PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 14 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 258,605 words · 560 reading sections
258 Acts, Ii. 40. [1740.
Abraham, and thought that their relation to him was a certain pledge of their acceptance with Gode. These things were subjects of complaint against them, and strongly characterized the people at large f. And do we see here no resemblance to the present genera- tion? The people of this land have thousands of monito…
421 wordsSECTION 2421740.1 Separation From The Ungodly. 250
It is true, we do not, in this age, see crosses erected, and fires kindled, for the destruction of the Lord's people : but has persecution ceased ? Is not a life of real godliness still hated by the world ? Does it not invariably become an object of reproach ; and do not the opprobrious names given to religious pe…
411 wordsSECTION 243260 Acts, Ii. 40. [1740.
and Christ with Belial?" It is not sufficient that you "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness ; you must also reprove them V Need you be told what even a heathen writer could declare, that " evil communications corrupt good manners1?" Do you not know, that men insensibly imbibe the spirit of the…
433 wordsSECTION 244The State Of The Primitive Christians.
Acts ii. 44 — 47. And all that believed were together, and had all things common ; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily tvith one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat ivith gladness and single…
341 wordsSECTION 245262 Acts, Ii. 14—47. [1741.
We certainly are not called to perform the same specific act — [That act arose out of the circumstances of the Church at that time. Some indeed have suggested, that they acted thus from an assured expectation that either they should be speedily dispossessed of their property by the violence of persecution, or tha…
465 wordsSECTION 2461741. J State Of The Primitive Christians. 263
communicate," whenever a just occasion for liberality presents itself, and " especially towards the household of faith :" and if the particular circumstances of the Church call for such a sacrifice, he is ready, as far as the occasion requires it, to comply literally with that command of Christ, " Sell that ye hav…
431 wordsSECTION 247264 Acts, Ii. 41-17. [1741.
bodies and our souls a living sacrifice," and " glorify him with our bodies and our spirits, which are his." Whatever be our calling in life, there can be no reason why we should not " de- light ourselves in God," and " live, not to ourselves, but unto him that died for us and rose again." Why should not every one…
434 wordsSECTION 2481741.] State Of The Primitive Christians. 265
can give the increase." Yet God uses various means to ac- complish this work; and one of peculiar efficacy is, the conduct of his people : by that he " puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men," and constrains them to "glorify him in the day of visitation." It is highly probable that the exalted piety and unbo…
476 wordsSECTION 249The Cripple Healed.
of life : let us look well to the whole of our spirit and temper, that we may not even in the smallest matter " cause the enemy to speak reproachfully," but rather may " adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."] Acts iii. G — 8. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none ; but such as I have give I …
383 wordsSECTION 2501742.] The Cripple Healed. 267
the truths they proclaimed. In the miracle now wrought, they did not merely think of conferring a boon, as if they had given to the man a piece of silver or of gold. Of such gifts they had none to bestow : but an infinitely higher gift, which not all the silver and gold in the universe could purchase, they were em…
504 wordsSECTION 251268 Acts, Iii. 6—8. [1742.
namee." Here it is clear that they thought the evidence arising from this miracle fully conclusive ; and that, if those who had wrought it were suffered to testify of Jesus, they must carry all before them. At the raising of Lazarus by our blessed Lord, the chief priests and elders argued, " If we let the man (Jes…
463 wordsSECTION 2521742.] The Cripple Healed. 269
lambs. So it was with the jailer, who, but a few hours before had thrust Paul and Silas into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks, yet, at the instant of his conver- sion, administers to them with all the tenderness of the most endeared brother. Thus it is, wherever the grace of God is received…
499 wordsSECTION 253270 Acts, Iii. 6—8. [1742.
1. What it is we aim at in all our Ministrations — [We find you all in the sad predicament of this poor cripple. But, because the weakness is in your souls, and not in your bodies, you are not conscious of it : whereas you may see in one moment, if you would candidly examine your state, that you have been, from yo…
519 wordsSECTION 254Christ Rejected.
your devotion to God, must ye regard it as of the smallest moment. Gratitude to the Saviour must fill your souls. To him you must consecrate all the powers he has renewed ; and the whole of your life must henceforth be devoted to the praise of his grace, and to the glory of his name. And never must you return to y…
381 wordsSECTION 255272 Acts, Iii. 14, 15. [1743.
they had treated with all imaginable ignominy, " deny- ing him in the presence of Pilate, and preferring a murderer before him." Here, you will perceive, whilst they are careful to give no needless offence, they boldly charge upon their hearers the guilt they had contracted in crucifying their Messiah. And somewh…
387 wordsSECTION 2561743.] Christ Rejected. 273
the name of Jesus, in the Creed : but who will bow clown their hearts before him ? In that respect, the most of us, alas ! are as stubborn and inflexible as stones or iron. Let us look back upon our past lives ; and we shall see, that in no one respect have we truly taken his yoke upon us, and never for a single h…
449 wordsSECTION 257274 Acts, Iii. 14, 15. [1743.
unto us. Besides, his mean appearance was to the nation at large a matter of offence, which they knew not how to reconcile with their expectations: whereas to us, who are able to compare it with the prophecies respecting him, it is a confirmation rather than a stumbling-block, a proof of his Messiahship rather than…
459 wordsSECTION 2581744.] Repentance Encouraged. 275
[The forgiveness of all your sins shall surely be accorded to you, the instant you believe in him. " Repent, and be con- verted," says the Apostle, " that your sins may be blotted outn." But this is only one part of the blessing which shall be vouchsafed to you. If you would see at once the full change that should…
319 wordsSECTION 259276 Acts, Iii. 19. [1744.
Acts iii. 19. Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. REPENTANCE is thought, by many, to be a legal rather than an evangelical duty. But it belongs pro- perly to the Gospel : and our chief encouragements to it are derived f…
528 wordsSECTION 2601744.1 Repentance Encouraged. 277
man his thoughts ; and let him turn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Not that your repentance will wash away sin, or your conversion purchase heaven. It is the blood of Christ alone that can cleanse even from the smallest sin : but if, with a penitent …
445 wordsSECTION 261Mdccxlv.
MOSES AND CHRIST COMPARED IN THEIR PROPHETICAL OFFICE. Acts iii. 22, 23- Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me ; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will …
315 wordsSECTION 2621745. J Moses And Christ Compared. 279
Apostles3. They may well therefore be considered as deserving peculiar attention. They set forth the character of Christ literally — [When God had spoken to the Jews in thunderings and lightnings, they entreated that he would, in future, commu- nicate his mind and will to them through a mediator. He, approving th…
434 wordsSECTION 263280 Acts, Iii. 22, 23. [1745.
as the only means of expiating their offences : our Lord also declared, that he " gave his life a ransom for many ;" and that it was by the shedding of his blood alone, that any could obtain the remission of their sins1. Moreover, both of them taught in the same maimer. Moses spake, not as one giving advice, but w…
451 wordsSECTION 2641745.] Moses And Christ Compared. 281
soever he shall say unto us :" whatever he may enjoin or forbid, we must never reply, "This is an hard saying;" but must instantly " pluck out the right eye, or cut off the right hand, that has caused us to offend."] Nor is this merely declared ; it is enforced also by the most awful sanctions — [God will put a d…
458 wordsSECTION 265Holiness The Greatest Blessing.
meditate, and pray. Let us get our souls cast, as it were, into the mould of the Gospel, that, being altogether formed and fashioned by it, we may be "meet for the inheritance" reserved for us. Thus will this Prophet be glorified in us ; and we receive the full benefit of his instructions.] Acts iii. 26. Unto you …
338 wordsSECTION 2661746.1 Holiness The Greatest Blessing. 283
to confirm them in the idea that the blessings belonged ex- clusively to them. Our Lord's own declaration, that he was " sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ;" and his directions to his Disciples, " not to go into the way of the Gentiles, or into any city of the Samaritans, but only to the lost shee…
492 wordsSECTION 267284 Acts, Iii. 26. [1746.
persuaded of the truth of their own assertions. Had they not fully believed that Jesus was the Messiah, and that they could prove it beyond contradiction, they would never have thought of attempting to convince the very persons who had so lately put him to death, and the very persons to whom their state- ments mus…
453 wordsSECTION 2681746.1 Holiness The Greatest Blessing. 285
Our next inquiry must be, II. What was the blessing which he was sent to im- part ? The Jews expected a temporal Messiah, who should deliver them out of the hands of all their enemies, and exalt them to a state of unrivalled power upon earth. And, no doubt, to those who could see nothing beyond the literal sense…
383 wordsSECTION 26928G Acts, Iii. 26. [1746.
you behold him as soon as the word came with power to his soul : in the sight of all, he rises to newness of life. The House of God is the first place that he affects, in order that he may honour his heavenly Benefactor ; and there, with a joy unknown before, he puts forth all his energies in the service of his Go…
471 wordsSECTION 270The Cripple Healed By Peter.
soul ? O that you could be prevailed upon to try what this blessedness is ! You would soon find that " the peace flowing from religion passeth all understanding," and that " its joys are unspeakable and glorified."] Acts iv. 8 — 10. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, a…
347 wordsSECTION 271288 Acts, Iv. 8—10. [1747.
dead, and was the true Messiah, the Saviour of the world. In considering this miracle, we shall notice it, I. As a ground of conviction to the Jews — That a great miracle had been wrought, was mani- fest to all, insomuch that the rulers themselves were constrained to acknowledge itc. Hence Peter took occasion to…
427 wordsSECTION 2721747.1 The Cripple Healed By Peter. 289
[They had not been able to fix any charge of guilt upon him : seeing that he had in all things approved himself " The Holy One and the Just :" yet had they insisted on his cruci- fixion, when Pilate, convinced of his innocence, had " deter- mined to let him go:" yea, though he was " the Prince and Author of life,"…
421 wordsSECTION 273290 Acts, Iv. 8—10. [1747.
[Wc wonder not at the ecstacies of the restored man : we should rather wonder if he had not so expressed his joy and gratitude. But have not we also cause for joy? Does not every recovery from sickness, or every continuance of health, proceed from the same source ? and is it not equally a ground of praise and than…
459 wordsSECTION 274Salvation By Christ Alone.
2. Let us never be afraid to vindicate his cause — [It was but lately that Peter was intimidated by the voice of a servant-maid ; but now he boldly confronted the whole Sanhedrim, and charged them all with the murder of their Messiah. Thus, if the whole world were to rise against us for our attachment to Christ, w…
329 wordsSECTION 275292 Acts, Iv. 12. [1748.
so Jesus alone could save them from everlasting perdition b. In discoursing upon the words before us, it will be proper to notice, I. What is implied — Nothing can be more clearly implied than that there is salvation for us in Christ. It may be thought that it is unnecessary to insist upon so plain and obvious …
379 wordsSECTION 2761748.1 Salvation By Christ Alone. 293
How forcibly has the prophet marked the extent"1, the ful- ness6, and the freenessf of his salvation ! He invites "all the ends of the earth," even persons defiled " with crimson sins," to accept all the benefits of the Gospel, " without money and without price." In the New Testament the same things are spoken wit…
494 wordsSECTION 277294 Acts, Iv. 12. [1748.
Let us now turn our attention to, II. What is expressed — What solemn asseverations are these in the text ! One would have supposed that the former of them would have been quite sufficient : but the Apostle thought no repetitions superfluous, nor any accumu- lation of words too strong, on such a subject as this. …
454 wordsSECTION 2781748.1 Salvation By Christ Alone. 295
would have been given to the Apostle Paul, who was more fully instructed in the mind and will of God than any other person : yet he knew of no other name but that of Jesus ; he renounced all hope " in his own righteousness, that he might be found in Christ x;" and "he determined to insist on nothing, in all his mi…
476 wordsSECTION 279296 Acts, Iv. 12. [1748.
[Wherefore are men so indifferent about their spiritual concerns? Is it that they are in no danger of perishing? If that were the case, why is so much said respecting salvation ? and why are we cautioned so strongly against relying on any but Jesus Christ ? Surely the very circumstance of Christ being sent down fr…
388 wordsSECTION 280Contest Between Prejudice And Religion.
Acts iv. 18 — 20. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. …
352 wordsSECTION 281298 Acts, Iv. 18—20. [1749.
measures. Their language, in effect, was this : ' A great miracle has been wrought indeed ; but we will not have it mentioned. The doctrine which it was intended to confirm, appears to be from God ; but we will not have it mentioned. The tendency of the doctrine, as far as we can judge from the miracle, is most sa…
433 wordsSECTION 2821749.] Contest Between Prejudice And Religion. 299
[Lately had they all fled from their Master through fear of participating his troubles ; but now they face the whole Sanhedrim, undaunted, undismayed. They knew that God was on their side ; and therefore they " feared not what man could do unto them." This was, and ever will be, the effect of true religion : " the…
411 wordsSECTION 283Mdccl.
Christ's sufferings fore-ordained. Acts iv. 27, 28. Of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. A COMPARISON of eve…
806 wordsSECTION 284302 Acts, Iv. 27,28. [1750.
b Isai. xlix. 7. c Ps. cxxix. 3. d John xix. 36, 37. e Ps. ii. 2, 3. with ver. 2.5, 20. independent part, as occasion called for it, and as his situation enabled him to act : and thus was there as complete an agree- ment between the predictions and events, as between a seal with ten thousand lines and the impressi…
392 wordsSECTION 2851750.] Christ S Sufferings Fore-Ordained. 303
rich and useful instruction. From them may be deduced the following most important consequences : 1. That Christ is assuredly the true Messiah— [If there had been but few predictions relative to the Messiahs death, and they such as admitted of being carried into effect bv a well-concerted conspiracy, the fulfilmen…
484 wordsSECTION 286304 Acts, Iv. 31, 32. [1751.
to be right : but neither will it prove us to be wrong. Christ's have ever been a " little flock," and his way " a narrow way:" and if ever we would be saved, we must come forth, like Lot, from Sodom ; and be saved, like Noah, in the Ark prepared for us.] 3. That no trial shall come upon us beyond what our all-wi…
405 wordsSECTION 2871751.] The Benefit Of United Prayer. 30 J
Acts iv. 31, 32. And when they had prayed, the place was .shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul : neither said any of them that ought of the thi…
392 wordsSECTION 288306 Acts, Iv. 31, 32. [1751.
I. The prayer they offered — The particular point of view in which I wish this to be noticed is, as illustrating the holy superiority to all personal considerations, which the first Christians manifested in the midst of their deepest trials : they disdained to think of their own ease or interests, in comparison o…
403 wordsSECTION 2891751.] The Benefit Of United Prayer. 307
[They desire to rise to the occasion, and to have their energy increased in proportion to the difficulties which thev have to contend with. Their own concerns are swallowed ud as it were in the honour of their God. Happy attainment ! How surely must those supplications prosper, which are dic- tated by such a princ…
377 wordsSECTION 290308 Acts, Iv. 31, 32. [1751.
speculative knowledge they may be complete; but in divine unction they will be very defective ; and their words, from the want of that unction, will never reach the heart. Hence God generally permits his most faithful servants to be severely tried, in order that from their own experience they may be able to instru…
453 wordsSECTION 2911751.] The Benefit Of United Prayer. 309
engaged all the Church to unite with them in their supplica- tions. The benefit of this measure to all who engaged in it, you have already heard : whilst they were in the very act of pouring out their souls before God, an answer was given from on high ; and every soul was filled with grace and peace. And say, bret…
423 wordsSECTION 292Ananias And Sapphira.
Acts v. o — 5. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own ? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? ichy hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied…
350 wordsSECTION 2931752 1 Ananias And Sapfh1Ka.
"a lying unto God." Now from these expressions see who the Holy Ghost is : 1. He is a distinct person — [It would be absurd to imagine that the Holy Ghost is a mere quality ; for on such a supposition the language of the \postle would have no meaning at all. If he is tempted and deceived, he must be a person : an…
499 wordsSECTION 294312 Acts, V. 3—5. [1752.
The more exalted our conceptions of the Holy Spirit are, the more shall we see, II. The importance of approving ourselves to him in all things — It is certain we may commit the same sin as Ananias and Sapphira did — [Let us get a precise idea of what their sin was. Many in the Church sold their possessions, and …
429 wordsSECTION 2951752.1 Ananias And Sapphira. 313
And it is certain also, that if we do, God will both detect and punish it — [God not unfrequently exposes hypocrites to shame in this world ; and suffers their hidden corruption to be brought to light. How often does it happen, that a person, who on the whole has maintained externally a creditable profession, is …
447 wordsSECTION 296The Duty Of Ministers.
Those who are " hypocrites in heart heap up wrath*;" and " fearfulness will at last surprise themV Behold then, as our Lord said even to the Apostles, so say I to you, " Beware of hypocrisy':" beware lest ye profess more than ye design to practised Seek to have " your hearts right with God." Entreat him to give yo…
334 wordsSECTION 297The Ends Of Christ'S Exaltation.
Lo, then I now preach it to you — [Christ has died that you may live. Believe on him and you shall live. This I declare to all, without hesitation and without excep- tion. Avail yourselves of the opportunity afforded you. Contemplate the sad alternative if you reject our word. If our word be not a savour of life…
329 wordsSECTION 298316 Acts, V. 30—32. [1754.
very person whom they had crucified as a malefactor, was exalted to be the Saviour of the world. In considering this address of theirs to the Jewish council, it will be proper to notice, I. The testimony here borne to the Lord Jesus — Observe, 1. The testimony itself — [The Jewish rulers conceived, that, in havi…
718 wordsSECTION 299318 Acts, V, 30—32. [1754.
Tn addition to them, the Holy Ghost himself also bare wit- ness to these things. The Lord Jesus had repeatedly declared, that, after his ascension to heaven, he would send the Holy Ghost to testify of him. On the accomplishment of this promise depended the validity of his pretensions. At the appointed time he fulf…
636 wordsSECTION 3001754.J The Ends Of Christ'S Exaltation. 319
shall they not be available, provided a penitential frame be really desired, and forgiveness of sins be fervently im- plored ? At the same time let us receive Christ in his entire cha- racter, and look to him unreservedly for all his blessings. Let us not dream of " forgiveness" without " repentance," or think of…
449 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.