PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 3 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 243,969 words · 482 reading sections
496 2 Kings, V. 18, 19. [366.
the bowing or not bowing was a matter of indifference in itself; and that, where it was not done as an act of dissimula- tion, nor was likely to be mistaken by others as an act of wor- ship, it might be done with a good conscience ; more especially as it was accompanied with a public disavowal of all regard for id…
443 wordsSECTION 422366.1 Naaman In The House Of Rimmon. 497
is therefore right ; for, no principle, hoioever good, can sanctify a had action, though a had principle will vitiate the hest of ac- tions^: but an investigation of the principle from which an action flows, accompanied with an attention to the circum- stances under which it is done, will serve as the best clew wh…
480 wordsSECTION 423498 2 Kings, V. 18, 19. [366.
[The prophet did not begin to perplex the niind of Naaman with nice distinctions ; but, seeing the integrity of his heart, encouraged him to proceed ; not doubting but that, as occa- sions arose, God hunself would " guide liim into all truth." Thus should we also deal with young converts °: we should feed them wit…
473 wordsSECTION 424The Hypocrisy Of Gehazi.
We must use all possible means to get clear views of God's mind and will ; and, having done that, must then act according to our comdctions, omitting nothing that conscience requires, and allowing nothing that conscience condemns. The one en- deavour of our lives must be to " walk in all good conscience before God…
365 wordsSECTION 425500 2 Kings, V. 21, 22. [367.
into his heart, furnished him with a ready answer, " All is well." Now this answer is of considerable importance ; I. As illustrating the character of Gehazi — [Previous to this we have nothing that gives us any par- ticular insight into the character of Gehazi. He lived with a pious master, enjoyed the benefit o…
471 wordsSECTION 426367.] The Hypocrisy Of Gehazi. 501
for religion, a predominant lust will soon break down the barriers of conscience, and bring into subjection every better principle ] Let US now contemplate the answer, II. As affording some valuable lessons to the world at large — The great improvement which we are to make of Scripture history, is, to deduce fro…
423 wordsSECTION 427502 2 Kings, Vi. 15, 16. [368.
feel that the Lord Jesus Christ has healed me of my leprosy, I must love him as my Benefactor, and serve him in the pre- sence of the whole world.] 3. That in whatever light men now appear, they will ere long be seen in their true colours — [Gehazi little thought that his master's eye was upon him diu'ing the who…
331 wordsSECTION 428368. ~| Elisha Protected By Chariots Of Fire. 503
2 Kmgs vi. 15, 16. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master ! how shall we do ? And he ansivered. Fear not ; for they that he with us are more than they that he tvith them. IT has been justly said, that a servant of God is immortal, till his work is done. He will indeed be exposed to many dangers ; and proba…
410 wordsSECTION 429504 2 Kings, Vi. 15, 16. [368.
providence and grace. Faith beholds myriads of angels also waiting upon God, and flying at his command to execute his will, and to minister to his people. The chariots of fire and horses of fire were not more visible to the eye of sense, when God withdrew from the servant's face the veil that concealed them, than …
446 wordsSECTION 430369.] The Unbelieving Lord Punished. 505
and with what glorious confidence did Paul glory over all the enemies of his salvation'^! Thus it is our privilege also to " know in whom we have believed," and to be assured that we shall be " more than conquerors through Him that loved us ^"] From this subject we may learn, 1. Our chief danger — [The agency of …
368 wordsSECTION 431508 2 Kings, Vii. 18—20. [369.
2 Kings vii. 18 — 20. ^nd it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of harley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall he to-7)iorrotv, about this time, in the gate of Samaria: and that lord answered the man of God, and said. Now, behold, if the Lord should…
436 wordsSECTION 432369.J The Unbelieving Lord Punished. 507
to the king, to complain of the other woman for having hid her child, instead of giving it up according to their agreement, after having already fed upon the child of the complainants Can any case be more extreme than tliis? We are almost ready to justify the nobleman w^ho doubted the possibility of plenty being r…
465 wordsSECTION 433508 2 Kings, Vii. 18—20. [369.
be struck with a panic, and with perfect infatuation shall desert their camp and every thing in it. Still the purpose is but half effected : for, how shall the people in the city know the state of the Syrian camp ? Four lepers perishing with hunger, shall go over to the Syrians, to cast themselves upon their mercy …
743 wordsSECTION 434.'510 2 Kings, Viii. 12. [370.
Consider more particularly, how you are affected with all those "great and precious promises which he has given us" in Christ Jesus. Are you enabled to receive them " without staggering at them through unbelief?" This is your duty, this your privilege, this the pledge and earnest of all that God himself can bestow…
716 wordsSECTION 435512 2 Kings, Viii. 12. [370.
Thus also do we question the representations which God gives respecting us — [These are doubtless very humiliating, both in the Old Testament and the New® And we are ready to ac- count them libels upon human nature. If we have been moral and sober hitherto, we have no conception that we could ever be induced to "…
770 wordsSECTION 436512 2 Kings, Viii. 12. [370.
2. To be submissive to his providence — [It may be that God has been pleased to disappoint us in some things which we have set our heart upon ; and we have been grieved and vexed at the dispensation. But how little do we know what would have been the eifect of success ! Perhaps the attainment of our wdshes would h…
324 wordsSECTION 437Ccclxxi.
514 THE DESTRUCTION OF AHAb's FAMILY BY JEHU. 2 Kings ix. 36. And he said, This is the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishhite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the Jlesh of Jezebel. FROM nothing does the imbehever receive more sohd grounds of conviction, than from the …
652 wordsSECTION 438L L 2
II. How it shall be accomplished sooner or later in the history of us all — As our subject leads us almost exclusively to speak of those who are obnoxious to the Divine threatenings, we shall comprehend them under two classes ; 1. Those who make no profession of religion — [These may differ widely from each othe…
653 wordsSECTION 439.372. J True And False Zeal. 517
k Job xxxvi. 13. 1 Matt. vii. 21 — 23. 2. The evil and danger of unbelief — [Unbelief " puffs at the word of God," as though it never should come to pass. But can we point out any one declaration of God that has failed of accomplishment? As St. Paul says in reference to the Jews, so may we in reference to the whol…
270 wordsSECTION 440518 2 Kings, X. 16. [372.
2 Kings X. 16. Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord. UNGODLY men, though they will not follow the example of the godly, are glad to have their sanction and approbation in what they do. Jehu was indeed acting at this time under a divine commission. The work in which he was engaged, was that of extir- pating …
528 wordsSECTION 441372.] True And False Zeal. 519
zeal that is highly criminal. Such was that of Simeon and Levi, who slew the Shechemites, because by the prince of that city their sister had been defiled^. They had just ground for displeasure ; but their mode of manifesting their displeasure was cruel in the extreme, and brought upon them God's merited indignati…
479 wordsSECTION 442520 2 Kings, X. 16. [372.
most important duty : but to engage in that service uncalled, and unsent, is not by any means expedient or right : for even our blessed Lord *' glorified not himself to be made an high priest, but waited for the call" of his heavenly Father". So again, w^e must attend to the time and manner of executing whdit we c…
454 wordsSECTION 443372. J True And False Zeal. 521
To this, then, we must carefully attend : for if, whilst pro- fessing to serve the Lord, we " sacrifice to our own net, and burn incense to our own drag''," be the service what it may, God will say, "Who hath required this at your hands^?" yea, it will be no better, in his sight, than " the cutting off a dog's nec…
480 wordsSECTION 444522 2 Kings, X. 16. [372.
of your high calling," till you have actually finished your course, and obtained the crown which is to be awarded to you''.] In CONCLUSION, let me say to every individual amongst you— 1. Have a zeal for God — [God is not to be served vdth lukewarmness' He requires the heart, the whole heart™: and surely he is wo…
430 wordsSECTION 445The Character Of Jehu.
blessed Lord was such as even consumed liim"^:" but remember, it was himself that it consumed, not others : yea, when he himself suffered from the blind zeal of others, he prayed for them, even for his very murderers ^ "Be ye then followers of him." " Let it be your meat and your drink to do the will of God yourse…
344 wordsSECTION 446524 2 Kings, X. 30, 31. [;373.
himself to the work without delay. In the space of a few hours he destroyed Jehoram, with his mother Jezebel, and then mstantly set liimself to complete the work he had so prosperously begun. And it is worthy of observation, that in extirpating the family of Ahab, he succeeded by the very same means which Jezebel …
741 wordsSECTION 447526 2 Kings, Xiii. 18, 19. [374.
2. That we may profess much zeal for God, and yet have a radical alienation of heart from him — [Jehu certainly professed to be actuated by a regard for God's honour : " Come, see my zeal for the Lord," said he : and when the different events had taken place, he made reflec- tions upon them as accomplishing the di…
452 wordsSECTION 448Ccclxxiv.
elisha's reproof to joash. 2 Kings xiii. 18, 19. And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the Mng of Israel, Smite tipon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. And the man of God ivas tvroth with him, and said. Thou shouldest have smitten Jive or six times ; then hadst thou smitten Sy…
493 wordsSECTION 449528 2 Kings, Xiii. 18, 19. [374.
the world shall perish; but they shall be " saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation''." What were the deliverances of God's people from Egypt and Babylon, but typical exhibi- tions of that redemption which God has vouchsafed to us in Christ Jesus? In this light they are imiformly set forth in the holy Scri…
863 wordsSECTION 450530 2 Kings, Xtii. 18, 19. [374.
3. Our exertions languid — [When we come into the divine presence, the arrows are, as it were, put into our hands ; but we are content with ' Ps. xlii. 1, 2. and Ixiii. ], 2. and Ixxxiv. 2. "' Ps. xvii. 15. " Matt. xiii. 58. with Mark vi. 5. VOL. III. M M striking twice or thrice. We do not " stir up ourselves to…
507 wordsSECTION 451The Bible Standard Of Religion.
2 Kings xvii. 33. They feared the Lord, and served their own gods. THE views which men in general have of rehgion are extremely indistinct. Hence arises the necessity of unfolding religion to them in every possible way. Sometimes we attempt it by a clear exposition of its principles from the declarations of the I…
325 wordsSECTION 452532 2 Kings, Xvii. 33. [375.
and served their own gods'\" And in this state they continued even to the time of our blessed Lord ; who said to the Samaritan woman, " Ye worship ye know not what^." Now, this will afford me an opportunity of shewing what true religion is ; by contrasting, I. The Samaritan standard of religion — From the histor…
406 wordsSECTION 453375.] The Bible Standard Of Religion. 533
And what is the rehgion which obtains amongst us? [Verily, we might almost conceive ourselves to be in Samaria, rather than in Britain, where the light of the Gospel so clearly shines. For what is the object which the generality of us aim at, even in religion ? is it not merely to have within our own bosoms a fou…
488 wordsSECTION 454534 2 Kings, Xvii. 33. [375.
But now, in opposition to all this, let us notice, II. The standard proposed to us in the Bible — This, also, is fully set forth in the chapter before us — 1. It has God alone for its object — - [" Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them ; but to the Lord: …
694 wordsSECTION 455536 2 Kings, Xvii. 33. [375.
4. It has holiness, real and universal hohness, for its end — [Not even the salvation of men from perdition is so much the end of all religion as the saving of them from sin. It was in the latter view, rather than the former, that the very name of Jesus was given to our blessed Lord ^. He came to redeem us from a…
656 wordsSECTION 456376.] Hezekiah Destroys The Biiasen Serpent. 537
a Luke i. G7— 69, 74, 75. ^ Eph. iv. 23, 24. c Isai. xlviii. 1. ^ Matt. vi. 24. God ; and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God, for ever and ever^." Yes ; " walk in the name of your incarnate God," whose name you bear : and let it be seen " whose you are, and whom you serve." Do this at all events, without…
326 wordsSECTION 457538 2 Kings, Xviii. 4. [376.
2 Kings xviii. 4. ITe brake in pieces the hrasen serpent that Moses had made : for unto those days the children of Israel did burti incense to it : and he called it Nehushtan. WE too often see the children of godly parents turning aside from the principles in which they have been educated, and deserting the paths …
454 wordsSECTION 458376.]] Hezekiah Destroys The Brasen Serpent. 539
expected from it a benefit, which it could not confer. Now, whether our superstition have respect to a visible creature, or only to a figment of the brain, its essential qualities are the same ; and man in his fallen state is prone to it. It obtained, and still obtains, universally amongst the heathen — [What we…
410 wordsSECTION 459540 2 Kings, Xviii. 4. [376.
penances that are prescribed among them as means of expiating their sins? What is their auricular confession, their priestly absolution, their adoring of the consecrated wafer, and their administration of extreme unction ? Some, I trust, there are, who are enabled to look simply to Christ through all the mists tha…
479 wordsSECTION 460376.] Hezekiah Destroys The Brasen Serpent. 541
Such is the proneness of man to superstition : and, from Hezekiah's conduct, we learn, II. How earnestly we should all endeavour to coun- teract it — We should counteract it, 1. In ourselves — [There is a great deal of this evil remaining in the heart, even after we are truly converted unto God. To view God in …
431 wordsSECTION 461542 2 Kings, Xviii. 4. [376.
is due to Him alone. And it is most injurious to man, ])e- cause whilst it disappoints his hopes, it actually robs him of all the blessings which the Gospel itself provides. What did St. Paul say to those who relied on circumcision as securing or confirming to them the benefits of the Gospel ? Did he say, "If ye b…
779 wordsSECTION 462544 2 Kings, Xix. 30, 31. [377.
2. How to regard the Lord Jesus Christ himself — [Methinks these Jews, though so blind and sinful, may well rise up in judgment against the generality of the Christian world. The serpent which they worshipped had never done any thing for them ; the persons whom it had healed, had lived eight hundred years before ;…
421 wordsSECTION 463Ccclxxvil
HEZEKIAh's deliverance from SENNACHERIB. 2 Kings xix. 30, 31. The remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root dowmoard, and hear fruit 7ijnvard. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, a7id they that escape out of Mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this. GREAT an…
587 wordsSECTION 464546 2 Kings, Xix. 30. 31. [377.
The events which took place in the ApostoUc age, when the Apostles and others went forth to pviblish the glad tidings of salvation, precisely corresponded with this prophecy : they went from Jerusalem, and diffused the knowledge of a crucified Sa- viour throughout the earth.] Let us attend to, II. The instruction…
560 wordsSECTION 465548 2 Kings, Xx. 2, 3. [378.
hezekiah's appeal to god. 2 Kings XX. 2, 3. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, remember nmv how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. AS " clouds return after rain," so do troubles fol…
669 wordsSECTION 466548 2 Kings, Xx. 2, 3. [378.
t> Ps. Ixxxvi. 2. « 2 Cor. i. 12. ^^ 1 John iii. 21, 22. 378.] iiezekiah's appeal to god. 549 But there was in this plea a reference to an express promise made to David, a promise, the accomplishment of which Heze- kiali was now particularly authorized to ask, and to expect. God had assured David that " if his chi…
487 wordsSECTION 467550 , 2 Kings, Xx. 19. [379.
if it has received its commission to cut us down. Inquire then whether, if the message were now deHvered unto you, " Thou shalt die, and not live," you are ready to give up your accomit with joy? Can you appeal to the heart-searching God that you have walked as in his presence, and endeavoured with sincerity of he…
445 wordsSECTION 468Ccclxxix.
hezekiah's resignation. 2 Kings XX. 19. 77*^?^ said Hezehiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. 379.] hezekiah's resignation. 551 IF of active virtues it may be said, that they are more fascinating and beautiful in the eyes of men ; of passive virtues it may be said, that an equal d…
413 wordsSECTION 469552 2 Kings, Xx. 19. [379.
the punishment of his iniquity^." Grievous as the chastise- ment was, he approved of it as coming from the hands of a righteous God, and declared it to be not only just, but " good."] Instead of murmuring against God for the severity of his judgments, he instantly expressed his gratitude for the mercy blended wit…
790 wordsSECTION 470The Benefits Arising From Peace And Truth*.
3. That a humble mind will be more thankful for the mitigating circumstances of an affliction than querulous about the affliction itself — [We greatly admire this in the history before us. And who' does not see what sweet composure such conduct is cal- culated to bring into the mind ? The generality of persons ar…
431 wordsSECTION 471380.] Benefits From Peace And Truth. 555
I. What blessings God is now conferring upon us — What we are to understand by ** peace and truth" will be best seen by a reference to the preceding context — [God had declared that the king of Babylon should in- vade Judea, and take all the wealth of Hezekiah for a prey, and carry captive his children, and entir…
402 wordsSECTION 472556 9. Kings, Xx. 19. [380.
we should behold all the degrading superstitions of heathen nations, and see what self-tormenting methods they practice for the obtaining of peace with their senseless deities of wood and stone. We should see also how the far greater part of those who call themselves Christians are blinded by ceremonies of man's i…
482 wordsSECTION 473380.] Benefits From Peace And Truth. 557
3. A mercy that may well reconcile us to all events connected with it — [We are not to suppose that Hezekiah was indifferent about the welfare of his posteritj' : it was nothing but his sense of the greatness of the mercy vouchsafed to him, that led him to acquiesce so meekly in the sentence as it was denounced a…
498 wordsSECTION 474558 2 Kings, Xxiii. 3. [381.
We say then, that whatever evils may, by accident, be con- nected with the blessings we have received, even though those evils should fall upon our own children, it becomes us to adore and magnify our God that those blessings are not withheld from us, but that we are privileged to possess them in our days.] 4. A …
400 wordsSECTION 475381.1 Covenanting With God. 559
2 Kings xxiii. 3. And the king stood hy a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keeji his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with ^7/ their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood t…
431 wordsSECTION 476560 2 Kings, Xxiii. 3. [381.
throughout all his reign ^ : and, though persons in inferior sta- tions cannot hope to produce the sudden and extensive change that he did, yet their labours may convey incalculable benefit to the latest generations : the good impressions that are made on a few will stimulate them to impart the same benefits to th…
421 wordsSECTION 477381.] Covenanting With God. 561
sacrifice to their God at all : then he would permit it in the land of Egypt : then it might be in the borders of the wilder- ness : then the men might go, but they must leave their little ones as a pledge of their return : then the women and children might go, but not the cattle : at last he was glad to get rid of…
443 wordsSECTION 478562 2 Kings, Xxiii. 25. [382.
of sill, to make covenants with God ; like the Israelites who said, " All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obe- dient **." But when we make them in our own strength, we shall violate them exactly as they did. Let not any then be hasty in making vows, or think that they can execute them by any power of th…
286 wordsSECTION 479382.] The Character Of Josiah. 5G3
2 Kings xxiii. 25. ^nd like unto him was there no king before hhn, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the laio of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. THIS is the character given of King Josiah. A similar eulogium had been passe…
513 wordsSECTION 480564 2 Kings, Xxiii. 25. [382.
advantages in point of influence, it has a tendency to put to shame the indolence of more advanced years, and to impress more forcibly the minds of those who are yet young and tender. Whilst then we say to all, " Remember your Creator in the days of your youth," we would exhort all, from the first moment that they…
443 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.