the commandment of the Lord. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen ivhich I hear ? And Saul said, They have brought them from the A…
329 wordsSECTION 162188 1 Samuel, Xv. 13— Ig, [298
[Not only is "our reigning lust" to be mortified*', but every sinful disposition, though it be dear to us as " a right eye," or apparently necessary to us as " a right hand*^."] But, whilst much remains unmortified, we take credit to ourselves as having fulfilled the will of God — [The great majority of men, if n…
652 wordsSECTION 163190 1 Samuel, Xv. 22, 23. [299.
IV. Their impending fate — Saul was rejected of his God — [He might have urged in his behalf, that the command which had been given him, left him a discretion to exercise mercy : and, at all events, his desire had been to honour God with sacrifices which must otherwise have been withheld. But the commands of God …
529 wordsSECTION 164Ccxcix.
Saul's disobedience and punishment. 1 Sam. XV. 22, 23. And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in hurnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the 299. J Saul's disobedience and punish…
413 wordsSECTION 165192 1 Samuel, Xv. 22, 23. [299.
command. Yet behold, through pride and covetousness he de- parted from the command, sparing Agag, to grace his triumph ; and preserving the best of the flocks and herds, to enrich him- self and his people. Thus by executing the command in part, and violating it in part, he shewed, that he made his own will, and no…
651 wordsSECTION 166194 1 Samuel, Xv. 22, 23. [299.
2. As denouncing his punishment — [God had before threatened to deprive him of the kingdom for presuming to offer sacrifices without waiting for Samuel according as he had been enjoined ; and now that punishment was irreversibly decreed'. A sign too was now given him, that it should in due time be executed : as he…
648 wordsSECTION 167God Inspects The Heart.
ccc. 1 Sam. xvi. 7. The Lord seeih not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, hut the Lord looketh on the heart. WHAT a solemn and awful declaration is this! how interesting to every one of us ! The generality, it is to be feared, scarcely think of themselves as in the presence of God : whereas…
345 wordsSECTION 168196 1 Samuel, Xvi. 7. [300.
Having thus seen the scope of the words as de- livered on that particular occasion, we shall proceed to notice, I. The truth contained in them — God does inspect the hearts of men — 1. He is qualified to do so — ["He is light; and with him there is no darkness at all*." " His eyes are in every place, beholding t…
432 wordsSECTION 169300.1 God Inspects The Heart. 197
God, SO he will hold us responsible for these consequences, as well as for the evil from whence they proceed. And of this he has warned us, saying, " I the Lord search the heart ; I try the reins, even to give to every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doi^igs'^"] Such is the truth decla…
429 wordsSECTION 170198 1 Samuel, Xvi. 7. [300.
is not accepted of me, because he is trusting in his own righteousness, and not in the righteousness of my dear Son ". He has " a form of godliness," it is true; but he is destitute of " its power^." He is ignorant of his own state before me : he fancies himself " rich, and increased with goods, and in need of not…
466 wordsSECTION 171300.] God Inspects The Heart. 199
house and ordinances of God. I have long seen thee a sup- porter of the Gospel, and a friend of all who profess it. Thou hast withstood many a storm of temptation and persecution ; and hast maintained a good profession before many witnesses. Of thee, therefore, I can have no doubt. Draw nigh, and receive the token…
464 wordsSECTION 172Cccl
Remember, I pray you, not to be too confident of your own state : but, after the strictest search, adopt the modest diffi- dence of St. Paul, and say, " Though I know nothing by myself, yet am I not thereby justified: but He that judgeth me is the Lord p."] 2. To give yourselves unreservedly to God — [This is the…
687 wordsSECTION 173202 1 Samuel, Xvii. 29. [301.
2. His vindication of himself — [Lovely was the spirit of David on this occasion. He did not " render evil for evil, and railing for railing;" but, vnth meekness and modesty, and yet with a firmness expressive of conscious innocence, he appealed to all around him : " What have I now done ? Is there not a cause ? "…
710 wordsSECTION 174202 1 Samuel, Xvii. 29. [301.
I ask too, " Is there not a cause" for all that I have done? Does not the great enemy of God and man carry, as it were, all before him? Is there not a want of bold and intrepid soldiers to face him? Do not even the armies of God's Israel need to be encouraged by some bright example ? Does not the king of Israel, b…
334 wordsSECTION 175David And Goliath.
fear not but that you shall be " more than conquerors, through Hhn who loved you."] 2. In maintaining your steadfastness, look well to your own spirit — [Persons do harm when they vindicate themselves in an unbecoming temper and spirit. We are to " instruct in meek- ness them that oppose themselves." " A soft ans…
357 wordsSECTION 176302.] David And Goliath. 205
In the words before us we have David's address to his antagonist just on the commencement of his en- gagement with him : and from them we shall be led to notice, I. The character of the combatants — In Goliath we behold a proud, self-confident blas- phemer— [He was of gigantic stature, (above eleven feet in heig…
398 wordsSECTION 177206 1 Samuel, Xvii. 45, 46. [302.
shepherd's bag, confiding, not in any human means, but in the strength of the living God. Hence when GoHath scorned his youthful appearance, and derided his preparations for the con- flict, David replied in the words of our text, " Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and wdth a shield : but I come to…
397 wordsSECTION 178302.] David And Goliath. 207
people, with impunity : and, if left, like Goliath, to prosper for a season, their presumption is proportionably increased^. But God is no unconcerned spectator of his creatures' conduct : he marks dowai every thing in the book of his remembrance ; and will vindicate his own honour at the appointed season ; perhap…
472 wordsSECTION 179Ccciil
that is in us, is greater than he that is in the world," and " we shall be made more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Gird yourselves then to the battle, expecting " God to perfect his own strength in your weakness." Who- ever, whether of friends or enemies, may attempt to divert you from your purpose, …
679 wordsSECTION 180Vol. Iii. P
This 25assion may exist, not in individuals only, but in bodies of men ; as, for instance, in schools, or colleges, or universities, or kingdoms : for, as every one may be said to possess a share of that honour which belongs to his own peculiar party, every one must feel an interest in exalting that party, and a pr…
652 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.