PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 14 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 258,605 words · 560 reading sections
1711.] Preservation From Sin Most Desirable. 125
power was then, as well as now, necessary to keep any man from falling1. How kind then was our Lord's solicitude to interest his Father in their behalf! Their fall would be attended with the most pernicious con- sequences. It would open the mouths of their adversaries, and cause them to blaspheme"1. It would utter…
432 wordsSECTION 122126 John, Xvii. 15. [1711.
[It was in order to this end that Christ himself came into the world, and died upon the cross: " He gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father1." And to pro- duce this blessed effect is the great scope and tendency of his Gospel : "…
496 wordsSECTION 123Christians Are Not Of The World.
behalf. You can only be happy in proportion as you rise above this world to the pursuit and enjoyment of heavenly things. Look at the Saviour, and see how superior he was to all the things of time and sense. That is the state I wish you to attain ; and the more you resemble him now, the richer shall be your enjoym…
341 wordsSECTION 124128 John, Xvii. Ig. [1712.
But no such disposition was ever seen in our adorable Emma- nuel. A holy gravity invariably marked his demeanour : he had a continual sense of the Divine presence, a deep impression of the importance of time, and an unremitting zeal to finish the work assigned him : " It was his meat and drink to do the will of hi…
450 wordsSECTION 1251712.1 Christians Are Not Of The World. 129
they begin to tread in his steps and imitate his ex- ampled : " as they have once borne the image of their earthly father, they now bear the image of the heavenly." 1. They indulge not a worldly spirit — [Believers are not free from the imperfections of their former state : their constitutional or acquired habits…
443 wordsSECTION 126130 John, Xvii. 16. [1712.
hearts are in heaven, and their " conversation also is in hea- ven." They seek " pleasures which are at God's right hand for evermore ;" they labour to be " rich towards God in faith and good works ;" and they aspire after " the honour that cometh of God," the honour of being " children of God, yea, heirs of God, …
450 wordsSECTION 1271713.] End For Which Christ Dedicated Himself. 131
their contempt in the testimony of our own consciences, and in the approbation of our God. We know that it is our duty to despise all the vanities which the world can offer us1, and that, if we would not be found enemies of God in the last day, we must relinquish all desire after that friendship of the world, whic…
307 wordsSECTION 128132 John,, Xvii. 19. [1713.
John xvii. 19. For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. THE sanctification of men is no less necessary for their usefulness in this world, than it is for their hap- piness in the world to come. Hence our blessed Lord, in his intercessory prayer, made this a very pro…
487 wordsSECTION 1291713. J End For Which Christ Dedicated Himself 133
ostensibly devoted unto God : " Suffer it to be so now ; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness f."] 4. When he went up to Jerusalem in order to his crucifixion — [The paschal lamb was to be separated and set apart four days, in order to its being fully ascertained by the most accurate examination, t…
405 wordsSECTION 130134 John, Xvii. 19. [1713.
were alike offered ; the one to endure all that was due to our bodies, the other, all that was due to our souls. And his was, not a typical offering, like those presented under the law, but a real and true propitiation for sin. Nor did his sacrifice avail for a typical and temporary remission of sins, but for the f…
455 wordsSECTION 1311713.] End For Which Christ Dedicated Himself. 135
the mould into which we are to be castu, and by which we shall be altogether changed into the divine image. This is the state to which he desires to bring us ; and by his word ministered unto us, " he will turn us from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God x."] Observe now from hence, 1. How g…
405 wordsSECTION 132The Importance Of Union Among Christians.
John xvii. 20, 21. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us : that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. IN the former part of this chapter our Lord h…
326 wordsSECTION 1331714.1 Importance Of Union Among Christians. 137
This fitly illustrates the union which his people have with each other in and through him : 1. They are formed into one body — [Sometimes they are represented as a temple, composed of living stones, and having a living stone for its foundation, even Jesus Christ himself; and built up as an habitation for God hims…
470 wordsSECTION 134138 John, Xvii. 20, 21. [1714.
imaginary than real. There is " an unity of faith" to which they all come11; and which the untutored Indian attains as easily as the most learned philosopher; for it is learned by the heart rather than the head; and it is God alone that can guide us to the knowledge of it'. In affection also they are one, being " …
447 wordsSECTION 1351714.] Importance Of Union Among Christians. 189
point of difference that arose, namely, Whether the believing Gentiles should be required to submit to circumcision or not; and even that was discussed, not for the satisfaction of any of the Apostles, but only of some of the less-enlightened converts. And the agreement which there was in doctrine, was rendered st…
471 wordsSECTION 136110 John, Xvii. 20, 21. [1714.
are epistles of Christ, known and read of all men ; and their whole spirit and conduct is a sermon to all around them. St. Peter tells us, that many unbelieving people, who utterly despise the word of God, are " won by the good conversation" and conduct of their pious friends. On the other hand, we know that divis…
433 wordsSECTION 137The Glory Which Christ Gives To His People.
John xvii. 22. The glory which thou gavest me I have given them. THE dignity of human nature is a favourite sub- ject with many: nor, if man be considered in his primeval state, can it be estimated too highly. But man is a fallen creature, and reduced to the most abject condition. The Scriptures speak of him in t…
311 wordsSECTION 138142 John, Xvii. 22. [1715.
[Never having been injured, they cannot exercise mercy, forbearance, love of enemies.] This is the peculiar prerogative of Christ — [Christ manifested the most wonderful compassion g. In so doing he displayed the Father's perfections11. This honour he himself received of the Father1.] His people however are made …
347 wordsSECTION 1391715.] Glory Which Christ Gives To His People. 143
Father": he declares not only that he himself is the author of this union, but that it is a part of that glory which he has given usx.] V. The glory of reigning with God— Both the good and evil angels are called principa- lities and powers, but they are never said to "reign" with God. & Our Lord however has rece…
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Christ's intercession. John xvii. 24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me. THERE is an height, and depth, and length, and breadth in the love of Christ, which can never be ex- plored. His assumption of our sinful n…
652 wordsSECTION 141146 John, Xvii. 24. [1716.
There are two things suggested for their comfort, 1. Their security in this world — [The saints are frequently, especially in this intercessory prayer, spoken of as " given to Christ by the Father." And when were they given him, but from all eternity5? Nor was it merely in his personal, but also in his official ch…
828 wordsSECTION 142Mdccxvii.
2. Let us all live as those who are looking for a speedy answer to it — [How worthless would all earthly vanities appear, if we were looking daily for the glory that shall be revealed! and how effectually would death be disarmed of its sting ! Me- thinks, we should be " looking for and hasting to the coming of th…
260 wordsSECTION 143148 John, Xviii. 4—9. [1717.
reth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he : if therefore ye seek me, let these go their ivay : that the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. THE cross of Christ has been an offence and a stumbling-block to both Jews and Gentiles in every age : they thi…
652 wordsSECTION 144150 John, Xviii. 4—9. [1717.
[Notwithstanding this most awful warning, they still per- sisted in their intention to apprehend Jesus. If the eyes be blinded and the heart hardened, it is in vain to expect any great benefit either from judgments or mercies. Like Pharaoh we may be affected for a moment, but shall soon " return with the dog to hi…
681 wordsSECTION 145150 John, Xviii. 4—9. [1717.
c Ps. xl. 7, 8. f Eph. v. 2. 8 John xvii. 12. 1717.] Christ's enemies smitten down. 151 the justice of God arrest us, or his holy law condemn us? Behold, Jesus gives up himself in our stead, and says respecting us, " Let these go their way." Isaac was not more certainly doomed to death in the purpose of his father…
501 wordsSECTION 146Jesus Smitten In The High Priest'S Palace.
John xviii. 19 — 23. The high-priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort ; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me ? ask them tohich heard me, what I …
358 wordsSECTION 1471718.] Jesus Smitten Before The High Priest. 153
by his blood-thirsty persecutor, he referred him to the very people who were seeking his destruction, that he might learn from them the crimes which they had to lay to his charge. Had the high-priest been sincerely desirous of knowing, from Jesus himself, what his doctrines were, and what he expected of his Discip…
472 wordsSECTION 148154 John, Xviii. 19—23. [1718.
of disapprobation, either from the judge, or from any of his attendants ! And do we not here see how the rights of God's people are trampled on by all who choose to persecute and oppress them? Yes verily, the most injurious treatment may be shewn to them, and none will stand up to vindicate their cause. They are …
710 wordsSECTION 149154 John, Xviii. 19—23. [1718.
But whilst in the conduct of the Jews we see how religion is opposed, we see, in the conduct of our Lord, II. How it is to be maintained — None of the weapons which are made use of by the enemies of religion, are to be employed by its friends. If they contend with evil, we are to contend with good, and to " overc…
259 wordsSECTION 150156 John, Xviii. 19—23. [1718.
when no sacrifice of conscience is required : but, rather than violate, in any instance, our duty to God, we must brave all the injuries that can be inflicted on us. The Hebrew Youths have set us an excellent example in this respect. When menaced with being cast into the fiery furnace, they expressed their confide…
801 wordsSECTION 151158 John, Xviii. 37. [1719.
11 John xv. 18 — 20. ° Isai. liii. 6. p Matt. v. 39 — 41. i Rom. viii. 17. Rev. iii. 21. Christ's good confession. John xviii. 37. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then ? Jesus answered, Thou say est that I am a king. To this end teas I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should …
679 wordsSECTION 152160 John, Xviii. 37. [17 H).
But we shall have a further insight into the truth of his confession, while we consider, II. His explanation of it — The connexion between the two parts of our Lord's answer is not obvious at first sight : but, on compar- ing them with attention, we shall find, that in the latter he explains, 1. The manner in wh…
655 wordsSECTION 153160 John, Xviii. 37. [17 H).
«« 1 Pet. ii. 9. Col. i. 13. 1719.] Christ's good confession. 1G1 respond with the character here given. Whatever they may profess, they are not his: they may call themselves Christians; but he calls them traitors, rebels, enemies.] Address — 1. Those who never yet submitted to Christ's government — [Whose are …
459 wordsSECTION 154Mdccxx.
pilate's inquiry about truth. John xviii. 38. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth ? THE rich and powerful are for the most part under great disadvantages for the attainment of religious knowledge. Their appointed teachers too often " prophesy smooth things to them ;" and those who would deal faithfully with thei…
653 wordsSECTION 155164 John, Xviii. 38. [1720.
& Compare Acts ii. 36. where these two points, that " Jesus is both Lord and Christ," are spoken of precisely in this view. He has nothing whereby to judge of good and evil in matters of the greatest moment ; no standard, to which he can refer a doubtful opinion ; no touchstone, by which he can try a spe- cious se…
707 wordsSECTION 156166 John, Xviii. 38. [1720.
2. With candour — [While some are light and trifling, others make inquiries only that they may carp and cavil at the word. Such were the Herodians, the Sadducees, and Pharisees of old, who brought forth their respective difficulties, merely to ensnare Jesus, and entangle him in his talkg: and such were those also…
657 wordsSECTION 157Mdccxxi.
it "If you know the truth, it will make you free:" but if it do not "sanctify you" in this world, it can never profit you in the world to come."] pilate's further attempt to save jesus. John xix. 5. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them,, Behold the ma…
314 wordsSECTION 158168 John, Xix. 5. [1721.
This may be viewed, I. As a political expedient — Pilate, not daring absolutely to refuse the demands of the Jews, yet still bent on effecting the release of Jesus, had recourse to this, 1. To excite their pity — [He well knew that the most savage heart, however in- sensible to the cries of misery when heard onl…
784 wordsSECTION 159170 John, Xix. 5. [1721.
c 1 Sam. xxiv. 14. and xxvi. 20. d ver. 6, 12. e John xi. 49—52. f Isai. xl. 9. and xlv. 22. and Ixv. 1. and Zech. xii. 10. e Matt, xxvii. 19. the mouth of a Christian preacher, and take occasion from them to lead you to the Contemplation of your suffering Lord. I say then, " Behold the man ! " Behold him, 1. T…
484 wordsSECTION 1601722.] Superscription Affixed To The Cross. 171
then say, These are the fruits of his love to me ; these things he endures, to rescue me from " everlasting shame and con- tempt." Then ask yourselves, What returns he merits at your hands? Surely to compliment him with the name of Saviour, will not be thought sufficient : there must be a tribute, not of the lip o…
362 wordsSECTION 161172 John, Xix. 19—22. [1722.
John xix. 19 — 22. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. This title then read many of the Jews : for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city : and it tvas written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests …
477 wordsSECTION 1621722.1 Superscription Affixed To The Cross. 173
the Jews, he would have been guilty of fraud and imposture : but as he really was what he pretended to be, the title placed over his head was nothing more than a plain truth, containing not only no crime at all, but not even the smallest charge of crime. What could be a stronger testimony in his favour than this? …
366 wordsSECTION 163174 John, Xix. 19—22. [1722.
being condemned in his own conscience, he could not but feel exceedingly displeased with them. The alteration which they proposed in the inscription was very trifling : it might have been made without in the least derogating from his authority : and, no doubt, if he had not been offended with them, he would have r…
460 wordsSECTION 1641723.] Casting Lots For Our Lord'S Vesture. 175
2. In what way they must attain to his kingdom — [That which is the highest privilege of the saints may be made the strongest article of accusation against them. In the primitive times, to be a Christian was to expose oneself to all manner of calumny and danger. And thus at this time, to be numbered with the saint…
266 wordsSECTION 165176 John, Xix. 23, 24. [1723.
John xix. 23, 24. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every sol- dier a part ; and also his coat : noiv the coat ivas ivithout seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, ivhose it shal…
529 wordsSECTION 1661723.] Casting Lots For Our Lords Vesture. 177
Why then, it may be said, did he so express himself, that nobody could understand him, till the event had actually taken place ? We answer, it is of the very nature of prophecy to be obscure ; yea, it is altogether essential to the designs of prophecy : for suppose a prophecy to be perfectly clear, the friends of …
488 wordsSECTION 167178 John, Xix. 23, 24, [1723.
conscious of doing any thing worthy of attention. If Jesus had not happened to have a particular kind of garment, which was woven without a seam, and had probably been made a present to him by some of those women who ministered unto him, they would have had no more reason for casting lots for that, than for the ot…
488 wordsSECTION 1681723.] Casting Lots For Our Lords Vesture. 179
soldiers, who cast lots for one garment, whilst they divided the other in four parts, acted from a regard to their own personal interests. But God made use of their respective weaknesses for the accomplishment of his own designs. It is in this manner that God is carrying on his plans on the great theatre of the wo…
447 wordsSECTION 169180 John, Xix. 23,24. [1723.
[Who is it that has made us to differ from the most aban- doned on earth, or the most miserable in hell ? Is it not the Lord ? and have not many of the occasions on which he has extended mercy to us been as much unsought for, and at the time unnoticed, as if we had been utterly independent of him ? Let us remember…
420 wordsSECTION 170Jesus Commends His Mother To John'S Care.
John xix. 26, 21. When Jesus therefore saio his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son ! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother ! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. IN the hour of our Lord's crucifixion, when nearly …
328 wordsSECTION 171182 John, Xix. 26, 27. [1724.
people. As the High-priest of his Church, he is constantly attending to the interests of all its members. He is " not such an high-priest as cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities :" in the days of his flesh, " he was in all points tempted like as we are, though without sinb:" and since, as well as …
433 wordsSECTION 1721724.1 Jesus Commends His Mother To John. 183
that we should follow his steps." His Apostles also we are " to follow, as far as they were followers of him." Now the fact which is here recorded, affords us an excellent pattern, 1. Of filial piety — [Our Lord, during his youthful days, is particularly spoken of as having been " subject to his parents™:" and t…
470 wordsSECTION 173184 John, Xix. 26, 27. [1724.
the destitute, as having a claim upon us for all the aid that we can reasonably afford them out of the provision which God has made for us. We should look upon our property as a trust committed to our charge, to be improved for God, and to be accounted for to him in the day of judgment. And, if the demands upon us…
604 wordsSECTION 17418G - John, Xix. 28—30. [1725.
our saviour's death. John xix. 28 — 30. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were noiv accomplished, that the Scripture might be fdfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar : and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore …
650 wordsSECTION 17518G - John, Xix. 28—30. [1725.
and nothing remained, but to surrender up that life, which had answered all the ends for which it had been given.] Immediately upon this followed, II. The dissolution of our Lord — Two things are here particularly to be noticed; 1. The voluntariness of his death — [He had before expressly declared, that " no man …
408 wordsSECTION 176188 John, Xix. 30. [1726.
[The wonderful minuteness of prophecy, surveyed as it must be in the accomplishment of the predictions, affords the strongest ground for our faith and hope. St. Peter laid great stress upon it in his addresses to the Jewish people, and urged the consideration of it as an encouragement to them to expect from Christ…
294 wordsSECTION 177Mdccxxvi.
Christ's work finished. John xix. 30. It is finished. THESE, with the exception of the words with which our blessed Lord commended his spirit into his Father's hands, were the last words which he spake, previous to his dissolution. In the original, they are comprehended in one word3 : and since the founda- tion …
518 wordsSECTION 178190 John, Xix. 30. [1726.
nothing that should have a tendency to diminish his suffer- ings6: but when, in his last moments, he said, " I thirst," the cruel soldiers, wishing only to mock him, and augment his anguish f, dipped a spunge in vinegar, and gave him that to drink; and thus fulfilled that prophecy of David, "In my thirst they gave…
703 wordsSECTION 179192 John, Xix. 30. [1726.
The meaning of our Lord's declaration being ascer- tained, let us bring forth, II. The truths to be deduced from it — Selecting such inferences only as are most promi- nent, we observe, 1. That there is a sure ground of hope for all who feel their need of mercy — [" If persons of a desponding frame would state w…
715 wordsSECTION 1801727.] Treatment Of Our Lord'S Body. 193
3. That those who have obtained mercy have the strongest possible incentive to maintain good works — ' Zcch. iv. 7, 0. k Phil. i. (i. [We have before stated, that Christ has done every thing that was necessary for man's salvation ; and that nothing re- mains for man to add to the finished work of Christ. But we a…
339 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.