PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 10 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 271,947 words · 591 reading sections
452 Zechariah, Iii. 1—5. [1242.
attempted, by assurances that Jerusalem should be restored to a great measure of its former splendour and prosperity: and the latter he now endeavours to promote, by declaring to them a vision with which he had been favoured, wherein it had been shewn him, that, however improbable such an event might be, it was o…
466 wordsSECTION 4221242.] Restoration Of The Jewish Church. 453
in which Jehovah acted ? Were not rather the manifestations of his mercy and love pledges and earnests of yet further bless- ings? Thus was Satan confounded before him, and Joshua comforted with the hope of ultimate success. Satan being thus baffled, the angel proceeds to impart more fully to Joshua the assurance …
403 wordsSECTION 423454 Zechariah, Iii. 1—5. [1242.
from day to day ; but comes away more discouraged than before. Satan, that malignant adversary, is more especially active at such seasons, and stands at his right hand to resist him. Num- berless are the stratagems which this subtle enemy uses to obstruct his progress and to damp his hopes. He represents to the be…
490 wordsSECTION 4241242.] Restoration Of The Jewish Church. 455
eousnessg, they know that " their iniquity is taken away, and their sin covered11." They see that there is a sufficiency in the provision thus made for themg, and they rejoice in it : and, thus habited, they hope to minister before God with increasing pleasure upon earth, and to stand before him with acceptance in…
444 wordsSECTION 425All Is Of God.
to our aid, and say, " The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan." Let us never doubt the power of our Almighty Friend to succour us, or his faithfulness to preserve us. If we look to ourselves, or if we look to our great adversary, there is nothing but discour- agement: but if we look unto Jesus, there is no ground for fear …
381 wordsSECTION 4261243. J All Is Of God. 457
lamps are kept alight, not by human agency, in any respect: the oil is secretly conveyed, from God him- self, to every lamp, through the means of his own appointment : and this is the precise meaning which God himself, by his angel, annexes to the vision : " Knowest thou not what these be ? And I said, No, my Lor…
419 wordsSECTION 427458 Zechariah, Iv. 6. [1243.
same Spirit that raised up Zerubbabel, and inspired them with a zeal to forward the great work which they had in handd. And was He not still as able as ever to accomplish his own gracious purposes ? or did they need to indulge either hope or fear with respect to man, when they had the Almighty God for their help?]…
449 wordsSECTION 4281243.^ All Is Of God. 459
in the bestowment of his blessings, " the Spirit divideth to every man severally as he will1."] 3. The future restoration of the Jews — [The restoration from Babylon was but a partial accom- plishment of what is to be more completely fulfilled at a future period. If we look into the prophecies of Zechariah, we sha…
409 wordsSECTION 429460 Zechariah, Iv. 6. [1243.
Almighty. We see how dependent a little infant is on its mother ; and such must we be in the arms of God. We must undertake nothing in our own strength : in no circumstances whatever may we lean to our own understanding: whatever is devised, or whatever is done, the creature must be nothing ; but God must be all i…
404 wordsSECTION 430Zerubbabel A Type Of Christ.
Zech. iv. 7. Who art thou, 0 great mountain ? before Zerub- babel thou shalt become a plain. OUR eyes are generally fixed more on the creature than on God. Hence we are apt to entertain many unnecessary fears. Nor are we unfrequently diverted by them from the path of duty. This was the case with the Jews when reb…
352 wordsSECTION 4314G2 Zechariah, Iv. 7. [1244.
Even St. Paul cried, "Who is sufficient for these things?" Much more may inferior ministers adopt his language. Who- ever knows his own insufficiency for so great a work, must often have felt it a source of discouragement, and almost of despondency.] 2. The invisible temple also which God is erecting in men's hea…
369 wordsSECTION 4321245.1 The Day Of Small Things. 463
by the very things which seemed most likely to counteract it. There is an invisible and Almighty Agent engaged to carry it on1. He will fulfil what he has spoken by the prophet k — . Of this comforting truth we may be confidently assured *.] Infer — 1. In what manner we should regard difficulties — [We are apt to…
299 wordsSECTION 433464 Zechariah, Iv. 10. [1245.
Zech. iv. 10. For who hath despised the day of small things? IT is observable in the dispensations both of nature and of providence, that the greatest things take their rise from very small beginnings. From a view of a new-born infant we might be ready to imagine that it would never be capable of any exertions : b…
433 wordsSECTION 4341245.] The Day Of Small Things. 465
the Lord from the least to the greatest ;" and that " Christ shall have the heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost ends of the earth for his possession0." True it is that there is very little prospect of such an event at present ; but " faithful is he who hath promised: who also will do itd." " Before our Zer…
450 wordsSECTION 4354Gg Zechariah, Iv. 10. [1245.
and has promised never to " break the bruised reed," though it be so unfit for his use, nor to " quench the smoking flax," notwithstanding there is so much in it to disgust, and so little to please, him? Do the angels, who, instead of waiting till the penitent becomes established, shout for joy at the very first a…
451 wordsSECTION 436The Vision Of The Olive-Trees.
[If we have solid grounds for believing that God has begun a good work in our hearts, we must still remember that much remains to be done : many conflicts must be sustained before we can get the victory ; and " it ill becomes him who girds on the armour, to boast as one that puts it off0." The difficulties which t…
375 wordsSECTION 4374G8 Zechariah, Iv. 11—14. [1246,
prophet's solicitude to understand it, shews us the propriety of inquiring into it with care and diligence. Let us therefore endeavour to ascertain, I. The import of the vision — The general scope of it is declared by God himself — [The Prophet Zechariah was commissioned to encourage Zerubbabel and Joshua to proc…
445 wordsSECTION 4381246. J Vision Of The Olive-Trees. 469
at that time. They had but little power in themselves, yet were they ordained of God to effect great things : and God engaged through them to impart unto the people such supplies of wisdom and strength, as should enable the whole nation to shine with their former splendour. However weak therefore they were in them…
441 wordsSECTION 439470 Zechartah, Iv. 11—14. [1246.
the vision will appear sober, just, and pertinent. It teaches us, then, 1 . That Christ is, by his offices, qualified to support and perfect his Church — [The offices filled by Zerubbabel and Joshua both unite in Christ. He is the High Priest of his Church ; and in that capacity he is now officiating at the right…
469 wordsSECTION 4401246.1 Vision Of The Olive-Trees. 471
capacity, even as the Head of his Church. At his ascension thither he received gifts; and received them in order to impart them to rebellious mank. He ascended, on purpose " that he might fill all things1." He is the Head ; and " the Church is his body, the fulness of Him who filleth all in allm." Hence we find, t…
499 wordsSECTION 441472 Zechariah, Iv. 11—14. [1246.
And here let me observe, that, in the vision, the lamps, the pipes, the bowl, the oil, were all of gold. Those who wait upon the Lord in sincerity and truth are in themselves as superior to unregenerate men as gold is to the baser metals ? And what is there of such value as the grace of which they have been made p…
505 wordsSECTION 4421247.] Christ Saving By His United Offices. 473
of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lordc." " The plummet is in the hands of our Zerubbabel, with those seven" attendant spirits, " who are the eyes of the Lord, and run to and fro through the whole earth ;" and he will see that the work is perfected in us according to his willd. Look ye then, beloved, to our ador…
267 wordsSECTION 443474 Zechariah, Vi. 12, 13. [1247.
Zech. vi. 12, 13. Thus speaketh the Lord of Hosts, saying, Be- hold the man ivhose name is The Branch : and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord; even he shall build the temple of the Lord ; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne ; and he shall b…
576 wordsSECTION 4441247.1 Christ Saving By His United Offices. 475
The work to which he was appointed was, to build the temple — [The material temple was now rebuilding under the auspices of Zerubbabel and Joshua. In reference to that, the prophet speaks of another temple (of which that which was now erecting was but a type or shadow,) which should in due time be raised by the M…
427 wordsSECTION 445476 Zechariah, Vi. 12, 13. [1247".
Priest ; and appeared to the beloved Apostle arrayed in priestly vestments, in token that he still carries on the work which lie began on earth m. In him the kingly power of Zerubbabel, and the priestly office of Joshua, were to be united : and it was for this reason that both the crowns were put upon the head of …
443 wordsSECTION 446Outward Services Vain Without Obedience.
2. How evidently must all the glory of our salvation be given to Christ ! [We always wish to ascribe some of the glory to ourselves: but the whole work is his from the foundation to the top-stone : He is " the author and the finisher of our faith." Are we reconciled to God? it is through the blood of his cross.' I…
380 wordsSECTION 447478 Zechariah, Vii. 4—7. [1248.
rebuilt ; and therefore it was justly doubted, by those who yet remained in Babylon, whether it was proper to continue those fasts, now that the judgments on ac- count of which the fasts were instituted were removed. This was a question which could not be satisfactorily answered, but by one who was inspired of God…
410 wordsSECTION 448I248-] Outward Services Vain Without Obedience. 479
been such as God could accept ! Enter distinctly into those three points , and then say what answer you can re- turn to that searching interrogation, " Did ye perform them to me, even unto me ? "] 2. To whom we have performed them — [Self was the spring of all their services in Babylon ; and self has been, for th…
423 wordsSECTION 449480 Zechariah, Vii. 4—7. [1248.
to reclaim us from evil. Even in the gift of his only-begotten Son he aimed particularly at this, the reducing of men to a state of holy obedience, and of an unreserved devotedness to their Gode ] Without this, all services, of whatever kind they be, are of no avail — [In numberless places is this declared by the…
446 wordsSECTION 450The Restoration Of The Jews.
for all the wonders of redeeming love. This will do more than any thing else to counteract our natural depravity, and to make us " live in all things, not unto ourselves, but unto Him who died for us, and rose again'."] i 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. Zech. viii. 3 — 8. Thus saith the Lord : I am returned unto Zion, and will…
381 wordsSECTION 451482 Zechariah, Viii. 3—8. [1249.
[They were at present but a small " remnant," and under circumstances that were very discouraging. They had long been afflicted, both by God and man. Previous to their cap- tivity, the judgments of God had been so heavily inflicted on them, that scarcely an old man was to be found among them ; and nothing but want…
459 wordsSECTION 4521249.] The Restoration Of The Jews. 483
God, foreseeing the incredulity of all to whom this prophecy should come, declares, II. The certainty of its accomplishment, notwithstand- ing all the difficulties which lie in the way — When things are far beyond the powers of man we are apt to judge that they can never be effected — [Unbelief is deeply rooted i…
446 wordsSECTION 453484 Zechariah, Viii. 20—23. [1250.
livep, and that " what he has promised he is able also to perform q."] Address — 1. Let none indulge unbelief, in reference to their own souls — [Frequently are persons ready to despond, as though their difficulties in the divine life were too great to be surmounted. And truly, if our salvation depended on our o…
360 wordsSECTION 4541250. J The Conversion Of The Gentiles. 485
.Zech. viii. 20 — 23. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities .* and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of Hosts : I will go also. Yea, many peopl…
444 wordsSECTION 455486 Zechariah, Viii. 20—23. [1250.
unexpected good, they shall " lay hold of the skirt" of him, who they think can aid them in the attainment of it. Yea, so vast and sudden will be the accession of converts to the church, that the places appropriated to divine worship shall not be able to contain them, and the people of God themselves shall be fill…
439 wordsSECTION 4561250.1 The Conversion Of The Gentiles. 487
his advice, he is glad to lead the way*, and to profit others by his example, as well as by his precepts. This will be an universally prevalent disposition in the latter dayu; and it will assuredly prevail, wherever the grace of God is received in truth.] 2. A zealous attachment to his people — [A person truly co…
444 wordsSECTION 457And Gentiles.
which the Lord said, I will give it you : and it shall be, if ye go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will he do to you^." Let the day then, the blessed day commence amongst us, when that prophecy shall be accomplished, "The children of Israel shall come together, go…
431 wordsSECTION 4581251.] Conversion Of The Jews And Gentiles. 489
of both will be effected as in the apostolic age. Though miracles were wrought then for the confirmation of the word, neither Jews nor Gentiles were converted by miracle, but by the preaching of the word, and the mighty operation of the Holy Spirit upon their souls. So, also, will it be in the latter day ; and in …
442 wordsSECTION 459490 Zechariah, Viii. 20—23. [1251.
the nations of the earth shall worship before himc." " Then shall there be but one King over all the earth d;" and "all the kingdoms of the world be the kingdom of the Lord, and of his Christ e."] This point, the future conversion of the whole Gentile world, being generally known and admitted, I forbear to enlarg…
367 wordsSECTION 4601251.1 Conversion Of The Jews And Gentiles. 491
the Jews shall be first converted to the faith of Christ ; that their conversion shall attract the notice and admira- tion of the Gentiles ; and that they shall be eminently instrumental in converting the whole Gentile world. This appears, 1. From the whole scope of the preceding context — [Can any one read the f…
447 wordsSECTION 461492 Zechariah, Viii. 20—23. [1251.
Apostles, or their word ; or to the Christian Church ? It can relate to none but the Jews personally ; even those who shall be alive in the latter day.] 3. From the express words of our text — [On a supposition that the great body of the Gentiles are to be converted first, and that they are to be the means of bri…
481 wordsSECTION 4621251.] Conversion Of The Jews And Gentiles. 493
call ; but go when and where the Lord is pleased to send them : and, unconscious of the ends for which they are sent, they fertilize the ground in God's appointed time, and diffuse life wherever they descend. So are the Jews scattered unwit- tingly, and unconscious of the ends for which they are sent, over the fac…
533 wordsSECTION 463494 Zechariah, Viii. 20—23. [1251.
continue to reject him. With this only proviso, the Jews are right: and we Christians should exert ourselves to the utmost, to prepare them for the work they are destined to perform.] Learn, then, from hence, 1. The great importance of the Jewish cause — [By the Jewish cause, I mean the endeavours which are now m…
500 wordsSECTION 4641252.1 The Advent Of Jesus A Ground Of Joy. 495
their God, and in promoting the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. The people of one city will go to another city, to exhort and urge them to an active concurrence in every good work. Methinks the means, which are now used on so con- tracted a scale that a few only embark in this service of love, will then be ad…
352 wordsSECTION 465496 Zechariah, Ix. 9. [1252.
Zech. ix. 9. Rejoice greatly, 0 daughter of Zion ; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem : behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation: loioly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. THERE is scarcely any circumstance relating to the life and death of Christ which was not made…
492 wordsSECTION 4661252.1 The Advent Of Jesus A Ground Of Joy. 497
subjects; but our Almighty Monarch possesses a lowliness of mind, which makes him accessible to every subject in his dominions. There is not any moment when we may not enter into his presence, nor any complaint which we may not pour into his bosom. His ear is ever open to hear, and his hand ever stretched out to r…
459 wordsSECTION 467498 Zechariah, Ix. 9. [1252.
as the persons to whom he should direct his exhortation. " Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed." They know the glorious character of their prince. They have found both his laws and government to be "holy and just and good." They have experienced his power to save, "to save to the uttermost those that …
474 wordsSECTION 468Christ A Strong Hold.
too that lie is just and powerful ; but his justice will condemn, and his power punish you. Go to him then in this clay of salvation, welcome him in this the accepted time; so shall you, at his second coming, behold his face with joy, and join the choir of heaven in everlasting hallelujahs.] Zech. ix. 12. Turn you…
333 wordsSECTION 469500 Zechariah, Ix. 12. [1253.
[Christ is set before us as the way, the truth, and the life ; nor is there any other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved. We are all enclosed as the prophets of Baal: and the order is given, Go in and slay b : but Christ says, " I am the doorc ;" and if we will flee out at that door, we shall live ; i…
479 wordsSECTION 4701253.] Christ A Strong Hold. 501
But because even the most needy are apt to turn a deaf ear to the calls of the Gospel, we would direct your attention to, III. The promise with which the invitation is en- forced— The terms in which the promise is conveyed, are somewhat obscure — [The expression of " rendering double" will be best under- stood …
406 wordsSECTION 471502 Zechariah, Ix. 17. [1254.
Methinks prisoners in general would need no entreaty to leave their dungeons ; if their prison doors were open, and their chains were beaten off, they would be glad enough to effect their escape, though at the risk of a severer punishment. Nor would a manslayer need much importunity to enter into the city of refug…
385 wordsSECTION 4721254.] The Glory Of Christ. 503
Zech. ix. 17. How great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty I THE glory of Christ is manifested throughout all the Holy Scriptures. This is attested both by the Apostles and by our Lord himself3. In the New Testament he shines like the sun in an unclouded atmosphere : in the Old, though generally veiled,…
429 wordsSECTION 473504 Zechariah, Ix. 17. [1254.
from him, he has not cast them off. Yea, rather, he has "healed their backslidings and loved them freely." Surely, every blessing they receive, and every victory they gain, should fill them with admiring thoughts of his goodnessg. Let every soul then comply with that injunction of the Psalmist11 — . And, like him,…
429 wordsSECTION 4741254.] The Glory Of Christ. 505
unremitted. It was " his meat and drink to do the will of his heavenly Father;" nor could any thing for one moment divert or deter him from the prosecution of his work. His meekness, patience, fortitude, were altogether invincible. Whatever was amiable and excellent in man abounded in him1. He was not merely virtu…
446 wordsSECTION 475Christ The Strength Of His People.
[Let your meditations of him be more sweet and frequent. However much you know of him, there are unsearchable depths unfathomed. Let your determination therefore accord with that of David a — . View him as appointing your trials, and dispensing your mercies. Consider him as the fountain from whence you are to have…
350 wordsSECTION 4761255.1 Christ The Strength Of His People. 507
shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun sevenfold, as the light of seven daysa." In opening the passage to your view, I shall be led to speak of, I. The state to which the Jews shall, in due season, be restored — The Jews will, at a future season, be restored to God— [Of this, no man who beli…
455 wordsSECTION 477508 Zechariah, X. 12. [1255.
were vouchsafed at the Red Sea, on their departure from Egypt ; or at the river Jordan, on their entrance into Canaan. Every obstacle shall be removed from before them, and every opposing enemy be destroyed f. Persons who are adverse to the idea of a literal restoration of the Jews to their own land, will satisfy …
424 wordsSECTION 4781255.] Christ The Strength Of His People. 509
1. Invincible strength — [In ourselves, we remain as weak as ever : but in Christ we are strong : for in him there is all fulness treasured up for usn; and out of that fulness we are privileged to receive even grace corresponding with all the grace that is in him °. He is appointed " Head over all things to the Ch…
478 wordsSECTION 479510 Zechariah, X. 12. [1255.
nakedness, or peril, or sword ? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separ…
470 wordsSECTION 480The Mutual Abhorrence Between God And Sinners.
will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and everc." And is not this the proper resolution for us to adopt? Adopt it then, my brethren ; and may Almighty " God strengthen you" to fulfil it! and may your whole " walk" and conversa- tion, to your latest hour, illustrate and confirm it ! ] c Mic. iv. 5. Ze…
300 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.