PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 11 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 216,977 words · 456 reading sections
1205.] The Epistle To Philadelphia. 339
uncontrolled authority. He opens or shuts the doors of heaven and of hell. He opens also " a door of utterance " for his Gospel, and a door of entrance into the hearts of men, according to his own will**. And he it was that " had set before those at Philadelphia an open door, so that none, whether men or devils, c…
421 wordsSECTION 302340 Revelation, Hi. 7 1 5- [1205.
the goodness of God, protected by the laws, so that we can- not be treated with that arbitrary and lawless cruelty that was exercised towards the first Christians ; but we are no strangers to " persecution for righteousness' sake ;" on the contrary, it is as common as ever, though it shew itself only in a milder wa…
429 wordsSECTION 3031205.] The Epistle To Philadelphia. 341
the god under whose auspices they had fought ; the name of the city to which they belonged; and the name of the ge- neral under whose direction they had conquered. In refe- rence to this, as it should seem, our Lord says, " I will make them pillars in the house of my God ;" yet not such pillars, as, when mouldered…
404 wordsSECTION 304342 Revelation, Iii. 7 — 13. [1205.
1. The deceived — [Many even in the Philadelphian Church " said, that they * Perhaps this is the meaning of those words, " which cometh down out of heaven from my God ;" and the allusion is to 1 Chron^ xxviii, 12, 19. they were Jews ; and were not ; but did lie :" let not any of you then, my Brethren, be hasty i…
527 wordsSECTION 305The Epistle To Laodicea.
should be sufficient for you," even though you were a thou- sand times weaker than you are. " Be strong in him, and in the power of his might:" and soon you shall be crowned with victory, and be made everlasting monuments of his power and grace.] Rev. iii. 14 — 22. And unto the angel of the church of the Luodicea…
401 wordsSECTION 306344 Revelation, Iii. 14 22. [1206.
occasion to testify against them in so severe a man- ner, our Lord declared himself to be *' the Amen, the faithful and true witness," and " the beginning" (that is, the efficient Cause, or the Ruler and Gover- nor*) " of the creation of God." By this character of himself he guarded against the possibility of thei…
406 wordsSECTION 3071206.] The Epistle To Laodicea. 345
advocates for, what they call, moderation, would reflect on this We do not mean to plead the cause oi real enthusiasm: but we affirm, that the world's standard of piety is very different from that by which Christ will estimate our characters in the last day.] 1. Their conceit — - [Self-sufficiency and self-concei…
452 wordsSECTION 308346 Revelation, Iii. 14 — 22. [1206.
eye of God himself. Were they bl'iTid P Come, says he, to me for that "eye-salve," even for the unction of my Holy Spirit, who shall enlighten your mind, and enable you to '* see the wondrous things of my law." It is true, he bids them " buy " tiiese things of him : and it may be asked, How shall one that is so po…
433 wordsSECTION 3091206.] The Epistle To Laodicea. 34/
[He calls, as well he may, their special attention to this encouraging promise ; " Behold," says he, " I stand at the door and knock ;" I, the Creator and Governor of the universe, condescend to become a suitor to sinful man ; and with incre- dible patience to solicit admission into his heart, when it is barred ag…
471 wordsSECTION 310Mccvii.
horredby God. Hear then, while the day of mercy lasts, the calls, the invitations, the promises of your Lord. Attend to his voice : obey his counsel : and expect at his hands the bless- ings he so freely offers. " It is good to be zealously affected in a good thing." You see the reasonableness and necessity of zea…
410 wordsSECTION 3111207.] The Book With Seven Seals Opened. 349
grant for a moment that the saints on earth may have erred in giving to Jesus the same glory as they give unto the Father, (though their obHgation to do so is, in my apprehension, as clear as the sun at noon-day,) have they also erred in heaven? Are the glorified saints around the throne of God under a mistake ? …
374 wordsSECTION 312350 Revelation-, V. 6 10. [1207.
I. The occasion of it — This is particularly adverted to in our text — • [There was " in the hand of him who sat upon the throne a book written both within and without, and sealed with seven seals." To conceive of this book aright, we must bear in mind, that it was a volume, rolled up, and consisting of seven par…
503 wordsSECTION 3131207.] The Book With Seven Seals Opened. 351
will be more profitably noticed under a distinct head, after we have considered, as we now proceed to do,] II. The song itself — Of the living creatures and the Elders, we are told, that " every one of them had harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." There is here, beyond a doubt…
416 wordsSECTION 314352 Revelation, V. 6— 10. [1207.
they shall be admitted to the realms of bliss. That they will not be able to join with those who are already before the throne, is evident ; for not any share of the glory do they arrogate to themselves ; they ascribe it all to Him who bought them with his blood : And be it known to you, that not one soul shall eve…
447 wordsSECTION 3151207.] The Book With Seven Seals Opened. 353
was found worthy to open it. But, when he took it into his hand with a view to open it, then all the Re- deemed burst forth into this song of praise ; expressly founding their acknowledgements on this as their proper ground. Now this they might well do ; because, 1. The events themselves recorded in that book, al…
436 wordsSECTION 316354 Revelation, V. 6 — 10. [1207.
concerned: but is it true also of the judgments? Can vre imagine, that the calamities inflicted on his enemies on earth, and'^the infinitely heavier judgments executed on them in hell, shall bring glory to the Redeemer ? Look into the book of the Revelations, and you will find, that the condemnation of the wicked,…
434 wordsSECTION 317Mccviil
I now see?" To you I say, Imitate the hosts above: give glory to your Lord and Saviour : shout forth his praises : sing without ceasing " to him who has redeemed you to God by his blood, and made you kings and priests unto God and the Father." To you also I say. Look to it that you " reign on the earth." You are n…
421 wordsSECTION 318356 Revelation, Vii. Q — 12. [1208.
we prefer noticing some particulars which distinguish this individual passage ; and for that purpose shall set before you under one head the worship of heaven, and then the instruction to be derived from it. Let us notice then, I. The worship of heaven — We behold it here, 1. As commenced by the glorified saints…
416 wordsSECTION 3191208.] The Wohship Of Heaven. 2$T
This is their one unvaried song : and they sing it " with a loud voice," as glorying in a salvation so dearly bought, and so freely given.] 2. As continued by the angelic hosts — [The situation of the angelic hosts is worthy of particular attention: they ai-e round about the throne indeed, as well as the Redeemed…
418 wordsSECTION 320358 Revelation, Vii, Q 12. [1208.
for us, as for them. For us was God's co-equal and co- eternal Son sent into the world, as well as for them. For us He lived, and died, and rose again, as well as for them. To us is salvation oftered, as freely as ever it was for them ; and for us it shall be alike effectual too, if only we embrace it as they did.…
495 wordsSECTION 321The Reign Of Christ On Earth.
pleasure of his goodness, if we will look to him, and commit our cause into his gracious hands. He will not leave us or forsake us, any more than he forsook and abandoned the7n : and "in our weakness is he willing to perfect his own strength," as much as he ever did in theirs. There is no trial to which lue can be…
405 wordsSECTION 322360 Ukvelation, Xi. 15 — 17. [1209.
men keep not thy law\" But it will not be always thus. There is a time coming, and, we hope, now near at hand, when the whole world shall be con- verted to the faith of Christ, and " the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea." Of this period the Apostle speaks in my text. Respec…
438 wordsSECTION 3231209.] The Rkigx Of Christ On Earth. 'S()\
of pride, envy, malice, and other hateful passions ; which are no less odious in the sight of God, than those lusts which assimilate vis rather to the beasts. But, whatever diversity there may be in the outward conduct of mankind, all agree in this, they cast oft' the yoke of God, and walk after the ima- gination …
448 wordsSECTION 324362 Revelatiox, Xi. J 5— 17- [1209.
which he has made ; and the Avhole of the liuman race are up in arms against him. His authority is ahogether despised. Let any one attempt to impress on men the obedience which they owe to God, how will he be regarded ? What will he meet with from every quarter but ridicule and conteaipt? I . speak not of the libe…
529 wordsSECTION 3251209.] The Reign Of Christ On Earth. 363
2. As it respects the happiness of man — [Were we to look only to the temporal happiness of man we shall find it greatly enhanced by the diffusion of true re- ligion in the world. For partly through the calamities to which we are unavoidably exposed, and partly through the evils which men through the influence of …
506 wordsSECTION 326364 U£V£Lat1()K, Xi. 15 1/. [1209.
wherever he reigns, " the wilderness blossoms as the rose," and earth becomes a nursery for heaven.] Let me now, in conclusion, address myself, 1. To those in whose hearts the kingdom of Christ has been established — [Mark, I pray you, the conduct of those in heaven. In the prospect of this glorious period, they,…
424 wordsSECTION 3271210.] Revelation, Xii. 11. 3G5
xMCCX. HOW SATAN IS TO BE VANQUISHED. Rev. xii. 1 1. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. THE establishment of Christianity, whether in the world at large, or in the souls of individuals, is, by means of a warfare, carried on between " the god of this world," and the God of heaven and earth. Such is t…
337 wordsSECTION 328366 Revelation, Xii. 1 I. [1210.
tained their stedfastness, and were useful in the dif- fusion of the truth, by the simple exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They were accused before Magistrates continually, through the influence of Satan ; but " they overcame their great adversary by the blood of the Lamb." Let us consider — L The cha…
388 wordsSECTION 3291210."] How Satan Is To Be Vanquished. 36/
[Few, if any, of the Lord's people are altogether strangers to the wiles of Satan. Exceeding powerful are the sugo-es- tions, whereby he tempts and harasses the souls of men. They are j ustly compared to " fiery darts," which penetrate the inmost soul, and which nothing but " the shield of faith can quench ^" Some…
687 wordsSECTION 3301211 .] The Felicity Of Heavex. 36Q
3. As a stimulus to our exertions — [Sweetly encouraging was the testimony given to Abel, when he offered a firstling of his flock to God ; insomuch that Cain, who understood its im])ort, was filled with rage at the distinguishing grace shewn to his piovis and believing bro- ther"'. But the blood of Christ sprinkl…
531 wordsSECTION 331Vol. Xi. B B ^^^"'
Rev. xiv. 1 — 5. And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder : and I heard the^ voice of harpers harp…
548 wordsSECTION 3321211.] The Felicitv Of Heaven. 3/1
to him. But we are not to suppose that there Are no more in heaven than the number specified : for they are in reahty a multitude that no man can number, out of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues ^"] There are they adoring him with unceasing songs of praise — [The song in which they join, though n…
511 wordsSECTION 333372 Revelation, Xiv. 1 5. [1211.
ways ; and now they attend upon him through the houndless expanse of heaven, all vyinjr, as it were, with each other in testifying their love and gratitude to their adorable Redeemer. As in the days of old, at the time of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, " the whole multitude followed him, crying, Hosanna t…
444 wordsSECTION 3341211.] The Felicity Of Heavex. 3/3
of God's power on their souls, they ofFer themselves up to God " as first-fruits to God and to the Lamb." The first fruits of every thing were God's peculiar portion : nor couid any man appropriate them to his own use without being guilty of sacrilege. And such are all who are truly converted* unto God''. Under th…
471 wordsSECTION 335374 Revelation, Xiv. 1 5. [1211.
much labour is necessary for the attainment of their object. Be assured then, Brethren, that notwithstanding heaven is a free gift of God for Christ's sake, yet must it be laboured for as much as if it were altogether the fruit of our own exertions : as it is said, " Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for …
551 wordsSECTION 3361211.] The Felicitv Of Heaven. 3/5
now, that you may be counted worthy to dwell with him in a better world.] 2. As expectants of it — [Strange it is that every one conceives heaven to be his portion, though he never in the whole course of his life made one effort to obtain it. But, Beloved Brethren, you have al- ready heard the character of those …
486 wordsSECTION 337The Gospel Preached To All Nations.
light. To such then I would say, " Press forward, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forward to that which is before." And, if at any time the thought occur to your mind. Can such a sinner as I be saved, then look into heaven, and see who there are already around the throne: do you not see there …
358 wordsSECTION 3381212.] The Gospel Preached To All Nations. 37^
I. His commission — It is here manifestly intimated, 1 . That the whole world need to have the Gospel preached to them — [We are apt to imagine that every man may be saved by the religion which he professes : and to intimate the contrary is deemed a libel even upon the Deity himself. But on this subject we can k…
809 wordsSECTION 3391212.] The Gospel Preached To All Nations. 379
1 . He calls men to a state of humiliation, on ac- count of sin — [The whole world are asleep, or rather " dead, in tres- passes and sins." All fear of God, yea, all thought of God, is cast off; and men are as unmindful of their accountableness to him as if there were no God in heaven. To awaken them from their s…
604 wordsSECTION 340380 Uevelatiox, Xiv. 6, 7. [1212.
expression, take God at his word ; embrace his promises ; rely upon tliem ; plead them in prayer; expect the accomplishment of them to your souls : and know that sooner shall " heaven and earth pass awav, than one jot or one tittle of his word shall fail."] 3. He enforces his exhortation with a consideration calc…
465 wordsSECTION 3411213.1 Punishment Of The Ungodly. 381
worm like unto yourselves ; for the word, however weakly delivered, is God's, and not mine : and therefore I beseech you to " receive it with meekness as an engrafted word, able to save your souls."] 2. In reference to the general subject of Missions — [What can we need to recommend the office of a jNIis- sionary…
364 wordsSECTION 342Mccxiii.
THE PUNISHMENT OF THE UNGODLY. Rev. xiv. 9—11. And the third an gd followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his 7?iark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out u'ithout mixture into the cup of …
452 wordsSECTION 3431213.] Punishment Of The Ungodly. 383
head the titles and prerogatives of God himself. It is superstitious i in that it substitutes penances, and pil- grimages, and other ordinances of man's device, in the place of Christ, our only Advocate and Propitia- tion. And it is persecuting^ insomuch that the cruel- ties exercised by Pagans themselves against …
395 wordsSECTION 344384 Revelation, Xiv. 9 — H- [1213.
void the death of Christ ^ In fact, thifi, more than any thing else, was the ground of separation from the Church of Rome. Much as transubstantiation and the infalHbility of the Pope were objected to, it was the doctrine of human merit that most of all kindled the zeal of the Reformers, and stimulated them to prot…
423 wordsSECTION 3451213.] Punishment Of The Ungodly. 385
the outward agony which we should experience in being burnt alive : and therefore God is pleased to represent his judgments by these images. And, oh! what a terrible idea is that of a cup filled with the wrath and indignation of an incensed God ; and that of a lake of fire and brimstone, '' kindled to the highest…
769 wordsSECTION 3461214.] The Song Of Moses And The Lamb. 38/
Most of you will anticipate me in the following re- flections— 1 . How astonishing is the supineness of the un- godly! [Were the cry of fire to be made in a crowded assembly, what pressing would be made to escape the devouring element, and how backward would people be to believe that they were not in danger ! Bu…
371 wordsSECTION 347388 Revelation, Xv. 3, 4. [1214.
THE SONG OF MOSES AND THE LAMB. Rev. XV. .'5, 4. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of G»d, and of the Lamb, sai/ing, Great a?id marvellous ore tliij icorks. Lord God Aim) ghhj • just and true are thy icriys; ilvii Khia nf Sa/nts. fFlio shall not fear thee, 0 L-i d. (I lid glorfij ihij name? TiWi reign o…
473 wordsSECTION 3481214.] The Song Of Moses And The Lamb. 389
" I saw, as it were, a sea," where *' the saints had got the victory" over their persecuting and blood- thirsty enemies : and it was, " as it were, a sea of glass mingled with fire :" the waters, having over- whelmed all God's enemies, were now calm, and clear as crystal itself, whilst the corruscations of light …
346 wordsSECTION 349390 Revelation, Xv. 3, 4. [1214.
multitudes have endured from the Antichristian powers. But it is not from a mere hmnan foe that they have been rescued, but from the Great Dragon, that Old Serpent, the Devil, and from all his hosts. Nor is it from a mere temporal death that they have escaped, but from everlasting death in the lake that burneth wi…
512 wordsSECTION 3501214.] The Song Of Moses And The Lamb. 391
greatest security. As the Lord Jesus is *' faithful and just to forgive him his sins," so will he be in confirming to him that forgiveness for ever and ever. Here I must particularly call your attention to the corres- pondence between the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. Moses sang, " Who is like unto thee,…
445 wordsSECTION 351392 Revelation, Xv. 3, 4. [1214.
somed to pass over '^?" Yes, " they shall go o\ev dry -shod ^i' As the Hebrew Youths in the furnace " had not so much as the smell of fire pass upon them," so shall the whole body, of the Redeemed escape from their trials without even the shadow t)f an injury sustained by them. We cannot conceive a greater dispari…
447 wordsSECTION 3521215.] The Testimony Of Jesus. 393
would you have thought of an Israelite who should have made such an assertion at the Red Sea ? And, if you would have condemned him as a graceless and ungrateful wretch what must you think of yourselves, who have experienced such infinitely richer mercy at his hands ? O come ; come and stand upon this sea of glass…
392 wordsSECTION 353394 Revelation, Xix. 10, [1215.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS. Rev. xix. 10. The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. GOD is known by the works which he has made ; on every one of which there is an impress of Omnipo- tence. tence. Nor is his agency less visible in the suspen- sion of the laws of nature (as they are called), than in the forma…
382 wordsSECTION 3541215.] The Testimony Of Jesus. 395
The lines of prophecy are indeed exceeding va- rious ; yet do they all meet in one common centre, the Lord Jesus Christ^ In some view or other, the application of prophecy to him will always be found just: it may respect iiim more immediately. or more remotely ; but Him it always does respect ; and it presents us…
474 wordsSECTION 355396 Revelation, Xix. 10. [1215.
Israel might be justified and might glory." He was also, as a King, to be " set on God's holy hill of Zion ;" and to be en- throned " at God's right hand, till all his enemies .-.iiould be made his footstool." Whatever had before reduced his peo- ple to '•' captivity, he was to lead captive," and to reign over •' …
415 wordsSECTION 3561215.] The Testimonv Of Jesus. 39/
was " the Spirit of Christ :"aii(l so far were the Prophets from being the authors of their own report, that they were forced " to inquire and search dihgently what the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify." In another place, he extends this observation to all the Prophets from the beginning of the world…
682 wordsSECTION 357Christ The Kino Of Kings And Lord Of Lords.
3. To whom we should give the glory, if we be savingly instructed by them — [We cannot take it to ourselves, for " no man can say that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost" Nor are we to give it to the instrument, whether he be man or angel ; for he is but an instrument, a servant of the living God. ^He may…
653 wordsSECTION 358Christ The Kino Of Kings And Lord Of Lords.
400 REVELATION, xix. l6. [1216. seem most to prevail against him, they accomplish only his secret purposes".] 2. His proper Godhead — [The name here given to Christ is that which belongs to the one supreme God ^, and to him alone ' — — — And well may it be given to him, since there is not any other name of the D…
750 wordsSECTION 359The First Resurrection.
1. How awful will it be to be found amongst his enemies ! [" We may be sure, whoever we are, that he will over- come at last : his name is a pledge of universal conquest ". And "" 2 Kin. xxi. 13. ''1 Sam. vi. 20. ■» Ps. ix. l6. ''') Isai. XXV. 10, 11. Ps. vii. 11—13. Deut. xxxii.41, -12. "^ Ps. xi. 6. & xxi. 8, …
415 wordsSECTION 3601217.] The First Resukrectiox. 403
I. What we are to understand by the first resurrec- tion— The whole of the Book of Revelation is confessedly mystical and figurative ; and, if we interpret this passage in a literal, sense, we make it essentially to differ from every other part. In confirmation of the view which 1 have of the first resurrection, …
465 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1819); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.