PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 11 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 216,977 words · 456 reading sections
62 James, Iii. 13. [1147.
the vanity of all his boasted wisdom, and they pity the blind- ness of his deluded mind. See how strongly all this is as- serted by the apostle Paul : " He that is spiritual (however destitute he may be of human learning) judgeth all things: yet he himself is judged of no man: (he estimates rightly the state of ot…
444 wordsSECTION 621147,] Influence Of Wisdom On The Conduct. 63
that " he was led as a lamb to the slaughter; ami as a sheep be- fore her shearers is dumb, so opened he not his mouth*:" and in that particular he is more especially commended to us as an example : for " he suffered, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps ; who did no sin, neither was guile found …
518 wordsSECTION 6364 James, Iii. 13. [1147.
1. Rest not in attainments, whilst destitute of knowledge — [There is a great diversity in the natural dispositions of men : some are from their very birth more meek and gentle than others : and certainly they whom nature has formed in this better mould, have much to be thankful for. But let not any one mistake t…
552 wordsSECTION 6466 James, Iii. 17. [1148
Jam. iii. 17. The wisdom that is from above, is first pitre, then peaceable^ gentle, and easy to he intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and ivithout hypocrisy. RELIGION, like a tree, must be judged of by its fruits — That which savours of pride, earthliness, or sen- suality, is not of Go…
544 wordsSECTION 65The Folly Of Undue Security.
[Many consider religion as destructive of all personal and social happiness — But what is there in this representation of religion that de- serves such a character ? — Let the world call it f oily if they will ; but God accounts it " wisdom " — ] 2. What reason have the most godly to blush and be ashamed ! [We …
323 wordsSECTION 6668 James, Iv. 13, 14 [1149.
which he had to reprove, was that of undue security, or of presuming on the success of our plans for future advancement, without any becoming reference to the shortness and uncertainty of life : and there being still but too much reason to complain of this habit in the Christian world, I shall distinctly mark, I.…
652 wordsSECTION 6770 James, Iv. 17. [1150.
2. The continuance of our lives — [" What is our life ? it is a vapour tliat appeareth but a little time, and then vanisheth away." This is a truth which all acknowledge ; and which, if duly considered, would abate the ardour of our earthly pursuits, and moderate our too san- guine expectations. Who has not seen p…
530 wordsSECTION 681150.] Sins Of Omission Considered. 71
Jam. iv. 1 7. To him that knowcth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is si?}. THERE is not any thing of which men are more convinced, than the shortness and uncertainty of life: yet in the habit of their minds they live as if they were were certain of many months and years to come. They form their plans and…
449 wordsSECTION 6972 James, Iv. 17. [1150.
portionable reward : but those who hide them in a napkin will be dealt with as wicked and unprofitable servants''. What then do you say, in fact, when you neglect an acknowledged duty ? You say, in reality, ' I care not for my soul ; I care not whether it is happy in a future world, or not : I know that by a dilig…
525 wordsSECTION 701150.] Sins Of Omission Considered. 73
II. To suggest some reflections arising out of it — Who that duly considers it must not see, 1 . What ground we all have for humiliation before God— [I will suppose that we have never committed any enormous sin, and that in respect of the letter of the law we have been as blameless as ever Paul was previous to hi…
459 wordsSECTION 7174 James, Iv. 17. [1150.
in them no mixture of good : they were pure and unmixed evil ; and in comparison of them, any good that we do is hghter than dust upon the balance. In truth, no man who reflected a moment on my text could any more entertain a hope of being justified by any righteousness of his oAvn, than he could form a purpose to…
547 wordsSECTION 72Patient Perseverance Urged.
Jam. V. 7, 8. Be patient. Brethren, Jinio the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman ivaiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient : siablish your hearts : for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. CHRISTIANITY, even i…
290 wordsSECTION 7376 James, V. 7,8. [1151.
in a patient discharge of their duty, and in an assured expectation of recompence at the coming of their Lord. We shall consider the injunction which he gives them in a two-fold view ; I. In reference to the terms by which it is ex- pressed— These are strong and energetic. Twice he says, "Be patient;" that is, …
650 wordsSECTION 7478 James, V. 7, 8. [1151.
II. In reference to the comparison with which it is illustrated — This Apostle seems particularly to affect easy and familiar illustrations. The whole epistle abounds with them. He compares certain hearers of the word to persons beholding themselves in a glass, and then forgetting what manner of persons they were…
599 wordsSECTION 751151.] Patient Perseverance Urged. 79
by drought : but still he waits for the latter rain, without which the corn can never come to maturity. There may be many alternations of hope and fear : but he commits the mat- ter to the Lord, and waits the destined time, in expectation that God will give him to see, in an abundant increase, the fruit of his lab…
512 wordsSECTION 7680 James, V. 7, 9. [1151.
you do not belong to this holy family : you may call your- selves Christians; but you are not Christians indeed. We read of those who " said that they were Jews, and did lie :" so you say that you are Christians ; but your whole conduct gives the lie to your profession. If you are Christians in deed and in truth, …
540 wordsSECTION 77The Efficacy Of Fervent Prayer.
Jam. V. 16. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. PRAYER and intercession are generally consi- dered as duties : but, if viewed aright, they would rather be regarded as privileges: seeing that they are the means of obtaining- for ourselves and others those blessings which no created Being…
320 wordsSECTION 7882 James, V. 16. [1152.
as much required from the Clergy to the Laity, as from the Laity to the Clergy. We stop not however to notice these grievous errors, but pass on to that which more immediately concerns ourselves ; and to point out to you, I. The import of the assertion before us — The preceding context certainly leads our thought…
409 wordsSECTION 791152.] Efficacy Of Fervent Prayer. S3
But whatever stood in the way, it must yield to his prayer. Accordingly, no sooner did this righteous man issue the com- mand, " Sun, stand thou still vipon Gibeon, and thou moon in the Valley of Ajalon," than all the laws of nature were sus- pended, and the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, till the people ha…
504 wordsSECTION 8084 James, V. 16. [1152,
vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation, and informed me,and said^ O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and under- standing: at the bt'ii nii'ing of tluj siippitcal'ions the command- 'me)it cuirie foilli; and I am come to shew thee all that…
471 wordsSECTION 811152.] Efficacy Of Fervent Prayee. 85
From this we obtain an insight into, i . The character of God — [We think of God, for the most part, as a Being of in- finite Majesty, who, unless in matters of very extraordinary moment, does not trouble liimseH" with the concerns ot men : and hence, if a person were to speak of having received an- swers to his …
507 wordsSECTION 8286 James, V. 19, 20. [1153.
lieve it, or not, so it is : nor are light and darkness, Christ and Behal, heaven and hell, further asunder, tlian are the children of God, and the children of the wicked one ^] 3. The use and excellency of the Gospel — [It is the Gospel alone that can bi'ing a man into this happy state. Nothing else can shew him …
400 wordsSECTION 83Conversion Of A Sinner A Great Benefit.
Jam. Y. \9, 20. Brethren, if any of you do cirfrovi the tnith, and 1153-] BENEFIT OF A sinner's CONVERSION. 87 and one cojivert him, let him know, that he ivhich converteth a sinner from the error ofhia way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. IN the Apostolic age, the power of worki…
415 wordsSECTION 8488 James, V. 19, 20. [1153.
an interest in Him by their good works, or acceptance on account of their ifark.'; through him. The simple hfe of faith is but Httle known ; and frequently but little ex])erienced, even where in terms the necessity of it is acknowledged. The same may be said of men s practice also. Look at the life and conduct of …
659 wordsSECTION 8588 James, V. 19, 20. [1153.
hastening to death : for the " wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men ;" and the soul that sinneth, it shall die. And let not any one imagine, that this death consists in a mere annihilation : no ; the soul, as to its existence, shall never die : but it will endure a misery of …
334 wordsSECTION 8690 James, V. 19,20. [1153.
ration of God upon this subject : " The iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none ; and the sins of Ju Jah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserved" Now consider this: consider an immortal soul laden with iniquities more numerous and weighty than the sands vipon t…
678 wordsSECTION 8790 James, V. 19,20. [1153.
2. What should be your view in attending on the ordinances of the Gospel — [You should not come to be amused, but to be instructed and edified. You should come desirous of knowing wherein you have erred, and how you may get safely into the way of truth. Your minds should be open to conviction. You should be av/are…
330 wordsSECTION 8892 1 Peter, I. 1, 2, [1154.
he has another day to live ; I see not how any doubt can exist in the mind of a rational Being, that the care of his soul should infinitely outweigh all the concerns of time and sense. True it is, tliat when nun act according to this truth, they are derided as enthusiasts : l)ut there is no man who, in his deli- b…
277 wordsSECTION 89Offices Of The Holy Trinity.
1 Pet. i. 1,2. Peter, an Apostle of Jesus C/irist, to the stranger.t scattered throiigliout Pontus, Galat'm, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithyn'ta, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctificalion of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood ff Jesus Christ : grace mUo you, and…
552 wordsSECTION 9094 1 Peter, I. 1,2. [1154.
mercy that -we have ever experienced ; and thankfully acknow- ledge, that "by the grace of God "vve are what we are*^:" and that, if ever we be saved at all, it will be, " not according to our works, but according to his purpose and grace Avhich were given us in Christ Jesus before the world began''."] The objecti…
510 wordsSECTION 911154.] Offices Of The Holy Trinity. 05
know not, till they themselves discover it by the effects produced upon them : nor will it ever be known who tlie the non-elect are, till the day of judgment shall reveal it. Buttliis we know, — and this we affirm for the comfort of all, — that " every one who asketh, receiveth; and every one that seeketh, findeth…
710 wordsSECTION 921154.] Offices Of The Holy Trixity. 97
As Christ redeems whom the Father has elected, so those, M'^hom Christ has redeemed, III. The Spirit sanctifies — It is in reality through the influence of the Holy Ghost that the souls of the elect are sprinkled with the blood of Christ : because it is He who reveals Christ unto them, and enables them to believe…
541 wordsSECTION 93Mclv.
98 1 PETEii, 1. 8, g. [1155. THE christian's HAPPINESS. 1 Pet. i. 8, 9. JVhoin having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye set him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeak- able,and full of glory ; receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls, THE world often wonder that Christian…
635 wordsSECTION 94100 1 Peter, 1.8,9. [1155.
The salvation of the soul is the great " end of our faith"— [Present comforts are desirable ; but eternal happiness is that which the Christian has principally in view — It is to this that he looks forward, under his first convic- tions— This is the end for which he cheerfully endures all his pri- vations and co…
348 wordsSECTION 95The Angels Interested About The Gospel.
Let us then examine what is the supreme object of our affections, and chief source of our joys — Nor let us ever conclude well of our state, unless we can adopt from our hearts the language of St. Paul p — ] 3. How highly should we value the ordinances of the Gospel! [Faith, as has been shewn, is the mean of fill…
317 wordsSECTION 96102 1 Peter, I. 12. [1156.
The two preceding verses inform us, that the •' salvation" of man, and "the grace that is brought unto us" for the securing of that salvation, are objects of their continual regard. More particularly they inquire into these things, 1 . As foretold by Prophets — [Every minute circumstance relative to the Gospel ha…
426 wordsSECTION 971156.] Angels Interested About The Gospel. 103
events which in the fulness of time began to be accomplished : and, no doubt, they waited for them with devout and earnest expectation. Accordingly, the very instant that they saw him brought into the world, they carried the glad tidings to the shepherds, and informed them of the place of his nativity. From that m…
472 wordsSECTION 98104 1 Peter, I. 12. [1156.
minister unto him. Little do we think how much we are indebted to their friendly aid ; from how many snares they deliver vis ; in how many conflicts they succour us ; and Avith what transport they bear our triumphant spirits into the world of bliss. As once they waited with impatience to see the prophecies accompl…
405 wordsSECTION 991156.] Angels Interested About The Gospel. 105
found in the whole universe. The angels, after seeing the judgments executed on the apostate spirits, could have no idea that mercy could be exercised towards the guilty. But in the Gospel it shines forth as with meridian splendor ; and all the other perfections of the Deity unite and harmonize with it. Can we won…
418 wordsSECTION 100106 1 Peter, I. 12. [1156.
opprobrious names ; and he must be " a stranger indeed in our Jerusalem," who has not known and witnessed this humi- liating fact. But what do these scoflers think of themselves ? Are they wiser or better than the angels ? Do they imagine the angels so weak as to admire and search into things which are unworthy th…
500 wordsSECTION 101Mclvii.
THE father's part IN THE WORK OF REDEMPTION. 1 Pet. i. 20, 21. JVho verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the luorld, hit was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. THE salvatio…
326 wordsSECTION 102108 1 Peter, 1.20, 21. [1157.
repeatedly by an audible voice from heaven, and by causing the Holy Ghost to light visibly upon him with the hovering motion of a dove — In all the miracles which he wrought, the Father liore witness of him " — even in the hour of his disso- lution, when most of all his divine mission might seem doubt- ful, even t…
881 wordsSECTION 103110 1P£Ter,Ii.1 3. [1158.
Address, 1 . Those who are in unbelief — [None can be truly said to believe in God, who do not come ' Rom. av. 15. come to God " ly Christ "." In vain do we profess the Christian faith, if we do not experience its influence in this leading point. How many then, even of those who give their assent to the Gospel …
338 wordsSECTION 1041158.1 Growth In Grace To Be Desired. 1 11
1 Pet. ii. 1 — 3. IVherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new-lorn babes, desire the s-inccre milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby ; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. A STRANGE opinion has obtained amongst some, that there …
675 wordsSECTION 1051158.1 Growth In Grace To Be Desired. 1 11
2. Their exclusive distinction — [Simple as this is, there is not a creature upon the face of the whole earth of whom it can with truth be predicated, but of one wlio has been "■ begotten of God," and " born again of the Holy Spirit." Others may be very wise and learned, and may be able to descant with accuracy up…
276 wordsSECTION 1061158.] Growth In Grace To Be Desired. 113
XL Their duty- He teaches them, 1 . What they are to put away, as mjurious to their welfare — [The unconverted man, though he may appear righteous before men, is in reality full of the most abominable evils. He may not indulge in any gross sins ; but he is full of " malice'^ towards those who have injui'ed him i…
446 wordsSECTION 107114 1 Peter, Ii. 1—3. [1158.
is something more sweet and nutritious, than in all other books in the universe. In the Inspired Volume, God is pre- sented to the soul under such endearing characters ; the Lord Jesus Christ is set forth in such glorious \'iews ; the precepts, tlie promises, the threatenings, the examples, are all so har- monious…
500 wordsSECTION 1081158.] Growth In Grace To Be Desired. 115
reflect on what our blessed Lord has so solemnly and so re- peatedly affirmed ; " Verily, verily, I say unto you, that except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God'." If you ask, What shall I do to attain this experience ? I would say. Search out your sins, in order that you may knov/ your n…
517 wordsSECTION 109Mclix.
THE DIFFERENT STATES OF BELIEVERS AND UN- BELIEVERS. 1 Pet. ii. 7 — 10. Unto you therefore which believe, he is pre- cious : but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to I hem which st…
810 wordsSECTION 110118 Ipeter, Ii. 7 — 10. [1159.
reject * rif^Yi. ^ Phil. iii. 8. *■ uvukicc, Comp. Roin, xi. 32. with Eph. ii. 2. <* 1 John iii. 23, * Ps, cxviii,22. reject his Gospel : they cry out against it, as discouraging the practice of good works, as opening the very flood-gates of iniquity, and (strange as the contradiction is) making the way to heave…
449 wordsSECTION 1111159.1 States Of Believers And Unbelievers. 119
men's unbelief was to be traced ultimately to the decrees of God respecting them. We cannot however understand them as establishing so awful a doctrine : nay, we cannot think that the doctrine of absolute reprobation can ever be established, while those words remain in the Bible, " As I live, saith the Lord God, I…
487 wordsSECTION 112120 1 Peter, 11. 7 — 10. [1159.
all are permitted to approach unto the mercy-seat of their God, and to offer to him the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise. Moreover, they are " a holy nation, and a peculiar people." All are vmited under the same king ; all obey the same laws ; all participate the same interests. They are all separated by …
391 wordsSECTION 113The Nature Of True Conversion Stated.
1 Pet. ii. 25. Ye were as sheep going astray ; but are now re- turned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. NOTHING so reconciles the Christian to suffer- ings, or so quickens him to exertions, as a recollec- tion of the mercies he has experienced at the Lord's hands. The Apostle is speaking here to servants…
308 wordsSECTION 114122 1 Peter, Ii. 25. [1160.
been exempt. In respect of criminality, our conduct justly subjects us to blame, from which the senseless animal is free : for our departure from God has been, J. Wilful, without any just occasion — [The mind of every unregenerate man is alienated from God : he hates his law : he is averse to his yoke : "he says …
447 wordsSECTION 1151160.1 Nature Of True Conversion Stated. 123
II. Our state by grace — " We return to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls :" we return to the Lord Jesus Christ, 1. As our Owner — [By grace we are taught, what in an unconverted state we little consider, that the Lord Jesus Christ is " that good Shepherd who has laid down his life for his sheep ^" This thoug…
439 wordsSECTION 116124 1 Peter, Ii. 25. [1160.
thing, a word from him reclaims us. Wherever he calls, we go : whatever he forbids, we shun : whatever he commands, we do. The temptations which once alhu'ed us, have now in a great measure lost their power ; — the terrors that alarmed us, their influence. What wilt thou have me to do ? is now our one inquiry : an…
773 wordsSECTION 117126 1 Peter, Iii. 15. [1161.
means to bring them to the fold of Christ And know for your comfort, that " he who shall convert a sinner from the error of his way, will save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins."} THE CHRISTIAN READY TO GIVE AX ACCOUNT OF HIS HOPE. 1 Pet. iii. 15. Be ready always to give an answer to every man that…
656 wordsSECTION 118126 1 Peter, Iii. 15. [1161.
It is a well-founded hope — [It may well be asked, What warrant has the Christian to indulge such an hope as this ? Is it a mere conceit of his own, an expectation unauthorized and presumptuous ? No : it is a hope founded upon the promise and oath of the immu- table Jehovah. God has revealed a way of salvation, th…
259 wordsSECTION 119128 1 Peter, Iii. 15. [1161.
balance, yea, as lighter than vanity itself. However import- ant the concerns of this world may seem, they are but for a moment: whereas the objects gf the Christian's hope are everlasting. Nor are the sufferings of this present world, how formidable soever in themselves, regarded by him as worthy of any considera…
700 wordsSECTION 120128 1 Peter, Iii. 15. [1161.
1. With meekness and fear — [There is, not unfrequently, found amongst the profes- sors of religion a very unhallowed boldness and forwardness in declaring their sentiments. This is extremely indecorous, and odious in the eyes both of God and man. Though, as far as respects the truth itself, we shoidd have no hesi…
252 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1819); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.