PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 6 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 237,329 words · 495 reading sections
258 Psalms, Cxi. 2. [685.
" The wisdom of God, and the power of GodV O what un- searchable depths of wisdom were contained in that mystery, the substitution of God's only dear Son in the place of sinners; whereby the sins of the whole world are expiated, and the kingdom of heaven opened to millions, who, without such a Saviour, must have i…
475 wordsSECTION 242G85.1 The Great Work Of Redemption. 251)
Majesty on high ? All, as David speaks, " was verity and judgmente." In like manner, if we are pardoned, and raised to a participation of his glory, " mercy and truth meet toge- ther, and righteousness and peace kiss each otherf." Every threatening denounced against sin has been executed in the person of Christ ; …
447 wordsSECTION 243The Fear Of The Lord.
Address — 1. Seek yet more and more this most desirable of all knowledge — [See with what persevering diligence the philosopher pro- secutes the attainment of science And will not ye, for the acquiring of knowledge wherein eternal life consists, and " which the angels themselves desire to look into?" ] 2. Endeav…
332 wordsSECTION 244686.] The Fear Of The Lord. 261
the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it ; neither shall it be valued with pure golda." Having stated all this, he again asks the question, " Whence then cometh wisdom ? and where is the place of understanding ?" He then answers, that it is hid from the eyes of all living : th…
405 wordsSECTION 245262 Psalms, Cxi. 10. [686.
without this fear, a man views nothing aright, and does nothing aright. Earthly things have in his eyes an importance which does not properly belong to them and heavenly things are in no respect appreciated according to their real worth But when " God has put his fear into our hearts," our misconceptions are remov…
464 wordsSECTION 246(J86.J The Fear Of The Lord. 2()3
engage his attention : and, if it betray itself in his religious deportment, it will be very unjust to ascribe that to religion which proceeds only from his own imbecility, and would equally shew itself in any other occupation or pursuit. But this I will say, that this divine principle will go far to direct him, wh…
445 wordsSECTION 247264 Psalms, Cxi. 10. [(386
" Satan has blinded your eyes," and hardened your hearts, and is " leading you captive at his will." And how long, think you, will you retain your present opinions ? If God Almighty ever have mercy on your soul, your eyes will be opened to see your folly and impiety : but, if this mercy never be vouchsafed to you, …
485 wordsSECTION 248Greatness And Condescension Of God.
admits of nothing that is foolish or extravagant in any respect. Prudence, sobriety, soundness of judgment, and true discretion, are inseparable from it: and if we would adorn our profession, or be accepted of our God, we must " walk wisely before him in a perfect way d."] d Ps. ci. 2. Ps. cxiii. 5 — 8. Who is li…
809 wordsSECTION 249687.] Greatness And Condescension Of God. 2G7
But though we can add nothing to what is said in the words before our text, " The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens," yet we see in this what will serve to illustrate the depth of, II. His condescension — [" He humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven:" yes, if he dei…
593 wordsSECTION 250268 Psalms, Cxiii. 5—8. [687.
1. To adore him — f Job iv. 18. and xv. 15. s 1 Sam. ii. 8. [Frequently does this expression occur in the Holy Scrip- tures, " O Lord, who is like unto thee ?" And continually should the thought be in our minds. It is impossible to know any thing of the condescension and grace of God, and not be lost in wonder an…
548 wordsSECTION 251(388.1 Trust In God Recommended. 269
have that disparaged, because it is the attribute in which he chiefly delights. Whatever then be your sins, or sorrows, or wants, or fears, cast them all on him, and know that you shall never be disappointed : for "as his majesty is, so also is his mercy."] 3. To glorify him — [We have no fear, but that if once y…
297 wordsSECTION 252Trust In God Recommended.
Ps. cxv. 9 — 13. 0 Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord : he is their help and their shield. Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord : he is their help and their shield. The Lord hath been mindful of us : he will bless us : he will bless the house …
586 wordsSECTION 253688.1 Trust In God Recommended. 271
him amongst his peculiar people, thou hast not on that account any more sufficiency in thyself than others. Thou art still, and wilt be to thy dying hour, as helpless as a little child, and must be borne by him as an infant in its mother's arms. " O House of Aaron, trust thou in the Lord !" Thou, who art exercisin…
468 wordsSECTION 254272 Psalms, Cxv. 9—13. [688.
Say, Is not this a sufficient ground for trusting in him ? What greater encouragement can we have ? ] 2. From what he is engaged to do for us — [" He will bless us." We need not fear it : for it is a work in which he greatly delights. " He will bless the House of Israel." They are " his pecu- liar people," " his …
483 wordsSECTION 255089.] Thanksgiving For Deliverance. 273
you, Who will be your help, and your shield? Who in this world? and Who, when you shall be standing at the judgment- seat of Christ, and the sword of vengeance is lifted up for your destruction ? O seek to know God, especially as he is revealed to us in Christ Jesus! And tremble now for fear of his judgments ; and…
274 wordsSECTION 256274 Psalms, Cxvi. 1—7. [689.
Ps. cxvi. 1 — 7. / love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore toill I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me : I found trouble arid sorroiv. Then called I upon the name o…
632 wordsSECTION 257689.] Thanksgiving For Deliverance. 275
the face of our offended God ! Let all, even though, like David, they be monarchs upon their thrones, know, that the time must shortly arrive, when the things of time and sense will appear in all their real insignificance ; and nothing will be deemed of any importance but the eternal welfare of the soul.] Whatever…
678 wordsSECTION 258689.] Thanksgiving For Deliverance. 275
sins' :~ so ih_: . humbly confess our sins. God will be faithful and just in forgiving our sins, and in cleansing us from .. . uu: _:...-- - ;;:re in tin -- experience to I was brought low, and he helped «<?.""] En the -of our text we sc IY. The improvement which he made of his whole snee — He determined hencef…
459 wordsSECTION 259278 Psalms, Cxvi. 8, 9. [61)0.
Pi. cxvL 8, 9. Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, a feet from falling : I trill walk before the Lord in the land of the living. IT is justly said by David, in another psalm, The of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein*:" and great indeed they will appear…
517 wordsSECTION 260690.] Grateful Recollections. 279
But it may be that our souls are in a pardoned state ; and that God has " taken a live coal from off the altar, and applied it to our lips, saying, Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is purged e." If so, what acknowledgments should we make? Verily there can be no circumstances whatever in which such persons…
486 wordsSECTION 261280 Psalms, Cxvi. 8, 9. [690.
And what a miracle of mercy is it, if our feet are kept ! Con- sider with what innumerable snares and temptations we are beset on every side, and what corruptions reign in our own hearts, ready to precipitate us into any evil : consider the deceitfulness of sin too, what pleasing and even innocent forms it will as…
479 wordsSECTION 262690.] Grateful Recollections. 281
ways." Wherever we are, therefore, there should be that inscription, which Hagar saw, " Thou God seest me." O how circumspect would our conduct then be ! How continually would that question recur to our minds, " What will my God approve ? " That this is the frame of mind which every child of God will cultivate, is…
501 wordsSECTION 263282 Psalms, Cxvi. 12 — 14. [691.
between us. What shall we say then to the insensibility which we have manifested under all these stupendous mercies? Are we not ashamed ? Have we not reason to be ashamed, yea, and to abase ourselves before God in dust and ashes ? O let us remember that ingratitude is a sin of the most crimson dyes : and that, if …
284 wordsSECTION 264691.1 How To Requite The Lord For His Mercies. 283
Ps. cxvi. 12 — 14. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me ! I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will fay my votes unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. THE influence of faith on our eternal salvation is obvious to all who have any just vi…
582 wordsSECTION 265284 Psalms, Cxvi. 12—14. [691.
taken out of the world before they had attained our age ; and it is to God's gracious care alone we owe it, that we have yet " space given us for repentance," and time afforded us for securing the things belonging to our peace. And how different might be our condition from what it is ! We might be so des- titute o…
440 wordsSECTION 266691.1 H0W T0 Requite The Lord For His Mercies. 285
not as he ought ; it is too big for utterance : as, in a mind overwhelmed with conscious unworthiness, " the Spirit of God maketh intercession with groans which cannot be uttered," so methinks, if we had a just apprehension of the benefits con- ferred upon us, our sense of them would be expressed rather in a way o…
498 wordsSECTION 267286 Psalms, Cxvl 12—14. [691.
[The Jews were encouraged under their troubles to betake themselves to God, and to make vows unto the Most High: and these vows they were required strictly to perform. On paying their vows to their heavenly Benefactor, they presented certain sacrifices, of which they and their families were permitted to partake, i…
516 wordsSECTION 268691. J How To Requite The Loud For His Mercies. 287
So entirely should we be the Lord's, that " whether we eat, or drink, or whatever we do, we should do all to his glory °."] Address — 1. Those who have never yet instituted this inquiry — [Alas! how many have never made any other use of God's mercies, but to render them means of self-destruction, and instruments …
512 wordsSECTION 269The Death Of Saints Precious.
Ps. cxvi. 1 5. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. THE meaning of these words will be best marked from the occasion on which we suppose them to have been uttered. The psalm appears to have been writ- ten after Absalom's rebellion. Most imminent were the dangers from which David had been …
302 wordsSECTION 270(592. ] The Death Of Saints Precious. 289
till their work is done." Not that they are at liberty to tempt the Lord by rushing needlessly into danger : but, if called by God to perform any duty, they have nothing to fear. David's deliverances were numberless, as were those also of the Apostle Paul. Our Lord himself, too, was encompassed for years by those …
520 wordsSECTION 271290 Psalms, Cxvi. 15. [692.
remainder of it," which would counteract his purposes, " he will restrain."] Such being God's estimate of his people's death, we may see, II. In what light we also should regard it — However we may congratulate souls on their re- moval to a better world, we cannot but regard their death, 1. As an event to be de…
429 wordsSECTION 272693.1 The Gentiles Called To Praise God, 291
[It is surprising how little effect the death of any saint produces on the minds of survivors ; and how speedily any impression wears away. The conversation of mourners assem- bled to attend a funeral gives us a melancholy picture of the human mind, and of the extreme indifference with which tha concerns of eterni…
265 wordsSECTION 2731292 Psalms, Cxvil [693.
Ps. cxvii. 0 praise the Lord, all ye nations : praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us : and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord. THIS is the shortest of all the Psalms : but it is by no means the least interesting : the energy with which it is expressed abun…
802 wordsSECTION 2741292 Psalms, Cxvil [693.
Let the whole world then adore and magnify the Lord on this ground ; and never be weary of acknowledging, that " his mercy endure th for everc."] Let us now proceed to consider the psalm, II. With a more immediate reference to the Gentile world — The psalm is in reality a prophecy ; and so impor- tant a prophecy…
298 wordsSECTION 275294 Psalms, Cxvii. [693.
running and glorified, to an extent that has never been seen since the Apostolic age. And the time for its universal diffusion through the whole earth is manifestly drawing nigh. We have seen enough with our eyes to assure us, that the fuller accom- plishment of God's promises may be expected in due season : and t…
474 wordsSECTION 276The Exaltation Of Christ A Ground Of Confidence.
increase their number a hundredfold. But do ye not find that your thanks and praises are infinitely short of what the occa- sion for them demands ? Yes, methinks there is nothing humiliating to a Christian as the services which he attempts render to his God. However, still go on to serve him a can, when ye cannot …
405 wordsSECTION 277296 Psalms, Cxviii. 27,28. [694.
event reflected great " light" upon all God's purposes respecting him. Darkness had hung over him for a long period ; but it was now dispelled ; and he saw clearly these two important truths, That God's coun- sel, by whomsoever opposed, shall stand; and, that they ivho trust in the Lord, however tried they may be,…
362 wordsSECTION 278694.1 Confidence From Christ'S Exaltation. 297
his own blood. But he had spoken of his death as a ransom to be paid for the souls of men : and how could we have known that that ransom was accepted, if his resurrection, which he himself taught his disciples to look forward to as the proof and evidence of his acceptance, had not been effected? But when we see th…
455 wordsSECTION 279298 Psalms, Cxviii. 27, 28. [694.
[The sacrifices which David and Solomon offered unto God were almost without number n : but the sacrifice of a broken and contrite spirit, or of a devout and grateful heart, outweighs them all °. Whether the sacrifices were ever " bound to the horns of the altar," we are not informed : but sure enough our hearts n…
480 wordsSECTION 280Practical Religion Enforced.
true light was made to shine. Let not any of us then indulge desponding fears : let us know assuredly, that " the counsel of God shall stand," and that " they who trust in him shall never be confounded." Indeed even "in our darkness the Lord will be a light unto us ;" and soon "our light shall rise in obscurity, a…
386 wordsSECTION 281300 Psalms, Cxix. 4—6. [695.
[He requires it by Moses3, and the prophets b; by Christ alsoc, and his holy Apostles d. Indeed, to bring us to holiness of heart and life was the very end for which he gave his only- begotten Sone, and for which Christ himself diedf. And every command is enforced with an authority which it is at our peril to disr…
459 wordsSECTION 282G95.] Practical Religion Enforced. 301
inmost soul, he prays, " Hold thou me up, O Lord'!" yea, " Direct my heart into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ's future adventu!"] But, in the midst of all his troubles, we may behold, III. His assured encouragement — Were he left to himself, he well knows he must perish. But " his hope …
428 wordsSECTION 283God'S Word The Means Of Sanctifica.Tion.
the dead our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will ; working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ ! to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen1."] 1 Heb. xiii. 20, 21. Ps. cxix. 9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ? By taking heed thereto accor…
781 wordsSECTION 284304 Psalms, Cxix. 9. [696.
Happy is it for us, however, that we have, on divine authority, II. The difficulty solved — To the question asked, " How shall he cleanse his way?" the answer is given, even " by taking heed thereto according to thy word." The Holy Scriptures afford, to every human being, 1. A sure directory — [There may doubtl…
842 wordsSECTION 285How To Attain Divine Knowledge.
3. Live in the daily habit of self-examination — [Inward and unperceived uncleanness will come upon you, if you be not always on your guard. A mariner may be drawn from his course by currents, as well as driven by winds : and therefore from day to day, he consults his compass and his chart, to see whether there ha…
471 wordsSECTION 286697.] H0W To Attain Divine Knowledge. 307
Consider the Gospel generally — [In it is revealed salvation, salvation purchased by the blood and righteousness of God's only-begotten Son. What a mystery is this! The God of heaven and earth assuming our nature, that in that nature he may expiate the guilt of a ruined world ! We are accustomed to hear of this, a…
518 wordsSECTION 287308 Psalms, Cxix. 18. [697.
Contemplate these things, and say whether they contain not " wonders" that surpass the comprehension, both of men and angels ? ] From the text however we may learn, II. How we are to attain the knowledge of them — Doubtless we must " search the Scriptures," and that with all diligence11. But, if we search them in…
659 wordsSECTION 288Dcxcviii.
understanding2."] Address — 1. To those who are studying the Holy Scriptures — [It is surprising what pains many take to acquire a critical knowledge of the Bible, whilst yet they remain contentedly ignorant of those deep things which none but God can teach. But let me entreat you to seek above all things to beho…
821 wordsSECTION 289Dcxcviii.
2. An endangered mariner — [Mariners for the most part are men of great intrepidity : but when ready to be overwhelmed in the tempestuous ocean, they sink like other men. " When God commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves of the sea, the mariners mount up to the heaven; they go down aga…
265 wordsSECTION 290312 Psalms, Cxix. 20. [698.
for your health;" he administered to them some bread, and then " cast into the sea the very wheat" with which the ship was provisioned ; and soon " the ship ran aground, and was broken in pieces by the violence of the wavesf." How must all this crew have longed for safety ! How must their " soul have broken for th…
737 wordsSECTION 291314 Psalms, Cxix. 20. [698.
2. From it he obtained all that his necessities re- quired— [Did he desire the forgiveness of all his sins ? There he found " a fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness," a fountain capable of washing him from all the guilt he had contracted in the matter of Bathsheba and Uriah. In reference to those very tran…
663 wordsSECTION 292Christian Experience.
m Ps. xix. 10. which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified n." Certain I am that " it is profitable for all that your souls can desire ;" and that if you improve it aright, it shall render you perfect, thoroughly fur- nished unto all good works °," and shall " …
387 wordsSECTION 293316 Psalms, Cxix. 30—32. [699.
deliberate purpose of his soul, has he " fled for refuge to Christ, and laid hold on him as his only hope."] 2. The means by which he seeks to effect his end — [The written word of God is regarded by him as the only ground of his faith, and the only rule of his practice. The promises contained in it he treasures u…
453 wordsSECTION 294699.] Christian Experience. 317
[He is not contented to " walk" in the ways of God : no; he would " run „•" he would " run, and not be weary; he would march onward, and not faint." He considers himself as engaged in a race : and he sees his course clearly marked in the com- mandments of his God. Hence he determines, that " when God shall enlarge…
473 wordsSECTION 295Wisdom Of True Piety.
the things which tempt you from the testimonies of the Lord, with the loss which they will occasion, and the evils which they will entail upon you. You may now, perhaps, justify the pre- ference which you give to sin : but say whether you will not one day be ashamed of it ? Say whether, in that hour when you shall…
411 wordsSECTION 296700.] Wisdom Of True Piety. 319
this psalm it might seem, as if knowledge alone had been the end for which David desired a spiritual illu- mination : " Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." But we see in our text, that he had far other ends in view : he longed for knowledge, only that he might have his soul the …
427 wordsSECTION 297320 Psalms, Cxix. 34 [700.
own wishes, is seen to be the most horrible infatuation : for, if we can deceive man, we cannot deceive God : " to him all things are naked and open." As he knows the extent of his own commands, so he knows the precise measure of obedience which we pay to them : " He weighs," not our actions only, but " our spirit…
447 wordsSECTION 298Wisdom Of True Piety.
700.] ungodliness may be of the least offensive kind : yea, that it shall be so specious, as to assume the appearance, and to gain from many the applause, of piety ; still we ask, What will it avail in the day that God shall judge the world? But it is not true, that the pleasures of sin are so great or so satisfac…
474 wordsSECTION 299Progress.
be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy1." Here is the test of true wisdom ; here is the evidence of a sound understanding. The man that is destitute of these gracious tempers, is in darkness even until now : but the man who from love to Christ is enabled to live in t…
333 wordsSECTION 300701.] Hindrance Of Worldly Vanities. 323
[The natural man seeks nothing above them. His mind is not occupied with any thing above them. He " is in the flesh; " he " walks according to the flesh," " fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind." His " affections are altogether set upon things below, and not on things above." His thoughts, his conve…
450 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.