PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 12 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 246,696 words · 540 reading sections
60 Mark, Viii. 23—25. [1431.
However imperfect his work in us now is, it must afford us consolation to consider, III. Wherever he has begun the good work, there is reason to hope that he will carry it on to per- fection— [Never did our Lord leave one of his miracles imperfectly wrought. In the instance before us he presently perfected the c…
318 wordsSECTION 6262 Mark, Viii. 23—25. [143L
[If a person have not very distinct views of divine truth, we are apt to undervalue him, as though the " root of the matter were not in him." But God honoured young Abijah because there was some good thing in him towards the Lord his God." And if God does " not despise the clay of small things," should toe ? Is ou…
486 wordsSECTION 63The Guilt And Danger Of Being Ashamed Of Christ.
Mark viii. 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation ; of him also shall the So?i of Man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. A SENSE of shame would never have been ex- perienced, if man had abode in innocence. The…
321 wordsSECTION 64G4 Mark, Viii. 38. [1432.
[How numerous this class is, a very little observation will suffice to teach us. The generality of men, if it were proved at this moment that there never had existed such a person as Jesus Christ, would have no one thing to alter in their con- duct : a sure proof that they never have paid any regard to him at all.…
456 wordsSECTION 651432.] Danger Of Being Ashamed Of Christ. 65
the path of duty, when all around them had departed from it, and when a cruel death must be the immediate consequence of their fidelity to Christ? Yet the declining to sacrifice our lives in the cause of Christ would mark us out as persons ashamed of Christ, and subject us to his everlasting displeasure. Indeed it…
418 wordsSECTION 6666 Mark, Viii. 38. [1432.
who can destroy both body and soul in hell ! " Does not such conduct render them contemptible, and justly subject them to the sentence with which they are threatened ? What desperate wicked?iess too is it to he ashamed of him who is the Only-beloved of the Father, and the object of in- cessant adoration to all the…
429 wordsSECTION 67A Deaf And Dumb Spirit Cast Out.
persuasion of his power and faithfulness to support us under our tribulations, and reward us for them, and we shall not fear the face of man. We shall rather glory that we are counted worthy to suffer for his sake, and that we are honoured to be thus conformed to his image.] Mark ix. 25 — 21. When Jesus saw that t…
378 wordsSECTION 68G8 Mark, Ix. 25—27. [1433.
spirit d. This evil spirit took advantage of his natural infirmities, and impelled him, on the returns of his disorder, to rush into the fire, or into the water e: he moreover tare and rent the youth with most excruciating agonies f, and deprived him of the powers of speech and hearing g. Thus had Satan tormented …
425 wordsSECTION 691433.1 A Deaf And Dumb Spirit Cast Out. 69
moreover neglected to use extraordinary means on this extra- ordinary occasion. They should have had recourse to God in fasting and prayer*. From these circumstances we may gather much useful instruction. Our Lord has promised us the vic- tory over all the powers of darkness"; but we must have our strength renewed…
434 wordsSECTION 70Fasting And Prayer.
cannot endure that any soul should come to Jesus for help ; he usually makes his fiercest assaults upon us, when he is fearful of losing his dominion over usf. Yea, not unfrequently does he reduce us almost to a despair of life, just before our perfect deliverance is about to be effected.] But in vain were Satan's…
351 wordsSECTION 711434. J Fasting And Prayer. 71
to be exercised by them, when they would put forth their miraculous powers ; and that that faith was not always at their command, but needed to be brought down from heaven, by fresh and more abundant com- munications, in answer to their prayers. The Apostles, on having a youth, who was possessed by a dumb spirit,…
373 wordsSECTION 72Mark, Ix. 28, 29. [1434.
those only who, with deliberate and determined pur- pose of heart, set themselves to seek it in solemn fasting and prayer. In reference, then, to these occasions we may well apply the text: in doing which, I will shew, I. The extraordinary difficulties which some have to encounter — There is no man who has not m…
436 wordsSECTION 731434.] Fasting And Prayer. 73
and damning sins ; instigating Judas to betray his Lordm, and Ananias and Sapphira to " lie unto the Holy Ghost"." Well is he called " the god of this world;" for, by blinding some0, and impelling others, he maintains a sway over all " the chil- dren of disobedience p." Now, to contend with these is, more or less,…
444 wordsSECTION 7474 Mark, Ix. 28, 29. [1434.
own strength : he returns, again and again, " like a dog to his vomit ;" nor can all the bitter consequences which he has experienced in this world, nor those more awful terrors which he is taught to expect in the world to come, suffice to keep him steadfast to his purpose. Even prayer itself has but a slight and …
422 wordsSECTION 751434.] Fasting And Prayer. 75
himself to the work of prayer in the more solemn attitude of penitential sorrow, " in weeping, and mourning, and fasting3." And how successful such prayer shall be, may be seen in the case of Nineveh, where the whole city was spared from destruc- tion in consequence of their turning to the Lord in fasting and in p…
486 wordsSECTION 76Mccccxxxv.
2. Those who are conflicting with them — [" Be strong, and of good courage : for no enemy shall be able to stand before you." Only go forth in faith, and all the Goliaths in the universe shall fall under your hand. God has said, that, " provided you are not under the law, but under grace, sin shall not have domini…
662 wordsSECTION 7778 Mark, Ix. 43—48. [1436.
If we view this aright, we cannot doubt, II. The return it calls for at our hands — Surely it calls for, 1. Admiration— [How wonderful is it, that our adorable Redeemer should so condescend to notice what is done to us, and to regard " the touching of us as the touching of the apple of his eye !" It were absolut…
404 wordsSECTION 781436.1 An Offending Member. 79
Mark ix. 43 — 48. If thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee cut it off: it is better for thee to enter …
498 wordsSECTION 7980 Mark, Ix. 43—48. [1436,
they become stumbling-blocks to us and betray us into sin, then they become sinful in themselves, and must instantly be cut off. Nor must any consideration whatever induce us to spare them. If they be dear to us as an "eye," or useful and apparently necessary to us as a "hand" or "foot," we must sacrifice them wit…
415 wordsSECTION 801436.1 An Offending Member. 81
supposing the gratifications of sin to be without alloy (though it will be found that the delicious draught is mixed with much gall) will they not be dearly purchased with the loss of the soul ? Will not the torments of hell be greater than the plea- sures of sin ? The worms that may feed upon the body will die wh…
477 wordsSECTION 81Christians To Have Salt In Themselves.
out our besetting sins! And how should we cry to God, " Search me, O God, and try the ground of my heart, &c.M" Let all then who name the name of Christ be jealous of them- selves. And, " laying aside every weight, and the sin that doth most easily beset them, let them run their race with patience."] 3. What reas…
363 wordsSECTION 821437.1 Christians To Have Salt In Themselves. 83
with them, and in subserviency to them*. These evil dispositions our Lord had reproved, by appropriate and weighty observations : and then he proceeded to declare to them, that the exercise of such corrupt feelings would issue in the everlasting destruction of all who should indulge them, and would plunge them in…
347 wordsSECTION 8384 Mark, Ix. 49, 50. [1437.
The translation, as it stands, is right : nor will the sense be difficult, if only the word "for" be taken as co/mectmg the text with the xohole subject contained in the context. The whole may be explained thus : 1 1 expect of you, in future, a different state of mind from that which you have recently indulged. Yo…
371 wordsSECTION 841437.1 Christians To Have Salt In Themselves. 85
offerings thou shalt offer saltf." To that ordinance our Lord refers, when he says, " Every one shall be salted with fire; and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt." But as salt, however good, may possibly " lose its saltness," so as to be- come unfit for the service of God ; so may immortal souls lose the di…
438 wordsSECTION 858G Mark, Ix. 49, 50. [1437.
how can we fulfil our office for the benefit of others, or how can we answer to our proper character as true believers, if there be not a savour of divine grace abiding in us, and diffused around us ? In all our intercourse with God, we must exercise a spirituality of mind : for what is prayer without devotion ? o…
489 wordsSECTION 86Christ Blesses Little Children.
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace q." This is necessary to the enjoyment of God's presence here : for then only, " when we are of one mind, and live in peace, will the God of love and peace be with usr." It is necessary, also, for our acceptance with him in a better world ; according as it is wr…
394 wordsSECTION 8788 Mark, X. 13—16. [1438.
meaning well, their conduct in this matter was highly reprehensible. The text presents two things to our view : I. His rebuke to them — Some parents were bringing their children to Christ— [To this they had probably been induced by the discourse which had recently passed between our Lord and his Disciples. On t…
415 wordsSECTION 881438.] Christ Blesses Little Children. 89
which is peculiarly designated by the prophet, as that of "a Shepherd, who carries the lambs in his bosom V It argued an unmindfulness of the Father s grace, who had promised, in a peculiar manner, to pour out his Spirit upon his people's seed, and his blessing upon their offspring0." It argued unkindness to the p…
469 wordsSECTION 8990 Mark, X. 13—16. [1438.
of infant baptism: for, if infants are capable of receiving Christ's blessing, are we not to bring them to him that they may obtain it ? If they are capable of receiving the thing signified, are they not fit subjects to receive the sign? And if Christ was so angry with his Disciples for keeping them from him, can h…
455 wordsSECTION 901438.] Christ Blesses Little Children. 91
power; we must enter naked and divested of them all — divested, I mean, in our own apprehension and conceit ; and must be willing to take " Christ as our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and redemption." This is humiliating, it is true; but it must be done ; and, if we will not submit to it, we can n…
469 wordsSECTION 9192 Mark, X. 13— 1G. [1438.
the existence of little faith, or " despise the day of small things," or disdain to sow what could not be reaped for many years, well may his people cultivate the same benevolence, and exert themselves according to their measure in the same glo- rious cause.] From this subject we may see, 1. How thankful ought ch…
430 wordsSECTION 92The Rich Youth Forsaking Christ.
hearts? Will he put any obstacles in their way? Has he not said, that " those who come unto him he will in no wise cast out?" Let not any then dishonour him by doubts and fears, as though he would not be gracious unto them : let not any sense of their own unworthiness discourage them : but let them rather remember…
381 wordsSECTION 9394 Mark, X. 21, 22. [1439.
hopes he must have entertained, the habits he must have formed, the change proposed to him must have been irksome and arduous in the extreme. To exchange wealth for poverty, ease for trouble, homage for contempt, this was hard indeed for flesh and blood ; nor could any thing but Almighty grace qualify him for such…
489 wordsSECTION 941439. ] The Rich Youth Forsaking Christ. 95
II. The peculiar reasons for that injunction — Our blessed Lord, in his reply to the young man, designed, 1. To discover to him the depravity of his own heart — [Because the youth had never been guilty of any noto- rious breach of the commandments, he was ready to imagine that he had no ground for humiliation an…
434 wordsSECTION 9596 Mark, X. 81, 22. [1439.
by faith in him, as " the way, the truth, and the life." But the time was not yet arrived for the full disclosure of Gospel truth. It was at present but sparingly promulgated. Besides, if our Lord had thus plainly declared the way of salvation, there is reason to think, that the young man would either have rejecte…
457 wordsSECTION 961439.] The Rjch Youth Forsaking Christ. 97
Unhappy youth ! How much better had it been for him, if he had been born in a low estate ! What a curse to him were his riches, which stood between him and the Saviour of the world ! Who is not ready to weep over him, when he re- flects upon the fatal effects of that decision ? Who that sees that hopeful character…
456 wordsSECTION 9798 Mark, X. 23—25. [1440.
appeal to themselves, If this amiable youth was not saved, how can you imagine that salvation belongs to you, who have not done half so much for it as this perishing youth ? Methinks, this one example speaks more forcibly to you than ten thou- sand arguments. You must be wilfully blind, if you do not see how deplo…
413 wordsSECTION 981440.] The Danger Of Riches. 99
Mark x. 23 — 25. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! And the Disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus ansivereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into t…
407 wordsSECTION 99100 Mark, X. 23—25. [1440.
of the Psalmist's, " If riches increase, set not your heart upon them."] But in proportion as they engage our hearts, they obstruct our way to heaven — [We are commanded " not to set our affections on things below, but on things above." This prohibition extends to riches, and to every thing else that fascinates t…
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certainly abase him." Not Hezekiah himself shall escape with- out deep humiliation0; nor even then, without severe chastise- ments'1. If we be " lifted up with pride, (whatever be the occasion,) we shall fall into the condemnation of the devil." The characteristic mark of every true Christian, and of all that shal…
433 wordsSECTION 101102 Mark, X. 23—25. [1440.
[We are warned, that "to be carnally-minded is death :" and the final ruin of a very large portion of those who hear the Gospel is ascribed to " the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, which choke the word that they hear, and render it unfruitful." " The love of money," we are told, " is the root …
463 wordsSECTION 1021440. 1 The Danger Of Riches. 103
V. It is difficult to have riches, and not cleave to them in preference to Christ — This is the point more especially referred to in the text itself — [The reason assigned for the young man's forsaking Christ was, that he had great possessions : and hence our Lord's re- flection on the almost insurmountable diffi…
458 wordsSECTION 103104 Mark, X. 23—25. [1440.
get to heaven with them as easily as without them?' But would it be thus, if we really believed the words of our blessed Lord ? Alas ! even the Apostles themselves scarcely knew how to receive so hard a saying : we are told, that they were " astonished out of measure." But it becomes us to credit the assertion of …
456 wordsSECTION 104The Reward Of Those Who Suffer For Christ.
knoweth how to deliver the godly out of them," and to " pre- serve them blameless unto his heavenly kingdom." He can uphold a Joseph, a David, and a Daniel, amidst all the splendour of courts, as well as under the pressure of the hea- viest trials. Let all then put their trust in Jesus, even in that almighty Savio…
388 wordsSECTION 105106 Mark, X. 28—30. [1441.
they had made in the cause of Christ ; " We have forsaken all, and followed thee : what shall we have therefore4?" This inquiry is the first thing for our present con- sideration— [Though the Apostles were poor, their all was as much to them, as it would have been if they had been richer : nor can we doubt, but …
510 wordsSECTION 1061441.] Reward Of Those Who Suffer For Christ. 107
necessary provision for us : and, if he had not specified any thing in his word, we should be contented to continue ignorant of the recompence that he will assign us : but, as he has been pleased to make specific promises to those who trust in him, we cannot do wrong in endeavouring to ascertain their import and e…
468 wordsSECTION 107108 Mark, X. 28—30. [1441.
estimate the value of that recompence ? Suffice it to say, that the veracity of God is pledged for the bestowment of it, and that the blessedness conferred shall exist, as long as God himself exists.] Address — 1. Those who hesitate about leaving all for Christ — [Does a moment's hesitation become you ? Think of …
460 wordsSECTION 1081442.1 Ambition Of James And John Reproved. 109
youm. And I confidently put the question to you, Has any one of you been ever disappointed of his hope ? Have you ever been a loser by serving the Lord ? Has he not made up to you in spiritual things, what you have sacrificed for him in worldly things ? In the pursuit of earthly gratifications you have often paid …
343 wordsSECTION 109110 Mark, X. 35—40. [1442.
Mark x. 35 — 40. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, ive would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you ? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy…
800 wordsSECTION 110112 Mark, X. 35—40. [1442
1. How unsuitable to their talents! [What qualifications had they for such an office as that which they solicited? They might be experienced enough as fishermen; but what preparation of mind had they for states- men, and for the government of an extensive empire? Foolish b Matt. xix. 28. and vain men ! Well did o…
458 wordsSECTION 1111442.] Ambition Of James And John Reproved. 113
relate to that kingdom which he was really come to establish in the world ; and as importing a desire after the highest proficiency in grace, and the highest elevation in glory. In conformity with this idea, he speaks to them only of spiritual advancement, and shews them, 1. The way in which it was to be obtained…
461 wordsSECTION 112114 Mark, X. 35—40. [1442.
Christ, was James e: and John was soon imprisoned and beaten for the Gospel's sakef; and, after a life of many trials, was banished to the Isle of Patmos, where he speaks of himself, at the age of a hundred years, as " a companion in tribulation in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ g. Thus he most effectual…
510 wordsSECTION 1131442.1 Ambition Of James And John Reproved. 115
depend upon your own exertions for the attainment of it : engage heartily in my service, and expect assuredly at my hands a reward proportioned to your diligence and fidelity.' This is an encouraging consideration to every one of us : the cup we may have to drink of may be bitter at the time ; but it shall soon be…
465 wordsSECTION 114Legitimate Ambition Illustrated.
our most inveterate enemies : a fiery furnace, or a den of lions, need be no object of terror to us ; for " our strength shall be according to our day ;" and we shall be " enabled both to do all things," and " to suffer all things, through Christ who strengthened! us."] Mark x. 41 — 45. And when the ten heard it, …
373 wordsSECTION 1151443.] Legitimate Ambition Illustrated. 117
altogether wrong in indulging such a desire after earthly distinctions; and that, if they would affect supe- riority at all, the only ambition that became them was to excel in works and labours of love. This, which we may call legitimate ambition, he illustrated in a way, I. Of contrast — The men of this world af…
440 wordsSECTION 116118 Mark, X. 41-45. [1443.
by the laws: for they are invested with power by God himself, in order that they may exercise it for their people's good. Nor do we conceive that Christians of an inferior order should de- cline all offices of trust and power; or that power should not be exercised over the Church of God : for every society must be …
480 wordsSECTION 1171443.] Legitimate Ambition Illustrated. 119
his own body on the tree;" enduring in his own person tne curse due to them, that they through him might inherit eternal blessedness d.] To resemble him should be the summit of our ambition — [As to the ends and purposes of his humiliation, he must for ever stand alone : for " no man can redeem his brother, or g…
466 wordsSECTION 118120 Mark, X. 41—45. [1443.
by heathen philosophers : their morality is a system of pride ; and, however wide its circumference, every line of it centres in self. But the morality of the Gospel is founded in humility, and, in every part of it, has respect to the glory of God. It requires us " not to live unto ourselves, but unto him who died …
493 wordsSECTION 119Blind Bartimeus Cured.
himself to try his spirit by these tests, will have a light, which will assist him in the most intricate paths, and preserve him from innumerable errors, into which he would fall, if he had no such clew to guide him. And let not this hint be over- looked ; for, " who can understand his errors ?" On many occasions,…
349 wordsSECTION 120122 Mark, X. 49, 50. [1444.
reduced to so low a state ? Yet such is his sovereign appointment in many instances ; his own children are lying at the gate full of sores, while his enemies are faring sumptuously every day. Hearing that Jesus passed by, this blind man earnestly impor- tuned his aid. He would not lose the opportunity which now oc…
425 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.