PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 7 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 280,193 words · 586 reading sections
88G Ecclesiastes, Ix. 10. [841.
many temptations to withstand, many conflicts to sustain, many graces to exercise, many duties to perform : to their latest hour they will be required to " glorify God with their bodies and their spirits, which are his " ] This work must be " done with all our might" — [It must be done speedily, without delay. — N…
432 wordsSECTION 362841. J Earnestness In Religion Recommended. 387
with one foot already in it : and all, sooner or later, make it their long ho-me. From hence arise two very powerful arguments for enforcing diligence in the concerns of the soul. In the grave, J. There is " no work" to be done — [This life is the time for work : the next life is the time for recompence. The wor…
452 wordsSECTION 363388 Ecclesiastes, Ix. 10. [841.
2. There is no remedy to be devised" — [While we are in this world, our " knowledge and wisdom" may be applied with effect. There is a " device" for the restora- tion of God's banished people*^; and, if we be wise enough to adopt it, we cannot fail of obtaining mercy at the last day. But, if we neglect to use the …
503 wordsSECTION 364841.] Earnestness In Religion Recommended. 389
and trembling," and seek " the things belonging to their peace, before they be for ever hid from their eyes."] Address — 1. Those who are postponing their work — [Like those who neglected the rebuilding of the temple, we are apt to say, " The time for this work is not yet come." Youth look forward to adult age ; …
460 wordsSECTION 365Dcccxlii.
in both we may serve the Lord." Indeed our relative duties are, in flict, religious ; because they are enjoined by God, and may be performed as unto God : nor are they less acceptable unto him in their place than the more spiritual services of prayer and praise. While therefore we would exhort all to an imme- diat…
386 wordsSECTION 366842. J Wisdom To Be Practically Regarded. 391
should be sacrificed, and his head be cast over the wall. She then " went to all the people, in her wisdom," and prevailed on them to execute her project ; and thus effected by her wisdom the deli- verance of the city, and the preservation of all its inhabitants'". The minute resemblance which there is between th…
372 wordsSECTION 367392 Ecclesiastes, Ix. 14— Ig. [842.
in another, above wealth'^; in another, above soldiers'^, and weapons of war ^ Thus in our text he exalts it above strength ; " Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength." Hence the subject for our conside- ration is two-fold ; I. The excellency of wisdom — Wisdom is practical understanding, or knowledge regul…
661 wordsSECTION 368394. Ecclesiastes, Ix. 14—16. [842.
1. By the gay and thoughtless — [They have no ear for the counsels of Wisdom. They will commend her in general terms ; but will have as little as possible to do with her instructions. Let the parent labour ever so much to instil wisdom into the minds of his children, he will find, to his grief, that the enchantmen…
652 wordsSECTION 369843.] The Destructive Influence Of Sinners. 395
•> Eph. iii. 10. ' Prov. xxviii. 4. this ! Admirable is that advice of Solomon, " Prepare thy work w^ithout, and make it fit for thyself in the field ; and afterwards build thine house''." This is what any prudent builder will do, though he is only constructing a temporary habitation for the body : and how much mo…
329 wordsSECTION 370396 Ecclesiastes, Ix. 18. [843.
Eccl. ix. 18. One sinner destroy eth much good. THE influence of every man in his sphere is con- siderable. Solomon had seen a remarkable instance of a poor man delivering by his wisdom a small and ill-garrisoned city from the besieging army of a very powerful monarch. From hence he was led to con- sider the supe…
513 wordsSECTION 371843.1 The Destructive Influence Of Sinners. 397
to visit it with war, pestilence, and famine ? Is it not sin ? Every sinner therefore, in proportion as he increases the na- tion's guilt, contributes also to its punishment. In many instances we know, that the whole kingdom of Israel suffered for the offence of one ; not for that of David only, who was the monarc…
453 wordsSECTION 372398 Ecclesiastes, Ix. 18. [843.
of the sacred oracles. To him he has given souls to be nur- tured and disciplined for heaven. But the traitor is intent only on his own gains or pleasures : he performs his weekly task, not caring whether any be edified or not : he wastes the precious opportunities, that can never be recalled ; and, in the course …
502 wordsSECTION 373843.] The Destructive Influence Of Sinners. 399
There is yet one more character that we shall mention, whose conduct indeed is less extensively destructive, but not less injurious to those within his sphere, we mean, the scoffer. He brings no disgrace upon religion, because he makes no profession of it. Nor can he greatly impede its progress in the world, becau…
468 wordsSECTION 374400 Ecclesiastes, Xl 1. [844.
conduct in others. Thus, whether we intended it or not, we have confirmed many in their ungodly ways, and have contri- buted to their eternal ruin. Let us go now, and undo what we have done : alas ! we cannot find one half of them : many are not known by us : many are gone to distant parts : many are already in th…
429 wordsSECTION 375844. J Liberality Encouraged. 401
Eccl. xi. L Cast thy bread tipon the waters : for thou shalt find it after many days. WHILST, in the purity of its precepts, the inspired volume exceeds all other books upon the face of the earth, it excels all other compositions in the variety and richness of the images under which it exhibits our duty and urges…
445 wordsSECTION 376402 Ecclesiastes, Xi. 1. [844.
as an example highly to be admu-ed, and universally to be followed^. As for the Macedonians, who were proposed as an example to the Corinthians, their generosity exceeded all belief: for when in great affliction^ and in a state of deep poverty, they abounded unto the riches of liberality, and of their own selves, …
435 wordsSECTION 377844.] Liberality Encouraged. 403
untoward the circumstances, or hopeless the appear- ance. And we can bear witness to the truth of the prophet's observation : for in many places, and on many hearts, where there has been as little prospect of success as could well be conceived, God has given efficacy to the word of his grace ; and the handful of …
427 wordsSECTION 378404 Ecclesiastes, Xl 1. [844.
kept from all those temptations to wliich they would otherwise be exposed ; and have their conduct watched over, their tem- pers corrected, their habits restrained, their principles improved, their whole deportment brought into subjection to good in- struction and to well-ordered authority. They are insensibly tau…
478 wordsSECTION 379Youth Warned Of The Future Judgment.
contriving means for benefiting the poor ? Surely every person ought to bear testimony to the worth and excellence of such designs ; and to give them, the best tribute of applause, their active concurrence, and their most liberal support. J^astly, f 07' the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ himself , I would urge upon…
418 wordsSECTION 380406 Ecclesiastes, Xl 9. [845.
a night is not far off, even from those who are in the very morning of hfe. It may be hastened prema- tm*ely, as it were, by sickness, and care, and una- voidable misfortmies ; and it must come at last through the infirmities of age, which, if our life be prolonged, will make it but " labour and sorrow." The latt…
438 wordsSECTION 381845.1 Youth Warned Of The Future Judgment. 4-07
with which such indulgences are menaced in our text. The text is, in fact, an ironical remonstrance, similar to that which Elijah uttered, when he condemned the worshippers of Baal ; " Cry aloud ; for he is a God*^ : " and that by which Micaiah reproved the impolicy of Ahab ; " Go up to Ramoth-Gilead, and prosper^…
457 wordsSECTION 382408 Ecclesiastes, Xi. 9. [845.
indeed it is, as a life of rebellion against him. It argues a total alienation of heart from him : it shews that we lived to please ourselves rather than him, and that we were in reality a god unto ourselves. He had told us plainly, "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die :" but we would not believe it. He had t…
495 wordsSECTION 383Remembering God In Our Youth.
yea, rejoice, if so it may be, " with a joy that is unspeakable and glorified." These joys will never make the future judgment formidable ; on the contrary, they will help to prepare thee for it, inasmuch as they are themselves an earnest of thine ever- lasting inheritance.] Eccl. xii. 1. Rememher now thy Creator …
350 wordsSECTION 384410 Ecclesiastes, Xii. 1. [846.
observations of a critical nature, I shall endeavour simply to shew you, I. What is implied in " remembering our Creator" — Of course, it cannot be supposed that it is a mere act of the memory which is here recommended, but such a remembrance as befits the relation in which we stand to him as his creatures. We sh…
455 wordsSECTION 385846.1 Remembering God In Our Youth. 411
enough for you to attend to it, when you shall feel a greater need of mercy. You all are sinners : you all have a conscious- ness within yourselves that you have done many things whicli you ought not, and left undone many things which you ought to have done : you therefore have in your own bosoms a wit- ness that …
526 wordsSECTION 386412 Ecclesiastes, Xti. 1. [846.
extended: but to those who have lived to your age, judgment or mercy will be dispensed according as you have remembered or forgotten God. Most awful is that declaration of the Psalmist, " The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations t\\dit forget God*^." If you have forgotten his authority over you, a…
489 wordsSECTION 387846.1 Remembering God In Our Youth. 413
they may well consider this as '* the most convenient season" for piety that can ever occur.] 2. It may, for aught we know, be the only time that shall be allotted us — [The youngest and the healthiest amongst us may he speedily removed. Let any one survey the monuments that surround him, and he will see that mul…
496 wordsSECTION 388414 Ecclesiastes, Xii. 1. [846.
All our anxiety will be about the future. Oh ! with what force will that question press upon the mind, " Am I ready? Am I prepared to meet my God?" How different will our feelings then be, according as we have given up ourselves to God in our early youth, or put off the work of our souls to a dying hour ! and what…
494 wordsSECTION 389The Sum Of All True Religion.
you matter of very exalted joy ? Go on then, " forgetting what is behind, and reaching forward to that which is before :" and know that, " when tlie days arrive in which you shall say, you have no pleasure in them,''' you shall experience " a joy with which the stranger intermeddleth not ;" which this world can ne…
384 wordsSECTION 390416 Ecclesiastes, Xii. 13, 14. [847.
his commandments" we include a due attention to that great commandment of the Gospel, the believing in our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation ^ We must distinguish carefully between a legal and an evangelical interpretation of these terms, lest we confound the Gospel with the Law : we must guard especially against a …
267 wordsSECTION 391847.] The Sum Of All True Religion. 417
[It is of very small consequence whether we have more or less of this world : its pleasures, riches, honours, are but for a moment. What enjoyment has the Rich Man now of all his sumptuous fare ? or what sense has Lazarus of all his former wants? All is passed away; and nothing remains of all the good or evil that…
701 wordsSECTION 392Vol. Vii. E E
418 ECCLESIASTES, Xll. 13, 14. [847. not Peter, who says, that " in every nation, he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, is accepted of him^." Nor was Paul of their opinion ; for he has declared (and in the very epistle where he most enlarges on the decrees of God), that it is " by patient continuance in w…
500 wordsSECTION 393Dcccxlviii.
847.] and patience of hope" evidenced in your conduct, you may from thence assuredly infer "your election of God"^;" since those are indisputably the fruits of his grace ; and his grace has been communicated according to his purpose, which " he purposed in Christ Jesus before the world began'."] 3. To regulate th…
650 wordsSECTION 394Dcccxlviii.
I. The reason of the Church's love to Christ — " His name is as ointment poured forth" — [A rich ointment poured forth will fill a whole house with its odour ^, so that all who are within it shall be refreshed with its fragrance : and such is the delight which the whole Church derives from the mention of the name …
313 wordsSECTION 395422 Canticles, I. 3, 4. [848.
given him by the Angel, when he was conceived in the womb ; and the giving it was considered as a completion of the pro- phecy that assigned to him the name Emmanuel ^. And a fulfilment of the prophecy it was ; for " Jesus" is Jah Hosea, or Divme Saviour. Here, in addition to his Godhead, as united to the manhood,…
695 wordsSECTION 396424 Canticles, I. 3, 4. [848.
From hence naturally follows, II. Her ardent desire after him — Conscious that his gifts are his own, and that with- out his gracious assistance she can do nothing, she presents before him, 1. Her supplication — [Our blessed Lord himself has said, " No man can come unto me, except the Father, who hath sent me, d…
707 wordsSECTION 397424 Canticles, I. 3, 4. [848.
From this subject we may learn, ■^ Hos. xi. 4. s isai. xl. 29—31. * Phil. iii. 12—11. 848.] THE church's love TO CHRIST. 425 1. What reason we have to seek the knowledge of Christ— [Who is there that has such a title to our affections as he ? Who is there so excellent in himself, or such a source of bless- ednes…
493 wordsSECTION 398Dcccxlix.
has done to you: and labour that, if possible, all the world may behold his beauty, and be comforted with his love. As for yourselves, look to the final consummation of your love in a better world, when your fruition of him shall be more intimate than it can be in this world, and shall continue with- out intermiss…
684 wordsSECTION 399428 Canticles, Ii. 1—3. [849.
He then acknowledges her resemblance to him — [To the glories of his Godhead no creature can bear any true resemblance ; so infinitely is he above all : but in his humi- liation he was a pattern both of lowliness and purity, to which his believing people are conformed : yea moreover, as he in this respect infinite…
652 wordsSECTION 400428 Canticles, Ii. 1—3. [849.
THE church's fellowship WITH CHRIST. 429 849.] knowledge than that which has been wrought into our own ex- perience, is of any use ; at least, not for the Christian's own benefit. Hear then the Church's happy experience ; " I sat down under his shadow with great delight ; and his fruit was sweet unto my taste." T…
488 wordsSECTION 401430 Canticles, 11. 1—3. [849.
impassioned sense experienced ! O that all might " behold his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father ; " " the brightness of whose glory he is, and the express image of his person"!" The effect of such a sight cannot be conceived by those who never yet beheld it : for we should be constrained by it…
683 wordsSECTION 402430 Canticles, 11. 1—3. [849.
4. Let us walk worthy of our high relation — [If one be brought into union with an earthly monarch, she feels an obligation to conduct herself henceforth in a way suited to her high calling. And shall not we, when united to "the King of kings?" Yes: we must resemble him, and ex- hibit, according to the measure of …
291 wordsSECTION 403Perseverance Crowned With Success.
Cant. iii. 1 — 4. Bij flight on my bed I sought him lohom my soul loveth ; I sought him, hut I found him not. I ivill rise notv, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I zvill seek him tvhom my soul loveth : I sought him, but I found him 7iot. The ivatchmen that go about the city found me : to …
376 wordsSECTION 404850.] Perseverance Crowned With Success. 433
thus the Lord Jesus Christ still frequently for a season suspends the manifestations of his love, and leaves in darkness the soul that seeks him. This he does, 1. To correct our lukewarmness — [Imkewarmness in his people is most offensive to him''; and, when indulged, " grieves his Spirit," and provokes him to hi…
481 wordsSECTION 405434 Canticles, Iii. 1—4. [850.
deep waters, will be our gratitude for deliverance from them'^: in proj)ortion as we have passed through the afflictive scenes of David, will be the zeal and ardour with which we shall henceforth make boast of our great Deliverer : " Who is so great a God as our God^ ? " When we feel that we have " had much forgiv…
467 wordsSECTION 406850.] Perseverance Crowned With Success. 435
be dismissed with a favourable answer, if it was only to pre- vent her from wearying them with her entreaties : yet they also were refused, and in such a manner as effectually to silence them : " I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Still however she would not give up all hope, but with d…
471 wordsSECTION 40748G Canticles, Iii. 1—4. [850.
lls^ We should dread nothing so much as the loss of his pre- sence : and knowing what a holy and a jealous God he is, we should strive with all imaginable care to hold him fast, and avoid every thing which may " grieve his Spirit," and provoke him to depart from us.] 2. Seek to enjoy the most intimate commmiion wi…
472 wordsSECTION 408Spiritual Sloth Reproved.
lay hold on Christ;" and then " cleave unto him with full pur- pose of heart." If we would succeed in our pursuit of heavenly joys, we must not only pray, but " watch unto prayer with all perseverance."] 3. Not to yield to despondency, because we find him not so present with us as we could wish — [We are very apt…
459 wordsSECTION 409438 Canticles, V. 2—8. [851
minutely on particular circumstances. There is a latitude due to the very species of composition, that may well exempt it from severe criticism, and from an over-strained application of its several parts. No one can have ever read the Holy Scriptures without seeing many expressions, which modern delicacy and refi…
359 wordsSECTION 410851.] Spiritual Sloth Reproved. 439
most endeared affection, and complained of the incon- venience he had sustained through herunwatchfuhiess, she still gave but little heed to his voice. In liot countries, " the night dews" are not only strong, but often very injurious to those who are exposed to them : yet even this consideration did not operate t…
425 wordsSECTION 411440 Canticles, V. 2—8. [851.
the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me*^." Yet how long does he stand and knock in vain! His pleadings too, how kind, how gracious, how forcible they are ! " Have I been a wilderness to Israel? Wherefore say my people, we will come no more unto thee^?" " Turn ye unto ine ; for I have red…
462 wordsSECTION 412851.] Spiritual Sloth Reproved. 441
way to sloth instead of watching unto prayer. We must expect, 1. That he will depart from us — [Verily he is " a God who hideth himself," a holy and a jealous God, that will make us to " eat of the fruit of our own ways, and to be filled with our own devices." He has warned us not to " grieve his Holy Spirit," le…
513 wordsSECTION 413442 Canticles, V. 9. [852.
Address — 1. Those who yet enjoy the hght of God's counte- nance— [Happy, happy are ye, in the possession of this rich mercy : Surely such a state is a foretaste of heaven itself. But do not presume upon it. Do not say, " My mountain stands strong ; I shall never he moved ;" lest ye cause God to " hide his face …
341 wordsSECTION 414852.] Transcendent Excellencies Of Christ. 443
Cant. V. 9. What is thy beloved more than another beloved, 0 thou fairest among women ? What is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us ? THOUGH zeal in every earthly pursuit is approved and commended, it is almost universally banished from the concerns of religion. The most temperate e…
725 wordsSECTION 415852. J Transcendent Excellencies Of Christ. 445
According to his excellencies must of necessity be, II. The regard we owe him — If we look to the example of the Bride, who well knew how to appreciate his worth, we shall see how we ought to manifest our affection towards him. 1. We should esteem him above every thing in the world — [The Bride has used every si…
652 wordsSECTION 416410 Canticles, V. 10. [853.
a John XV. 4. b 9 Cor. vi. 10. c Ps. iy. Q, it shall be only for a moment, and with everlasting kindness will he have mercy on them*^.] It may now be allowed us, not merely to exhort, but to " CHARGE," you all — [In the name of Almighty God, we " charge" you all to love the Saviour. If the love which Believers be…
281 wordsSECTION 417853.] The Excellency Of Christ. 447
Cant. v. 16. He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved ; and this is my Friend, 0 daughters of Jerusalem. WITH many it is a matter of surprise, that truly converted Christians should manifest such zeal in prosecuting their own ways, and in commending reli- gion to all around them. The world see no such excellen…
510 wordsSECTION 418448 Canticles, V. 16. [853.
our necessities ; and which he will not supply to all who call upon him ] 3. In all his intercourse with his people — [O, who can conceive the extent of his condescension and grace ? How ready is he, at all times, to " draw nigh to those who draw nigh to him; " to " manifest himself to them, as he docs not unto t…
446 wordsSECTION 419853. J The Excellency Of Christ. 419
[Yes, the regard is mutual. You might possibly love one in whom there was not a reciprocal attachment. But it is not so in this case. He calls you " The dearly beloved of his soul'." As surely therefore as you can say, " This is my Beloved," you may add, with confidence, "This is my Friend." Yes; Jesus himself say…
506 wordsSECTION 420Dcccliv.
THE christian's RELIANCE ON CHRIST. Cant. viii. 5. Who is this that cometh up from the tvilderness, leaning on her Beloved? THERE is an intimate and mysterious union be- tween Christ and his Church. It is often compared, in Scripture, to a marriage union : and in the book before us, the Song of Solomon, there is …
661 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.