PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 12 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 246,696 words · 540 reading sections
1521.] Importunity Encouraged. 445
unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God," i. e. if our ungodliness be the means of displaying the efficacy and excellency of the Gospel, what shall we say ? Is God (i. e. is not God) unrighteous, who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man.) God forbid (replies the Apostle) : for then, how shall God judge the…
513 wordsSECTION 422446 Luke, Xl 9, 10. [1521.
all eternity any offence committed against them, so neither ought God to punish sin in that way ; and, as they would reward men according to their merits, so ought God to do. In short, they think " God to be altogether such an one as them- selves : but God will reprove them, and, with righteous seve- rity, will se…
508 wordsSECTION 4231521.] Importunity Encouraged. 447
cannot by searching find out God1;" who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto ; whom no man hath seen, or can seem:" and if we attempt to speak of him, we only " darken counsel by words without knowledge11."] Having shewn in what cases this argument is valid, I proceed to mark, II. The force of it,…
438 wordsSECTION 424448 Luke, Xl 9, 10. [1521.
Our blessed Lord tells us, "Ye shall," " ye shall," " ye shall" succeed. "Ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Before we yield to any discouragement as to the issue of our supplications, let us find an instance wherein such importunity was ever known to fail. Le…
461 wordsSECTION 4251522.] The Strong Man Armed. 449
nothing awaits you but " destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power1:" for he has irreversi- bly declared, that " the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the people that forget God8." If ye say, "This shall not be ;" then will I bring to your remembrance that awful admo- nitio…
300 wordsSECTION 426450 Luke, Xl 21, 22. [1522.
Luke xi. 21, 22. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace : but when a stronger than he shall come upon him and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. THE miracles wrought by our Lord were too manifest to be denied even by his most inv…
523 wordsSECTION 4271522.] The Strong Man Armed. 451
controul. If seven spirits only possess some, Legion is the name of others1".] While he takes up his abode in them, he keeps all in peace — [One would think that a soul possessed by him should be filled with horror ; but he contrives to divert the thoughts of men from all their spiritual concerns: he blinds their…
461 wordsSECTION 428452 Luke, Xi. 81, 22. [1522.
Jesus, having driven him from the soul, will turn all its powers against him — [A sinner, while under Satan's dominion, has many things which prove serviceable to that wicked fiend: his wisdom, riches, influence, are all pressed into the service of the devil ; all are used to strengthen his power, and to undermine…
461 wordsSECTION 429The Blessedness Of The True Christian.
fail of accomplishing his purpose, if our hearts be not guarded by the Lord Jesus. Let none then be satisfied with purging out only some grosser sins1. In vain will the house be swept and garnished, if it be not occupied by the Divine inhabitant. Satan will return with seven devils worse than himself; and the last…
376 wordsSECTION 430454 Luke, Xl 21, .28. [1523.
simplicity in the description before us, at the same time that it very sufficiently distinguishes the Chris- tian from all others. 1. " He hears the word of God" — [Every true Christian considers the preaching of the Gospel as God's instituted means of converting and edifying the souls of men. Instead therefore o…
450 wordsSECTION 4311523.1 Blessedness Of The True Christian. 455
Together with the character of a Christian our Lord proclaims also, II. His blessedness — We are not to take a general view of this subject, but to consider it in that particular light, in which it is represented in the text. The Virgin Mary, beyond a doubt, was the most highly favoured of women, in that she was…
405 wordsSECTION 432456 Luke, Xi. 27, 28. [1523.
prophet ; we see him in the whole of his mediatorial character, as the King, Priest, and Prophet, of the universal Church. She heard only partial instructions, on particular occasions, with the outward ear : but we have access to him at all times, to hear the whole of his revealed will, and to receive instruction i…
440 wordsSECTION 4331524. 3 Caution Against Hypocrisy. 457
are taught to come to Christ as their righteousness and strength" ; but they still cherish self-righteousness and self- dependence. They are instructed to die unto the world, and to live unto Godx; but they still continue alive to the world, and dead to God. But what will their hearing profit them, if they will no…
282 wordsSECTION 434458 Luke, Xii. 1. [1524.
Luke xii. 1. In the mean lime, xvhen there were gathered to- gether an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his Dis- ciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. RARELY, if ever, can we find a greater instance of fid…
467 wordsSECTION 4351524.1 Caution Against Hypocrisy. 459
be highly offended if their claim to that title were disputed? Yet have they in reality as little of Christianity in their hearts and lives as the very heathen : and there is reason to believe, that they would have lived precisely as they have, if they had all the while known Christianity to be a fable ; and that t…
467 wordsSECTION 436460 Luke, Xii. 1. [1524.
the esteem in which they may be held, must not these persons, to say the least, have many secret misgivings, or rather, if they consider at all, must they not know that their hearts are not right with God ? We may see the character of such persons drawn to the life by the Apostle Paul : all their high pro- fession…
489 wordsSECTION 4371524. J Caution Against Hypocrisy. 461
engage in any thing that appears humiliating and self-denying. In a word, the hypocrite is neither uniform nor unreserved in any part of his obedience ; but betrays his insincerity, whenever his interests, his habits, or his passions are to be sacrificed to God.] Seeing then that hypocrisy is so extensive an evil,…
444 wordsSECTION 438462 Luke, Xii. 1. [1524.
and seem most exemplary in our conduct0 and yet have it all rendered vain and worthless by means of this accursed principle. What a painful thought is this, that we may be apprehending ourselves most holy and most exem- plary, and yet, after all, may be found to have deceived our own souls ! But so it is : "A man …
472 wordsSECTION 439God To Be Feared, But Not Man.
testimony of a good conscience; for this the Apostle did5': but we recommend it to you to " rejoice with trembling :" for we are sure that such a frame of mind is most favourable to a discovery of our real principles, and most conducive to our ultimate salvation.] 2. Commit yourselves to the care of your gracious …
344 wordsSECTION 440464 Luke, Xii. 4, 5. [1525.
and then he guarded them against the fear of man (which would induce them to put their light under a bushel) ; and, as the best antidote to it, to cultivate the fear of Goda. The subject of our text cannot be rendered more clear by any artificial arrangement of it, nor can the words be treated in any better order…
447 wordsSECTION 4411525.] G0D T0 Be Feared, But Not Man. 465
that dared to stand by him : " Every one of them forsook him." And God alone knows how any of us should act, if, like Daniel or the Hebrew Youths, we were called to seal the truth with our blood.] But to be governed by this principle, is both im- pious and absurd — [God expressly commands us not to harbour it in …
499 wordsSECTION 442466 Luke, Xii. 4, 5. [1525.
There is very abundant reason why we should fear him — [The circumstance of our being his creatures, formed by him for the promotion of his glory, should of itself induce us to regard him chiefly, him continually, him exclusively : and the circumstance of his having redeemed us by the blood of his dear Son, shoul…
499 wordsSECTION 4431525.1 God T0 Be Feared, But Not Man. 467
blessed Lord so often, and so emphatically, repeats the same word, " Fear not man ; but I will forewarn you whom you shall fear ; Fear God ; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." Alas! that the stupidity of our hearts should ever make such repetitions needful ! but since our blessed Lord has condescended to make use of …
488 wordsSECTION 444Caution Against Covetousness.
contempt of those who contemn God'? You should rather account it your honour to be so treated1". But whatever be the cross you are called to bear, God has provided abundant consolation under itn. Only submit to your trials with meek- ness and patience0, and you may defy the confederate hosts of earth and hellp. Th…
819 wordsSECTION 445470 Luke, Xii. 15. [1526.
inspired Apostle speaks respecting the criminality and danger of such desires : " Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and tell you now even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, because they mind earthly things a." It is not every degree of attention to earthly thin…
500 wordsSECTION 4461526. J Caution Against Covetousness. 471
but it gives us a principle, which is able to support us under trials, and to fill us with joy in the midst of tribulations. In a word, it presents us with a view of God as our God, and shews us, that nothing in this world can either add to, or take from, the happiness of him who has so rich a portion. This is the…
462 wordsSECTION 447472 Luke, Xii. 15. [1526.
adheres to the soul as the members to the body™. Even good people still feel its existence and operation within them. Who has not to lament, that in his intei'course with the world he feels somewhat of an undue bias at times, inclining- him to lean towards his own interests, and to decide a doubtful point in his o…
493 wordsSECTION 4481526.1 Caution Against Covetousness. 473
principle of our fallen nature. Wherever it exists, it eats out every good principle, and calls forth and strengthens every bad principle, in our fallen nature. How feeble are the operations of honour, friendship, love, compassion, when covetousness has gained an ascendant in the heart ! On the other hand, what in…
472 wordsSECTION 449474 Luke, Xii. 15. [1520.
appeals to ourselves respecting the justice of the sentence, and the certainty of its execution : " Know ye not, that the covetous shall not inherit the kingdom of God2?"] To improve the subject, and assist you in mortifying this corrupt principle, we recommend you to consider, 1. The shortness of human life — […
627 wordsSECTION 450476 Luke, Xii. 20, 21. [1527.
Luke xii. 2d, 21. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee : then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided ? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. HEAR we the voice of a gloomy enthusiast, a deluded bigot, or an imperious tyrant…
602 wordsSECTION 4511527.] The Rich Fool. 477
about the body; but now the body, through the bounty of Providence, is amply provided for. From henceforth therefore banish all anxiety about carnal things, and occupy thyself about thy spiritual and eternal interests. Thou shalt now be the one object of my care and attention ; and the body shall be altogether dev…
413 wordsSECTION 452478 Luke, Xii. 32. [1528.
important than those of eternity. What can exceed the folly of living in such a state ? How will such an one, if not stupified by sin, condemn himself in a dying hour ! How will he stand amazed when he shall appear at the tribunal of Godp !] 2. In his punishment — [Every worldling indeed is not cut off without a p…
327 wordsSECTION 4531528.] The Privileges Of Christs Flock. 479
Luke xii. 32. Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. AMONG the many faculties which exalt man above the brute creation, that of being able to look into futurity is by no means the least : but while this in many instances elevates him with hope, in many other instan…
514 wordsSECTION 454480 Luke, Xii. 32. [1528.
whole world by it. Moreover, they have many in the world who would be glad enough to ruin them ; but few, very few, that will exert themselves much to help them forward. On these accounts they may at times be tempted to indulge exces- sive care, and to harbour fears of want and embarrassment. They have also to dre…
458 wordsSECTION 4551528.] The Privileges Of Christ^ Flock. 481
siifferings, since " not a hair of their head can perish," " nor can even a sparrow fall to the ground, without the permission of their Father ? " If he see fit to let loose the enemy for the trial of their faith, will he not support their courage, and make them " more than conquerors?" Besides, will not their " li…
472 wordsSECTION 456The Watchful Servant.
set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on his left." You will then find to your cost, that not God, but Satan was your father; and that with Satan must be your portion x. It is not without much regret that God now gives you up to that misery y. But in the last day he will find as much satisfaction, and be …
374 wordsSECTION 4571529.] The Watchful Servant. 483
promise of his coming3? But " he is not slack concerning his promise." He is only exercising his patience and long-suffer- ing toward the ungodly worldb; and at the expiration of the time allotted them, he will surely come.] 2. In constant readiness to receive him — [This is the more immediate import of the metaph…
409 wordsSECTION 458484 Luke, Xii. 35—37. [1529.
ordered his servants to be ready for his reception, he should be kept a long time knocking at the door at midnight, and find not a servant awake, or so much as a light, in his house ! And will not Jesus be justly indignant, if he shall find such a reception from any one of us ? He tells us that he will scourge tha…
446 wordsSECTION 459Punishment Proportioned To Men'S Desert.
Luke xii. 47, 48. That servant, which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much requir…
366 wordsSECTION 460486 Luke, Xii. 47, 48. [1530.
received any revelation from God ; and much more from one who has the Gospel faithfully administered to him, than from one who has never had its riches unfolded to him. The two different persons will be judged by a different law : the Hea- then "being a law unto themselves;" but Christians being judged according t…
398 wordsSECTION 4611530.] Punishment Proportioned To Mens Desert. 487
if they erred: for the advantages possessed by a priest for knowing his duty were so superior to that of others, that an error in him was equal in enormity to the same evil when committed by the whole people of Israel. If a ruler sinned through ignorance, he was to bring a male hid for his offering: but if one of …
438 wordsSECTION 462488 Luke, Xii. 50. [1531.
[Not only the heathen world, but thousands of Christians also, possess not the privileges which you enjoy. Not only must you, but God himself also will, bear me witness, that I have not " withheld from you any thing that was profitable for you." " I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God :" …
262 wordsSECTION 4631531.] The Bloody Baptism Of Our Lord. 489
Luke xii. 50. I have a baptism to be baptized with ; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished ! ANY one who understands the true nature of Christianity would suppose that the religion of Jesus must of necessity approve itself to the heart and judgment of every person to whom it is proclaimed ; and, above a…
537 wordsSECTION 464490 Luke, Xii. 50. [1531.
But it was in his soul chiefly that his pains so much exceeded those of all other men — [Who can conceive the agonies he endured in the garden, before his body had been subjected to any suffering from man? Then it was that the cup of affliction was put into his hands by God himself; and he was constrained to drink…
425 wordsSECTION 4651531.1 The Bloody Baptism Of Our Lord. 491
Without this, all his previous labours and sufferings would be in vain. For this, therefore, he longed, that he might be able to say, " It is finished k" — ] 3. Because by it salvation would be wrought for a ruined world — [This was the great work which Jesus had come to effect: and so intent was he upon it, that…
449 wordsSECTION 466Judging What Is Right.
2. How willingly, if occasion require, we should suffer to any extent for him ! [We, his followers, must expect to be conformed to him11; " drinking of the cup which he drank of, and being baptized with the baptism that he was baptized with*." But shall we account this a hard matter ? Has he endured so much for us…
340 wordsSECTION 4671532.] Judging What Is Right. 493
I. Shew that man, though of himself he cannot find what is right, can yet form a good judgment of what is right, when once it is fairly proposed for his consideration — [Man, doubtless, could not of himself devise a way in which he might obtain reconciliation with God. This it was not within the reach of any fini…
484 wordsSECTION 468494 Luke, Xii. 57. [1532.
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evile." Light would commend itself to men, if they would but open their eyes to behold it: but they choose to shut their eyes, and therefore are fully responsible for the incapacity which they wantonly and perversely bring upon themselves.] This point being prov…
461 wordsSECTION 469Repentance.
course of the holy men of old, Prophets, Apostles, and the primitive saints : or think what you will wish you had done, the very moment you open your eyes in the eternal world. Judge thus ; and you cannot hesitate to declare which is right ; the advice that urges you to "give yourselves wholly to these things," or…
332 wordsSECTION 470496 Luke, Xiii. 5. [1533.
day coming when a just discrimination would be made, and the impenitent would be subjected to God's heaviest judgments. After seeing what stress our blessed Lord laid upon these truths, we cannot be thought uncharitable if we open them to you according to their true import. In order to this we will point out, I.…
430 wordsSECTION 4711533.] Repentance. 497
be clear in this matterf." In them we behold what we consider as eminently characterizing true repentance, namely, an inge- nuous shame on account of their past conduct, a readiness to justify God in any judgments he should inflict on them, a hatred of their sin, and a determination through grace to walk more circ…
470 wordsSECTION 472498 Luke, Xiii. 5. [1533.
we need to be pressing forward for higher attainments. Even Paul himself, towards the close of his life, did " not consider himself as having attained perfection, or apprehended all for which he had himself been apprehended of Christ Jesus : and hence he, like a person in a race, forgat all that was behind, and re…
521 wordsSECTION 4731533.] Repentance. 499
another, lust ; in another, covetousness ; in another, ambition and the love of praise : in another, sloth ; but, whatever it be, our victory over it is a just criterion of our state : if it lead us captive, we are yet carnal aiid unrenewed : whatever repent- ance we may fancy ourselves to have experienced, it has …
440 wordsSECTION 474500 Luke, Xiii. 5. [1533.
our souls for a worthy reception of the Divine mercies, and for a suitable improvement of them. Though therefore it cannot atone for sin, or merit any thing at the hands of God, it is indispensably necessary ; and, if we do not repent, we must for ever remain in the snare of the devil, and the gates of heaven will…
488 wordsSECTION 4751533. J Repentance. 501
Godd." "There is not a man that liveth and sinneth not," says Solomon. " In many things we offend all," says St. James. " If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves," says St. John, " and the truth is not in us." But where shall we find these persons who need no repentance ? Will the advocates for this strange…
502 wordsSECTION 476502 Luke, Xiii. 7—9. [1534.
the Lord's supper, namely, To examine themselves whether they repent them truly of their former sins. This examination we now most earnestly recommend ; lest in the midst of all "your sacrifices" the wrath of God break forth against you and you " perish" in a far more fearful manner than ever the " Galileans" did1…
355 wordsSECTION 4771534.] The Barren Fig-Tree. 503
Luke xiii. 7 — 9. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none : cut it doivn ; ivhy cumbereth it the ground ? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fr…
467 wordsSECTION 478504 Luke, Xiii. 7—9. [1534.
have been planted near us, reason to complain that they have been retarded by us, rather than furthered, in the spiritual life? Surely too many of us deserve the name once given to Israel of oldd: "Israel is an empty vine, (a barren fig-tree,) that bringeth forth fruit to itself alone, and none at all to God."] We…
406 wordsSECTION 4791534.] The Barren Fig-Tree. 505
Advocate and Intercessor, " He has stood in the gap, to turn away God's indignation, lest he should destroy usk."] The respite however which is yet prolonged, will not last for ever. Know therefore, III. What doom we must expect if we still continue barren — God will deal with every man according to his works. I…
410 wordsSECTION 480The Infirm Woman Cured.
[Many since the last year have been cut off by death. What a mercy should we esteem it that ive have been spared ! How dreadful must our state have now been if we had been taken unprepared ! We should have been irrevocably doomed to dwell with the fallen angels ; nor should we ever have heard one more offer of mer…
377 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.