PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 11 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 216,977 words · 456 reading sections
Contents.
Theolcygical Seminar PRINCETON, N.J. 1 Case,. .>^.C-.C*rr-. D.ivjjsjon . .. y, ! Shelf. ^^^^. . Section ■ - ' Booh, ^' !' M.?.. \.J._!i , 'hUf. "--ftk '^);i( ftaiy nCt^y HORJE HOxMILETIC^, r^ JUL 13 II Cf)e aatjole ^crfiJturtg, 1820. Vol. XI. Skeleton Page 1136. The Duty of Patience 1 1137' The Way to o…
379 wordsSECTION 2[ V ]
177* Confession necessary to Forgiveness . . . . 210 178. The Advocacy and Atonement of Christ . .216 179- Christ an Example to his Followers . . . . 220 180. The True Light 226 181. The different Growth and Privileges of God's Children 231 1182. Loveof the World forbidden 235 Skeleton Fize 1183 1184 1185 11…
357 wordsSECTION 3The Duty Of Patience.
• / ^^^Mm^^Si: Jam. i. 2 — 4. My brethren, count it all joy ivhen ye fall into divers temptations ; knowing this, that the trying of your faith jvorketh patience. But let patience have her perfect ivork, that ye 7nay he perfect and entire, wanting nothing. WE at this time are scarcely able to form a con- ception…
298 wordsSECTION 42 James, I. 2—4. [1136.
party and in every place : and it is still, in every place, " to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness :" and all who will cultivate it will sooner or later need to have the consolations of our text administered to them for their support. In the words which we have read, we see, I. The appoint…
897 wordsSECTION 54 James, I. 2 4. [1136.
Painful as this portion is to flesh and blood, none need to fear it, if only they attend to, IL The Apostle's directions in relation to it — God graciously appoints to his people this portion, in order ^ 3 Tim, M. 1% * Msit. %* ^, 1$, order to promote their spiritual welfare, and progres- sively to transform the…
515 wordsSECTION 61136.] The Duty Of Patience. 5
sive they maybe at the time ; but rejoice in them^ and bless God who counts you "worthy to bear" them", and accept them as aninvahiable " gift at his hands"," and "take plea- sure in them°," as knowing that they will assuredly issue in your welfare, and " in the honour of your God p."] 2. To cultivate the end — […
483 wordsSECTION 76 James, I. 5, 6. [1137.
of the oppressor^?" Look at Pharaoh and all his host : what could they do against the God of Israel*? Look at Herod, when he would '* stretch out his hand to vex the Church :" " he falls a prey even to worms," which eat him up alive *. Know that the creature is no more than " an axe or saw in your Father's hands :…
395 wordsSECTION 8The Way To Obtain True Wisdom.
Jam. i. 5, G. Jfony of you lack wisdom, let him askx)f God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. Wisdom llS7.] THE WAY TO OBTAIN" TRUE WISDOM. 7 WISDOM is necessary for the due discharge of every office of life : but it is mo…
438 wordsSECTION 98 James, I. 5,6. [1137.
wish for an experienced counsellor to advise him; and almost sit down in despair of ever attaining such a measure of wisdom as is necessary for him. It is to persons so circumstanced that St. James addresses the directions in our text. He supposes them to have " fallen into divers temptations," and to be labourin…
427 wordsSECTION 101137.] The Way To Obtain True Wisdom. 9
[Study, doubtless, even a study of the holy Scriptures, is necessary ; because it is only by the written word that we are to regulate our course. But to study we must add humble and fervent supplication ; according to that direction of Solo- mon, "If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for unders…
508 wordsSECTION 1110 James, I. 5, 6. [1137.
II. How to secure the attainment of it — " We must ask in faith, nothing wavering." Here it will be proper for me to shew, 1 . What is that faith which we are called to exer- cise— [It has not respect to that individual thing which we may chance to ask ; for we may possibly be asking for something which God sees…
494 wordsSECTION 121137.] The Way To Obtain True Wisdom. Ii
[In some circumstances, the fulfilment of the promise seems to exceed all reasonable hope, if not the limits of pos- sibility itself. But in proportion as it seems to exceed hope, we are to " believe in hope," just as Abraham did, when the promise was given to him of a posterity as numerous as the stars of heaven …
446 wordsSECTION 13The Double-Minded Man Exposed.
mouths of babes and sucklings" ?" And " does he not put his treasure into earthen vessels on purpose that the excellency of the power may be seen to be of Him" ?" See how he re- proved Jeremiah for his desponding thoughts ^i and be con- tent to be " weak, that his strength may be perfected in your ■weakness^"-" Se…
336 wordsSECTION 141138.] The Double-Minded Man Exposed. 13
our observations. Were we to enter at large Into the character of a " double-mmded man," we should have a vast field before us, sufficient to occupy our attention through many discourses : but by adhering simply to the view proposed to us in the text, we shall best consult the scope of the Apostle's argument, and…
474 wordsSECTION 1514 James, I. 8. [1138.
tion'^. God is a jealous God, and requires that Me should trust in him alone, and have no confidence whatever on an arm of flesh*.] 2. Whose confidence in God is not entire — [Not only is there to be no reliance on the creature, but there should be no distrust of God. We should rely upon him without any doubt as …
460 wordsSECTION 161138.] The Double-Minded Man Exposed. 15
stedfastness\" The versatility both of the one and of the other originates in this, that they have never obtained such a knowledge of God in Christ Jesus as has brought perfect peace into their souls. They know not what God is to his people: they see not to what an extent he has pledged himself to them ; they have…
497 wordsSECTION 1716 James, I. 9 — 10. [1139.
indifference: he would not have been guilty of denying or dishonouring the Saviour on any account : but the double- minded man cares not what dishonour he brings on the Gospel, provided he may but escape the evils with M'hich he is menaced for his adherence to it. He is " Hke the wave," now raised, now depressed, …
382 wordsSECTION 18Mcxxxix.
tllE EFFECTS OF llEXIGION ON THE DIFFERENT ORDERS OF SOCIETV. Jam. i. 9, 10. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is 1139.] EFFECTS OF RELIGION ON SOCIETlf. 1/ is exalted ; hut the richy in that lie is made low : lecause as the flower of the grass he shall pass aw ay. RELIGION certainly appears in so…
409 wordsSECTION 19Vol. Xi. C
18 JAMES, I. g— 10. [1I3JI, In short, being horn from above, they are sons of God, and " if sons, then heirs, lieirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ." What an elevation is this! Surely, in comparison of it, all earthly dignities are no better than the bawbles of children, or the conceits of maniacs. When eleva…
496 wordsSECTION 201139.] Effects Of Religion On Society. 19
of their distinctions ; and even before God to entertain high thoughts of themselves : " Our lips are our own : who is lord over us P" But let grace reach their hearts, and they no longer say, " I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing ;" but, " I am wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind…
477 wordsSECTION 2120 James, 1. 9—10. [1139.
That the poor have cause to rejoice in their exalta- tion, is obvious enough — [Tliiiik only wliat the poorest of the Lord's people are privileged to enjoy — First, ih^y have the most exalted of all characters. — Though some few of the Lord's people have been opulent, the gene- nilityhave been "a poor and afflict…
502 wordsSECTION 221139.] Effects Of Religion On Society. 21
want many earthly comforts ; but they have the promises of the living God. " Their afflictions may abound ; but their consolations also abound by Christ." Whereinsoever they may be supposed to labour under any disadvantage, they have every thing that they need, treasured up for them in Christ Jesus; and out of his…
475 wordsSECTION 2322 James, I. 12. [1140.
instantly, and of necessity, to be deprived of all they possess, we should still bid them to " rejoice that they were made low :" for earthly riches, however great, are only dung and dross in coniparKon of the Christian's portion. Let those who in this life " took joyfully the spoiling of their goods," say, Whether…
318 wordsSECTION 24People.
Jam. i. 1 2. Blessed is the man that endurefh temptation : for^ when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. UNDER the afflictions with which we are visited in this vale of tears, philosophy has suggested many- grounds for resignation and submission : bu…
473 wordsSECTION 2524 James, I. 12. [1140.
forms : shall it be said that there is any blessedness in these ? Must we not rather say, tliat tlie persons who are called to en- dure such things are in the most wretched state ? Yes, I must confess, as St. Paul himself says, " If in this life only such persons have hope, they are of all men most miserable," and …
799 wordsSECTION 2626 James, I. 12. [1140.
It is worthy of observation, that the same person who in the first clause of the text is spoken of as " enduring temptation," in the last clause is characterized as " loving God :" for, in fact, none will suffer for him who do not love him; nor can any love him without being willing to suffer for him. If there- fo…
699 wordsSECTION 27Sin The Offspring Of Our Own Hearts.
believe ' See Isai- xxxvii. 22. believe those Oracles, we may be as fully convinced of the com- parative insignificance of earthly things, as if we saw the crown of glory with our bodily eyes, or already tasted of the heavenly bliss. Let us then seek that " faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, and t…
390 wordsSECTION 2828 James, I. 13 13. [1141.
tluis tliat Adam acted, when he imputed his transgression to the influence of his wife, and ultimately to God who gave her to him ''.J But God neither is, nor can be, the Author of sin — He may, and does, try men, in order to exercise their graces, and to shew what he has done for their souls. Thus he tempted Abr…
443 wordsSECTION 291141.1 Sin The Offspring Ofour Own Hearts. 29
used far greater liberties are yet happy in heaven ; and that consequently we may enjoy the object of our desire, without suffering any loss or inconvenience. In this manner the affections are kindled, and the will is bribed to give its consent"^ : then the bait is swallowed , the hook is fastened within us ; and w…
411 wordsSECTION 3030 James, I. 13 — 15. [1141.
be of small malignity which so oppressed and overwhelmed " Jehovah's fellow ?" Of those who are now suffering the torments of the danmed, not one would dare to arraign the justice of Goct, or to say that his punishment exceeded his offence : whatever we in our present state may think, our mouths will all ])e shut,…
448 wordsSECTION 31Regeneration Its Author, Means, And Z1\D.
the mind. " Behold how great a matter a Httle fire kindleth !" Let us then stand at a distance from the places, the books, the company that may engender sin. And let us, in conformity with our Lord's advice, " watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation."] 3. Do not for one moment neglect the Saviour — [The…
370 wordsSECTION 3232 James, I. 18. [1142,
and no less offensive in the sight of God : for, whilst the former sentiment makes God the cause of evil, the latter denies him to be the cause of good. But on this subject also St. James rectifies our views ; assur- ing us, that, as all light proceeds from the sun, so does " every good and perfect gift come down …
452 wordsSECTION 331142.] Of Regeneration. 33
can therefore never accomplish in us so great a work, as that of " giving us a new heart, and renewing a right spirit within us." Nor has any man the inclination thus to renew himself. Let us look around, and see what is the state of mankind at large. Are they mourning over their degeneracy and corruption ? Are t…
496 wordsSECTION 3434 James, 1.18. [1142.
means. We know that he frequently makes use of affliction, and of conversation ; and we will not pre- sume to say that he never employs even dreams or visions for the attainment of his ends : we know as- suredly that he has done so in former times ; and therefore he may do so at this time ; — (we confess, however…
703 wordsSECTION 3536 James, I. 18. [1142.
[The " first-fruits" were, by God's own appointment, holy ; so that every one was bound to consecrate them unto him p. In like manner are God's people to be holy, and altogether devoted to his service. They are on no account to imagine themselves at their own disposal : " They are God's ; and must glorify him with…
597 wordsSECTION 361143.] Self-Deceit Exposed. 37
2. Labour to improve them for their destined end — [Sanctification, as you have heard, is that for which both the word and ordinances are to be improved. Ex- amine then yourselves by what you hear, that you may find out every defect in your obedience; and keep in remem- brance both the precepts and examples that …
387 wordsSECTION 3738 James, I. 26. [Ims'.
Jam. i. 26. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own hearty this, man's religion is vain. IF there be persons in the present day who per- vert the doctrines of the Gospel, and take occasion from from them to depreciate morality, we must not wonder at it, since…
451 wordsSECTION 381143.] Self-Deceit Exposed. 39
the judgment, but engages the affections; and at the same time that it gives a new taste, it imparts a vital energy ; where- by we are enabled to " put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." It i…
465 wordsSECTION 3940 James, 1. 26. [1143.
gious, and may be fully persuaded in his own mind that he is so ; and yet have so little government of his tongue, as to prove that he deceives his own heart, and that his religion is vain. And is this a supposition that is not warranted in fact ? Would to God it were so! but he can know very little of the Christia…
488 wordsSECTION 401143.] Self-Deceit Exposed. 41
an height of religion men may apparently attain, even " ex- ercising a faith that can remove mountains, and speaking as with the tongues of angels, and giving all their goods to feed the poor, yea and their bodies also to be burnt, and yet be no better before God than sounding brass or tinkhng cym- bals*." Let tho…
489 wordsSECTION 4142 James, I. 26. [1143.
Repent then, and turn unto your God in sincerity and truth. Yet look not to your reformation to save you, but to the Lord Jesus Christ, who expiated your guilt by his own blood, and offers you by my mouth the forgiveness of your sins. As an Ambassador from him, I beseech you in his stead, be ye re- conciled to God…
449 wordsSECTION 42Mcxliv.
PURE AND UNDEFILED RELIGIOX DESCRIBED. Jam. i. 27. Pure religion, and vndefiled, before God avd the , Father, is this; To jjisit f he fatherless arid widows in their afflictiov, and to keep himself unspotted from the irorld. ERRORS of the most fatal kind were early found in the Christian Church. So speedily had vi…
322 wordsSECTION 4344 James, 1. 27. [1144.
does not advert to the exercise of our affections towards God, but only to our actions towards men : and it is in this confined view that we must understand him as speaking in the words before us. He informs us how rehgion will influence us in re- ference to, 1 . The world at large — [The terms here made use of …
472 wordsSECTION 441144.1 Of Pure And Un'Defiled Religion. 45
things may pass for religion before men, but this is religion " before God" it is that which he will acknowledge as agree- able to his will, and will recompense with tokens of his ap- probation.] This description of religion will probably force from lis a tribute of applause : but, instead of bestowing on it empt…
404 wordsSECTION 4546 James, 1. 27. [1144.
[The commands of God relative to these things are clear and express: " Come out from the world, and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a fatlier unto y^u, and ye shall be my sons and daugh- ters, saith the Lord Almighty \" Nor is the law respecting sympathy at all les…
514 wordsSECTION 46The Law Of Libertv.
Jam. ii. 12. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall he judged by the law of liberty. THE law of works contained in the Ten Command- ments is continued in force under the Gospel dispen- sation, as a rule of life. This appears from the frequent reference which is made to it in the New Testament in this particul…
351 wordsSECTION 4748 James, Ii. 12. [1145.
It is a law, and has all the force of a law, and must be obeyed on pain of God's heavy displeasure ; but it is " a law of liberty :" and this it is, 1 . As freeing men from the guilt of sin — [The Gospel proclaims, to all Avho receive it, pardon and peace. It holds forth a Saviour, who has hought us with his bloo…
491 wordsSECTION 481145.] The Law Of Liberty. ,49
them : but the Gospel conveys to the soul of the Believer such a measure of strength, as enables it to mortify sin, and to abound in all the fruits of righteousness to the praise and glory of God. This is what St. Paul expressly tells us : " The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesiis, that is, the Go- spel, (w…
469 wordsSECTION 4950 James, Ii. 12. [1145.
quite sufficient to render it an object of severest reprobation. The doing as we would be done unto forms the proper stan- dard for our conduct towards all mankind : and if, either in word or deed, we deviate from that, we transgress that holy- law which we are bound to obey. How far this heavenly- principle exten…
492 wordsSECTION 501145.] The Law Of Liberty. * 61
gether " a law of liberty " to all who truly embrace it. Do not then imagine, that, when we would induce you to renounce all the lords that have had dominion over you, we would bring you into bondage, or deprive you of any thing that will conduce to your real happiness. We make our appeal to yourselves, and ask, W…
498 wordsSECTION 51Justification By Works Explained.
The scrutiny which you shall undergo in the last day, so far from being less exact than that of others, will be more strict, in proportion to the advantages you have enjoyed, and the professions you have made". Your acceptance, it is true, will be solely on account of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done and sufter…
368 wordsSECTION 52Hold Not The True Faith In So Erroneous And Unworthy
man's mortality : but^ if the argument shewed, that the conclusion referred to his soul alone, the con- clusion would be found perfectly consistent with an apparently opposite position, naraely, That man is a mortal Being. In like manner, if the Apostle's argu- ment in the preceding context be candidly examined, …
396 wordsSECTION 5354 James, Ii. 24. [1146.
be saved ? and Whether all the faith whereon he builds his confidence, be not a nullity, and a delusion? " What doth it profit, my Brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith, suck a faith as that, save him'?" He then proceeds to sliew how vain any man's pretences to love would be, if i…
522 wordsSECTION 541146.1 Justification By Works Explained. 55
displays it in full perfection : and so did Abraham's works evince the truth of the faith which previously existed in him, and complete the objects for which it had been bestowed. " And then was fulfilled the Scripture which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness : and he was ca…
406 wordsSECTION 5556 James, Ii. 24. [1146.
conclusion broader than the premises, we destroy the argument altogether, and make the Apostle reason, not only as if he were not inspired, but as if he were not endowed with common sense. What then does his conclusion amount to ? it amounts to this : 1. That the future judgment will proceed on grounds of perfect…
454 wordsSECTION 561146.] Justification By Works Explained. 57
given to faith in the Inspired Vohime are inseparable from it : it works by love^ and overcomes the world % and purifies the heart '' : and if it produce not these effects, it will never be- nefit the soul. Knowing therefore in what way God will appreciate it hereafter, it becomes us to form a correct estimate of …
483 wordsSECTION 5758 James, Ii. 24. [1146.
be engrafted into Christ by faith, in order that he may live : and with St. James I assert, that he must bring forth fruits of righteousness, to prove that he does Uve. Without being engrafted into the stock, he can have no life : and, if he bring not forth good works, he shews that he has no life. These tvvo posi…
515 wordsSECTION 5811^7.] Influence Of Wisdom On The Conduct. 59
tion afterwards ; nor do you mingle the foundation and super- structure in one indiscriminate mass : but you keep each in its place ; and then it answers the end for which it was raised. So you must lay Christ as your foundation first ; and after- wards raise on him the superstructure of good works: then shall you…
257 wordsSECTION 5960 James, Iii. 13. [1147.
Jam. iii. 13. Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge amongst you P let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. THE government of the tongue is of all things the most difficult; because every evil that is in the heart seeks for vent through that organ. A man who should be able …
659 wordsSECTION 6060 James, Iii. 13. [1147.
2. As instructed by God himself— [This also is peculiar to them, and abundantly vindi- cates theijr title to the character given them in the text. To them universally, and to them exclusively, does that promise belong, "They shall all be taught of GodV They are taught of God, who by his Spirit has " opened the eye…
357 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1819); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.