PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 11 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 216,977 words · 456 reading sections
272 1 Johx, Iv. 16. [1190.
2. With love and gratitude — [Men in general speak of the great mystery of Re- demption as a common thing ; and will repeat the Creed, or the truths contained in it, with as much indifference, as if the Gospel were nothing but " a cunningly-devised fable." We might live with them for years, and never once hear the…
452 wordsSECTION 2421191.] Justification And Sanctification. 2^3
Others may say, " It was my misfortune rather than my- fault that I did not know and beheve the love of God in Christ Jesus ; for I never had it faithfully declared unto me.'* But to you there has been no want of instruction to enlighten, no want of evidence to convince, you : so that your ignorance and unbelief i…
320 wordsSECTION 243Justification And Sanctification By Christ.
1 John V. 6. This is he that came by ivatej- and blood, even Jesus Christ ; vat by water only, but by water and blood : and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. THERE are in the Scriptures, and especially in the history of our blessed Lord, many circumstances recorded, which appear …
454 wordsSECTION 2441191.] Justification And Sanctification. 2/5
I. The truth here specified — In this event there was a deep stupendous mystery, inasmuch as it declared, in a very striking way, the great ends of our Saviour's death. Take the Apostle's assertion, 1. As simply declared— [Our Lord " Jesus Christ came by water and blood." He came as " a Teacher sent from God," t…
442 wordsSECTION 24527^ 1 John, V. 6. [1191.
just point of view. Two birds were taken: one of them was killed over living water, and his blood was mingled with the water. The blood and water were then sprinkled seven times upon the leper, and the living bird, being dipped in the blood and v. ater, was let loose into the open field, and the leper was pronounc…
437 wordsSECTION 2461191.] Justification And Sanctification. 277
timony to the truth asserted in our text : " There are three that bear record on earth ; the Spirit, and the water, and the blood : and these three agree in one ;" they agree in attesting that the Lord Jesus " Christ came by water and blood ; not by water only, but by water and blood." How can we be sufficiently t…
507 wordsSECTION 247278 1 John, V. 6. [1191.
benighted world. In every age this doctrine has been, and to the end of the world it shall be, " preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven ^"] Address — 1. Be careful to receive these truths into your hearts — [It cannot be that, when so much care has been taken to reveal them to us, we should be at lib…
460 wordsSECTION 248The Doctrine Of The Trinity Vindicated.
and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ"*." Which- ever of these truths any man confide in as of exclusive im- portance, we vv^ould say to him, as our Lord said to the self- deceiving Pharisees, " These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."] ^ iPet.i. 2. 1 John V. 7. There are three t…
337 wordsSECTION 249280 1 John, V. 7. [1192..
will put an end to all controversy on the subject of the Trinity. On the other hand, we need not be anxious about the validity of this individual passage, as though the doctrine of the Trinity rested upon it ; since, if the text were expunged from the Bible, there are a multitude of others which maintain most une…
413 wordsSECTION 2501192".] Doctrine Of The Trinity Vixdccated. 281
proper office ^ They are also declared to be sources of distinct blessings to the Church ; the Apostle prays, that " the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, may be withus all'.] 3. Each of these persons is God without any dif- ference or inequality — […
665 wordsSECTION 2511192.] Doctrine Of The Trinity Vindicated. 283
Nor is their testimony at all more than the subject requires — [If God himself had not revealed such things, who could ever hare imagined them P who could ever have thought of God becoming incarnate, and, by his own death, expiating the guilt of his own creatures ? Who could ever have devised a plan so calculated…
613 wordsSECTION 252284 1 John, V. 7. [1192.
Gospel, are too apt to doubt the freeness and sufficiency of the salvation revealed in it. Let every one consider the extreme sinfulness of such conduct, and abhor the thought of " making God a liar"".] 2. What obligation lies upon Believers to bear an open testimony to the truth ! [It is evident how earnestly Go…
377 wordsSECTION 253The Gospel Record.
1 John V. 11, 12. 7'^/^ is the record, that God hath given to us eternal, life ; avd this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son, hath life ; and he that hath not the Soji of God, hath not life. IN matters that are established by human testi- mony, we necessarily proportion our assent to the number and credibili…
369 wordsSECTION 254286 1 John, V. 11, 12. [1193.
Guardian of ^t^ He is the Proprietor of it. As the light is primarily in the sun, so is all good originally and essentially in Christ. " In him was life," says St. John ; " and the life was the light of men '^." The same writer says of him again at the conclusion of the chapter from whence the text is taken, " Thi…
449 wordsSECTION 2551193.] The Gospel Record. 287
other words, when we receive him for all the ends and purposes for which he is given. This is the explanation which St. John himself gives us ° : and consequently we may then be said to " liaise" Christ, when we have received him, and are making use of him, as the source and substance of our spiritual life.] 2. Wh…
496 wordsSECTION 256288 Ijohn, V. 20. [1194.
tered man in the universe. Nothing is requisite for the un-^ derstandini( of it but hinnility of mind, and a willingness to be indebted for every thing to the free grace of God in Christ Jesus. If there be any dilKculty, it arises only from the pride of our hearts that would mix something of our own with the finis…
411 wordsSECTION 257Mcxciv.
THE christian's KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST. 1 John V. 20. IFe know that the Son of God is come, and hath giien m an under stnnd'ing that we may know him t/^at is 1194.] THE christian's knowledge of CHRIST. 289 is true ; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ : this is the true God, and eternal life…
410 wordsSECTION 258290 1 John, V. 20. [1194.
But we have, if possible, yet clearer evidence than they — [Many of the most remarkable prophecies were either not quite accomplished, or but just accomplished, when our Lord died ; so that the fulfilment of them might then be ques- tioned. But who can doubt whether Daniel's weeks of years* have not expired many …
651 wordsSECTION 259292 1 Johx, V. 20. [1194.
1 . By a federal relation — [As Adam was a head and representative to all his de- scendants, so is Christ to all his spiritual seed^ They have communion with him in all his transactions upon earth, and in heaven : they are circumcised in him, baptized in him, dead with him, quickened with him, risen with him, seat…
404 wordsSECTION 260Questions
1. How do Christians obtain this knowledge? [The text informs us : It is not from human teaching, or the power of reason, that this light springs up in the soul : it is Christ who " gives us an understanding to know him :" He, who opened the heart of Lydia*^, and the understandings of his own Apostles", enlightens…
308 wordsSECTION 261Mcxcv.
A minister's chief joy. 3 John 4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth, THERE subsists between a Minister and his people a relation which may not unfitly be compared with that of a father and his children. The meta- phorical expression of a father is more strictly appli- cable to tho…
256 wordsSECTION 262294 3 John, 4. [1195.
declared the joy which this information had afforded him, he states, in general, that he had no greater joy that what arose from such tidings as these. From hence we shall take occasion to shew, I. What is the great object of a Minister's desire in behalf of his people — To bring men to the acknowledgement of the…
723 wordsSECTION 263296 / 3 John, 4. [1195.
1. Because it is by this only that the ends of their Ministry are answered — [If the Minister impart to his children " the sincere milk of the word," it is, " that they may grow thereby :" or, if he set before them "the stronger meat" of the Gospel, it is, that those who are able to receive it may be the more nour…
685 wordsSECTION 264Mcxcvi.
him" ] ^ Phil. ii. 16. THE christian's DUTIES. Jude 20, 2 1 . But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the c&mifig of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. ' ' ' "■'^•• IN every age there has prevailed in the Ch…
748 wordsSECTION 265Mcxcvi.
Yet not in these respects only, but in every possible view, we should " be building up ourselves on our most holy faith," and be daily manifesting our progress, and " making our pro- fiting to appear" to all around us.] At the same time be " praying continually in the Holy Ghost' — [Of ourselves we can do nothing…
360 wordsSECTION 266300 Jude, 20,21. [1196.
&nd shall bring clown into our souls all the blessings both of grace and glory. Whilst then we are building up ourselves on our most holy faith, we must be " pouring out our hearts before him" through the assistance of his good Spirit, and be bringing down from hira such communications of grace and strength as our…
469 wordsSECTION 2671197.] An Ascription Of Praise To Jehovah. 301
tered unto you into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus ChristV] " Look also for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternaUife" — [However close your walk with God may be, you must not on that account lean in the least degree to your own righteousness, but must rely entirely on the mercy of God in Chr…
342 wordsSECTION 268An Ascription Of Praise To Jehovah.
Jude, 24, 25. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his (flory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen, By 302 JUDE, 24, 25. [ll9T. BY many this Doxology is considered…
433 wordsSECTION 2691197.] An Ascription Of Praise To Jehovah. 303
it to himself a glorious Church, &c.^" But the very same thing* is spoken of the Father also, of whom it is said, that, " by Christ, the Father reconciled all things to himself, even in the body of his flesh through death, to present us holy and un- blameable and unreproveable in his sight \" I con- sider the tex…
712 wordsSECTION 2701198.] Christ Coming To Judgment. 305
hearts s Thus then should it be with us: our whole life should be, as theirs is, one continued song of praise and thanksgiving'' Only consider what would have been your state at this hour, and to all eternity, if less wisdom or power ' Eph. i. 19-21. « Key. v. 9—13. " Ps. cxh'. 1— 7, power had been put forth for …
285 wordsSECTION 271S06 -Revelation, I. /. [1198:
Rev. i. 7. Behold, he comet h ivith clouds ; and every eye shall see him, a?id they also ivhich pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because oj" him. Even so, Amen. THE great subject of the book of Revelation seems to be, to predict the trials and deliverances of God's Church to the end of time. T…
745 wordsSECTION 272S06 -Revelation, I. /. [1198:
But are there not man)' who " pierce the Lord " at this time also, and " crucify him afresh," by continuing in their sins? Yes verily, there are many amongst us not a whit less criminal than his very murderers ; I should rather say, far more criminal; inasmuch as they who reject him now, sin against incomparably g…
320 wordsSECTION 273Sos Revelation, I. 12— 17. [1199.
of his displeasure. St. Paul himself puts that matter beyond < all doubt, when he says, " If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha."] 2. On the godly — [Blessed be God, though all the unregenerate shall wail, there are some to whom the Saviour's advent will be a ground of joy! We …
331 wordsSECTION 274Mcxcix.
ST. John's vision. j^^ev, i. 12 — 17. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me: and hein^ turned, I saw seven golden candlestichs. And in the midst of the seven, candlesticks one like iinlo the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the pups ivith a golden girdle. His head and …
496 wordsSECTION 275310 Revelatiox, I. 12—17. [1199-
his Spirit, and, by seasonable trials in a way of providence or of grace, to trim them, as it were, whensoever their dimness called for his special interposition. 2. In his habit. — The garments which he wore were such as "Were appointed for the High Priest' : and by this clothing he intimated, that, though he was…
664 wordsSECTION 276312 Revelation, 11. 1 — 7. [1200.
[We see from the example before us liov/ much we should be disconcerted by visions ; and how unfit they would be, as stated means, of edifying the Church. But when God speaks to us by the instrumentality of men, we can attend with ease, and weigh with care whatever is brought to our ears. It is true, indeed, that …
483 wordsSECTION 2771200.] Epistle To The Church At Ephesus. 313
Rev. ii. 1 — 7. U?}to the angel of Ike church of Ephesus icrite ; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, ivho walketh in the midst of the seven golden candle- sticks ; I know thy uorks, and thy labour^ and thy patieiice, and how thou canst not Lear them luhich are evil: and thou hast…
507 wordsSECTION 278314 Revelation, Ii. 1—7. [1200.
AMPLIFIES them all, in order to testify what delight he feels in noticing and applauding every thing that is good. Religion consists not in mere speculative notions, but in active and self-denying exertions. But if any will " labour" for God, he must expect also to suffer for him. There will be enough to try the "…
452 wordsSECTION 2791200.] Epistle To The Church At Ephesus. 315
[The season of espousals, as in the natural, so also in the spiritual, world, is, for the most part, a season of love ^ But the first ardours in religion too often abate, even v/here the external conduct continues irreproachable. Thus it was with the Church at Ephesus : their works, with respect to the matter of t…
485 wordsSECTION 28031,6 Revelatiox, Ii. 1— 7. [1200.
lis also '* repent " with anguish and sorrow of heart. We are apt to speak of such changes as though they did not involve us in any guilt ; yea, as though they were as necessary to our welfare as the alternations of summer and winter. That God may bring good out of them, we do not deny : for lie over- ruled for go…
504 wordsSECTION 2811200-2 Epistj.E To The Church At Ephesus. 31/
service : and therefore, while he stimulated them by a dread of his displeasure, he encouraged them also by the expectation of a rich reward. The tree of life which was in the midst of Paradise was to our First Parents a pledge of eternal happiness, provided they continued to maintain their innocence during the se…
477 wordsSECTION 282The Epistle To Smyrna.
is justly angry; and which, if not speedily rectified, will bring upon you his heavy displeasure. Examine carefully therefore what is the present state of your soul. As for past experiences, they will rather aggravate than extenuate your guilt, if your fervour be abated or your love diminished. It will be well als…
380 wordsSECTION 2831201. 1 The Epistle To Smyrxa. 319
proclaims himself to them as ** the first and the last,'* the eternal, immutable Jehovah, on whose promises' they might depend ; and as their " dead, yet living' Saviour, from whose death they derived all their hopes, and in whose resurrection they had a pledge of their own resurrection to eternal happiness and g…
653 wordsSECTION 2841201. 1 The Epistle To Smyrxa. 319
2. Their services should be rewarded — [It might appear hard to them to be called to surrender up their lives for him, and to submit to a cruel death. But he promises that, whatever pain they might suffer in their first death, they " should never be hurt by the second death," or take their portion in *' that lake …
624 wordsSECTION 285The Epistle To Pergamos.
but short, your pains but transient. Your torments will end, when those of your oppressors \vill commence : and your lives will be renewed in glorj', when theirs will terminate in ever- lasting misery. Be therefore faithful unto death in imitation of your Lord ; and he will exalt you to a participation of that bli…
381 wordsSECTION 2861202.] The Epistle To Pergamos. 323
The method observed in all the epistles is uni- formly the same *. but we shall endeavour to diversify it in our explanation of them. The epistle before us suggests three important truths ; That fidelity in trying times is highly pleasing to God ; That it musty hoicever, extend to the repressing of sin in others a…
774 wordsSECTION 2871202.] The Epistle To Pergamos. 325
Let not, however, this fidelity be thought too much : for, III. Its • Numb. xxxi. l6. with Rev. xix. 15. ^ Lev. xix. 17. • Eph. V. 11. <> Heb. xii. 15. • 1 Cor. V. 6, 7, i:j. Tit. iti. 10. ^ Rev. xviii. 4. III. Its reward will far overbalance any conflicts that may be necessary to maintain it — [The call to spe…
450 wordsSECTION 288The Epistle To Thyatiua.
Rev. ii. 18 — 23. And unto the angel of Ike church in Thyatira, write ; These things saith the Suii of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fre, and his feet are like fine brass ; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy luorks; and the last to be more than the first. …
427 wordsSECTION 2891203.] The Epistle To Tuyatira. 32/
*' His eyes are like unto a flaming lire ; and his feet are like fine brass." In opening the contents of the epistle, we shall notice, I. The characteristic excellence of this Church in general — The virtues for which they are commended, are such as distinguish every true Christian — [" Charity," or love to God…
425 wordsSECTION 290328 Revelation, Ii. 18 — 29- [1203.
and ** making our profiting to appear unto all men^?" Have we reason to hope that, on a comparison of our present state with that in which we were at any former period, our " cha- rity" is more fervent, our " service" more abundant, our *' faith" more stedfast, our " patience" more invincible, and our " works " al…
384 wordsSECTION 2911208.] Tuz Epistle To Thyatira. 320
of Naboth ; yea, she herself also was devoured "by dogs, al- most on the same spot'' : and soon afterwards the whole family of Ahab, even seventy sons, were put to death. Thus God threatened, that, for their spiritual fornication, he would " cast them into a bed, and those who committed adultery with them into gre…
423 wordsSECTION 292330 Revelation, Ii. 18—29. [1203.
■would have no acquaintance : they would not so much as listen to them : but, discerning at once their evil tendency, they re- jected them with abhorrence. It would be well if Christians at this day would imitate them in this respect. But, alas ! Many have " itching ears :" and though they know before-hand the mal…
407 wordsSECTION 2931203.] Thb Epistle To Thyatira. 331
Christ's words unto the end," it cannot be understood of any temporal dominion which the Church shall enjoy. It relates rather to that exalted state to which they shall be raised, when all the powers of this world, which now oppress the Church, shall meet with their deserved recompence. Our blessed Lord, as Mediat…
467 wordsSECTION 294The Epistle To Sardis.
the simplicity that is in Christ*." *' Hear" the acl\-ice, that you may be stedfast in the faith ; and *' hear" the promise, that you may be encouraged to persevere in your warfare, till every enemy shall be put yovir under feet.] * 2 Cor. xi. 3, Rev. iii. 1 — 6. yind unto the angel of the church in Sardis urite;…
373 wordsSECTION 2951204.] The Epistle To Sardis. 333
turn from gross sins, and attend on the ordinances of the Gospel, and embrace its fundamental doctrines, and associate with the decided followers of Jesus, we are considered as re- ligious persons. It does not become the godly to scrutinize us too narrowly, or to refuse us the right hand of fellowship till they ha…
448 wordsSECTION 296334 Revelation, Fii. 1 — 6. [1204.
gress? Watch against its first risings, and against every thing that may call it forth into act and exercise. Has sloth rendered you remiss in the duties of the closet ? Watch, lest it yet further prevail to draw you from God, and to indispose you for those exertions, which are more than ever necessary for your we…
473 wordsSECTION 2971204.] The Epistle To Sardis. 335
Together with these admonitions to backsliders, our Lord suggests, II. Encouragement to the stedfast — There are some stedfast even amongst the most degen te Churches — [There were " a few even in Sardis who had not defiled their garments," though walking in the midst of manifold temptations, and exposed to the …
435 wordsSECTION 298336 Revelatiox, Iii. 1 6. [1204.
the end : but it includes also their present happiness ; to which we have rather confined our comment, on account of the more determinate meaning of the words that follow.] They shall also have their happiness consummated in the world to come — [When their victory is complete, then shall their reward also be perf…
428 wordsSECTION 299The Epistle To Philadelphia.
follow after holiness, &c. vnoderately. But would they have a man running a race, run moderately ? or oue fighting with an enemy, fight moderately ? The truth is, they are contented to " have a name to live, though they be really dead ;" and would have none to exceed their measure of godliness : but, if they do no…
475 wordsSECTION 300338 Revelation, 111. 7 — 13. [1205.
my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. THOUGH the commendations bestowed on this Church are not so copious and energetic as tliose in ■which some others arc addressed, yet the members of it are distinguished above all the others, except the Church in Smyrna, in tha…
383 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1819); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.