PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 14 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 258,605 words · 560 reading sections
388 Acts, Xl 18. [1770.
were brought together were mere circumstances, with which we, in this day, have little concern. But every minister is an ambassador from God, as truly, though not in the precise sense, as Peter was : and the people to whom he is sent ought to receive his word, as far as it accords unth the voice of inspira- tion, …
362 wordsSECTION 3621770.1 Life Granted To The Gentiles. 389
Acts xi. 18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted re- pentance unto life. HERE we have an account of an event in which we all are deeply interested, The opening of the door of salvation to the Gentiles. Peter was the honoured instrument employed. " To him our blessed Lord had given the keys of the kingdom o…
472 wordsSECTION 363390 Acts, Xl 18. [1770.
But, to enter into the true spirit of the words, we must notice in them, II. The surprise manifested — The Apostles, even after an interval of six years, had no idea of the extension of the Gospel to the Gentiles — [They had, by the law of Moses, been taught to regard the uncircumcised Gentiles as unclean, and t…
413 wordsSECTION 3641770.1 Life Granted To The Gentiles. 391
We see, however, yet further, in these words, III. The approbation expressed — In this light, beyond a doubt, they are to be viewed — [The prejudices, which had so long blinded their eyes, were now removed : and a new principle of love sprung up in their hearts ; so that they could welcome the accession of the G…
381 wordsSECTION 365392 Acts, Xi. 18. [1770.
man can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ." Know then, brethren, all of you without exception, that ye must know Christ, before ye can be interested in his salvation ] And this salvation ye must seek through God's appointed ordinances — [God has set apart an order of men on purpose to instruct the world. He …
428 wordsSECTION 3661770.] Life Granted To The Gentiles. 393
[He will not, indeed, impart miraculous powers, as in that day ; but he will give testimony to the truth that Christ is a Saviour, an all-sufficient Saviour, to all who call upon himf: he will seal it upon the heart, and will render it the means of comforting and sanctifying the souls of all who truly receive it.]…
402 wordsSECTION 367Duty Of Cleaving To The Lord.
Acts xi. 22, 23. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the Church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, ivas glad, and ex- horted them all, that with purpose of heart they ivould cleave unto the Lord…
319 wordsSECTION 3681771. J Duty Of Cleaving To The Lord. 395
[It is not easy to say which are more replete with danger to the Christian, the frowns or the smiles of the ungodly world. Their hatred is often difficult to be borne. When persecution arises from those who are nearly related to us, or invested with authority over us, or on whom our temporal interests materially d…
505 wordsSECTION 369396 Acts, Xl 22, 23. [1771.
to which we may be allured, the heart is of itself so indisposed to spiritual exercises, that it will soon faint and be weary in them, if its strength be not daily renewed by the Spirit of God. Hence that direction of the Apostle, " Be not weary in well-doing V] 3. From the temptations of Satan — [One of the firs…
471 wordsSECTION 3701771.1 Duty Of Cleaving To The Lord. 397
II. The duties— These are manifestly contained in the words of our text, partly by implication, and partly as directly expressed — 1. We should be aware of our danger — [There is not any thing more prejudicial to the Christian than a presumptuous security : yet how extremely common is it in the Church of God ! T…
473 wordsSECTION 371398 Acts, Xl ;.':>, 23. [1771.
to turn aside from following him. We must keep our eye single in this respect : we must have one object, and one alone, in view : to honour God must be the one aim of our lives. In relation to this, we must maintain with equal firmness the principles and the practice of Christianity: we must "hold fast the profess…
417 wordsSECTION 372Benevolence Of The Church Of Antioch.
Acts xi. 29, 30. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judcea: which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. GOD is love ; and all who have been truly taught of God, are transformed into his image : the…
321 wordsSECTION 373400 Acts. Xl 29, 30. [1772.
with more than ordinary severity. Immediately the Church at Antioch, feeling their obligations to those at Jerusalem, to whom they were indebted for all the spiritual benefits they enjoyed, and justly conceiving that this was a peculiarly proper season for requiting them with temporal benefits, which on account of…
463 wordsSECTION 3741772.J Benevolence Op The Church Of Antioch. 401
distance of several hundred miles." But they listened not to any such suggestions : it was sufficient for them that an opportunity had occurred for the exercise of love, and for the honouring of their Lord ; and therefore they improved it instantly to the utmost of their power. Thus also should we; « Whatsoever ou…
402 wordsSECTION 375402 Acts, Xii. 5. [1773.
better effect than if you were to bestow your alms upon the poor with your own hands, unless you could at the same time inquire into all the circumstances of their different cases, and stop to unite spiritual instruction with your temporal relief. These persons, like the elders at Jerusalem, cannot, out of their o…
302 wordsSECTION 376Mdcclxxiii.
peter's deliverance from prison. Actsxii. 5. Peter therefore was kept in prison : but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. THE Scriptures inform us, that " God's counsel shall stand, and that he will do all his pleasure." Let the combinations against him be ever so formi- dable, the ult…
494 wordsSECTION 377404< Acts, Xii. 5. [1773.
Mark the means used for his deliverance — [From human interference there was no hope : but the poor trembling Disciples did not yet despair : they knew that " whereinsoever the enemies of the Church might deal proudly, God was above them." To God therefore they addressed themselves with redoubled importunity : and…
456 wordsSECTION 3781773.1 Peters Deliverance From Prison. 4-05
1. The blessedness of serving God — [It may appear at first, that there is no inference less deducible from the subject than this: for, is there any blessed- ness in imprisonment, and bonds, and death? But look at Peter on the very night previous to his intended execution : he is sleeping as soundly as if no evil …
490 wordsSECTION 379The Evil Of Pride.
Acts xii. 21 — 23. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat rtpon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory : and he was eaten of ivorm…
697 wordsSECTION 380408 Acts, Xii. 21—23. [1774.
2. An invasion of his prerogative — " God has made all things for himself " and " his glory he will not give to another." But, if we take to ourselves the glory which is due to him, we put ourselves, as it were, into his place, and become a god unto ourselves. This may appear •' -2 Cor. v. 5. b Deut. viii. 7, 11—1…
501 wordsSECTION 3811774. J The Evil Of Pride. 409
arising from the possession of the things which God himself has given; even that has excited great displeasure in the breast of the Almighty, and caused him to inflict the heaviest judgments^ ] 2. He will punish it wherever it is indulged — [If such a disposition be habitually indulged, God re- gards it as a proo…
419 wordsSECTION 382Elymas The Sorcerer Struck Blind.
Acts xiii. 9 — 11. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, 0 fall of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is …
332 wordsSECTION 3831775.1 Elymas The Sorcerer Struck Blind. 411
[It offers salvation freely through the blood and right- eousness of the Lord Jesus Christ It requires nothing in those to whom it is offered, but an humble sense of their own guilt and misery, and an entire surrender of themselves to him, to be washed in his blood, and to be sanctified by his grace. This is the "…
429 wordsSECTION 384412 Acts. Xiii. 9— 11. [1775.
indeed in our Jerusalem, who does not know how fiercely even the first principle of the Gospel, the doctrine of salvation by faith in Christ, is decried The sons of Jannes and Jambres, and of Alexander the coppersmith, are as subtle and malignant as their fathers weref ] 2. By base calumnies — [We can have no dou…
453 wordsSECTION 3851775.1 Elymas The Sorcerer Struck Blind. 413
disposition : and it is equally true that they act under the immediate influence of Satan1'. Now the great employment of Satan is to blind men's eyes, so that they may not see the Gospel ; precisely as the great office of the Holy Spirit is, to open men's eyes, that they may behold it1 : and, conse- quently, in do…
457 wordsSECTION 386414 Acts, Xiii. 9—11. [1775.
all the attempts of Elymas to pervert it, and himself became an avowed disciple of Christ. This was a conduct worthy of him, and worthy to be pursued by every wise and "prudent" man. We earnestly recommend it then to all to follow his example. Be diligent in inquiring, and avail yourselves of every opportunity of …
515 wordsSECTION 387The Word Of Salvation Delivered.
Acts xiii. 26. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. IN tracing the steps of the Apostle Paul, I see exactly what every minister of Christ should be : he should live but for one end, To save the souls of men : and, for t…
322 wordsSECTION 388416 Acts, Xiii. 26. [1775.
[It calls on no man to purchase salvation by any merits of his own ; but offers it " freely to all, without money and without price a." The light of the sun is not more freely given than this, provided we be willing to accept it. We may see how free it was in its first offer to man in Paradise. Our first parents e…
432 wordsSECTION 3891776. J The Word Of Salvation Delivered. 417
[There doubtless are here many moral, and, in a qualified sense, religious persons, who think by their own repentance and good works to save themselves. But, beloved, the very best of you are sinners, and stand in need of mercy at the hands of God ; as well as of a new nature, which God alone can create within you…
439 wordsSECTION 390The Resurrection Of Christ Glad Tidings
effect ? God forbid. " Let God be true, but every man a liar1" ] 3. Others were effectually saved by it — [Yes, some " glorified the word of life ; and, having been ordained to eternal life, believed itm," and were saved by it. Thus let it be glorified by you. It is worthy of all your sub- mission, and all your t…
333 wordsSECTION 3911777.] The Resurrection Of Christ Glad Tidings. 419
[The Psalms were in the Apostle's days arranged in the same order as they now stand. And the scope of the second Psalm is to declare the triumph of Jesus over all his enemies by means of his resurrection from the grave, and of his con- sequent exaltation to the right hand of God. And he might well be said to be " …
438 wordsSECTION 392420 Acts, Xiii. 32, 33. [1777.
[If he were still dead, it would be in vain to look to him for help. But, when he has raised up himself f, and spoiled all the principalities and powers of hellg, and been exalted on purpose that he might be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and remission of sinsh, what may we not expect at his …
436 wordsSECTION 393The Sure Mercies Of David.
the scope of our ministry is to " declare glad tidings," even to proclaim a crucified, and an exalted Saviour. Let any one con- template the foregoing subject, and see whether it do not afford matter for rejoicing Let men only forsake their sins, and we have not a word to utter which will not administer to them an…
372 wordsSECTION 3944>22 Acts, Xiii. 34. [1778.
To place the text in its true light, I will consider, I. The fact asserted — [This was, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus ; the most important of all events ; since, without it, neither the incarna- tion nor death of Christ would have been of any avail a. To this our blessed Lord continually referred, as the most…
424 wordsSECTION 3951778.] The Sure Mercies Of David. 423
minutest particular, to all who should rely upon it in deed and in truth.] And now let me call your attention to, III. The conclusion drawn — The same train of argument had been followed both by St. Peter and St. Paul. And from it their inferences were, 1. That Christ was indeed the true Messiah — [See the argu…
432 wordsSECTION 396Danger Of Despising The Gospel Salvation.
ratified as it has been by the Redeemer's blood, and confirmed as it is by his predicted resurrection and his glorious ascension.] Behold, then, how certain are God's promises to those zvho rely upon them ! [If any promise could have failed, methinks it was that which related to the exaltation of the Messiah. See …
381 wordsSECTION 3971779.] Danger Of Despising Gospel Salvation. 425
manner of his death, and in his resurrection from the dead. He then comes to apply the subject to their hearts and consciences, combining all the tenderness of a brother with all the fidelity of an Apostle. In opening to you that part which we have just read, we shall notice, I. The declaration made — It had bee…
417 wordsSECTION 398426 Acts, Xiii. 38—41. [1779.
left without any means of pardon provided for them by the law : nor was any presumptuous sin to be reckoned among those for which sacrifices were appointed f. But under the Gospel there is no exception whatever : " All manner of sin shall be forgiven unto men," provided they repent of it, and believe in Jesus Chri…
450 wordsSECTION 3991780.] The Gentiles Receive The Gospel. 427
[The Jews of old despised both the mercies and the judgments of their God: and the Prophet Habakkuk, expos- tulating with them, declared, that God would inflict on them such judgments by the hands of the Chaldeans, as they would not credit, however strongly his determination should be an- nounced111. St. Paul decl…
375 wordsSECTION 400428 Acts, Xiii. 46—48. [1780.
Acts xiii. 46 — 48. Then Paul and Barnabas ivaxed bold, and said, It ivas necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you : but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee t…
419 wordsSECTION 4011780.] The Gentiles Receive The Gospel. 4#9
Now it is a fact which cannot be dissembled, that circum- stances not very dissimilar are found, wherever a man of an apostolic spirit is called to labour: multitudes of those to whom he has been primarily and more particularly sent, not only despise his message, but, when others in the neighbour- hood flock to he…
479 wordsSECTION 402430 Acts, Xiii. 40-48. [1780.
shall never be ashamed of his hope This we are com- missioned to declare : and if ten thousand bigoted or self- righteous people should reject it with disdain, we trust that we shall never want some contrite auditors, who shall receive it with gratitude and joy.] In the sequel, we are informed of, III. The succes…
430 wordsSECTION 403Tribulation The Way To Heaven.
of it whilst yet your errors may be rectified, and your iniquities forgiven.] 2. Those who are made willing to embrace it — [Think who it is that has disposed your minds to the attainment of everlasting life : and give him the glory due unto his name. It is God alone that " hath made you to differ" from the unbel…
345 wordsSECTION 404432 Acts, Xiv. 22. [1781.
the faith of Christ, was an illustration and proof of this truth. View him — 1. On this occasion — [It ever he might have hoped to escape persecution, it was at this time. Consider what he had done in restoring a man who had been a cripple from the womb ; and what a spirit the people had manifested towards him, i…
421 wordsSECTION 4051781.] Tribulation The Way To Heaven. 433
is in their hearts a rooted enmity against him, which, like sediment in clear water, will shew itself, the very instant it is stirred. It needs but little to inflame a whole community against him. They can hear unkind reports respecting others, and disregard them ; but in every thing that leads to the dis- advanta…
423 wordsSECTION 406Success Of The Gospel A Ground Of Joy.
Acts xiv. 27. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, "they rehearsed all that God had done loith them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. A VERY distinguishing feature of primitive Chris- tianity was, that, whilst it filled all its votaries with an anxiety for their…
307 wordsSECTION 4071782.] Success Of The Gospel A Ground Of Joy. 435
[We can have no doubt, but that, however much they might delight in their stated labours amongst a people united to them in the bonds of Christian love, they gladly addressed themselves to the work assigned them, where they would find little but incessant labour, amidst the fiercest opposition. And from their pers…
428 wordsSECTION 408436 Acts, Xiv. 27. [1782.
more, therefore, may man account it the only object worthy of his pursuit.] 2. That it is an object for which we all, according to our ability, should labour — [The advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom is not the work of ministers only, but of the people also. It can scarcely be credited, how much an efficient m…
442 wordsSECTION 4091782. J Success Of The Gospel A Ground Of Joy. 487
advanced into the sanctuary ? We read of those " whose faith and love grew exceedingly ;" and so should yours grow : nor should you ever cease to press forward, till you are come into the holy of holies, even into the immediate presence of your God ] 2. In a way of information — [God's work, I trust, is really go…
422 wordsSECTION 410Mdcclxxxiii.
THE QUESTION ABOUT THE OBLIGATION OF THE CEREMONIAL LAW DECIDED. Acts xv. 10, 11. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear ? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ ive shall be saved, even as they. IT i…
361 wordsSECTION 4111783.1 The Ceremonial Law Abuogated. 439
decision of the point. That we may have a just view of it, we shall consider, I. The subject in dispute — The question was, Whether the Jewish law was obligatory on the Gentiles ? [This I say, was the original question; but it involved much more, even the whole plan of the Gospel salvation. Many insisted that ci…
431 wordsSECTION 412440 Acts, Xv. 10, 11. [1783.
Church of Christ. It seems incredible that such Jewish blind- ness should exist at this day in the Christian Church. Others, even the great mass of nominal Christians, imagine that the attending of the house of God and the Lord's supper, together with common honesty, is sufficient to procure us acceptance with God…
456 wordsSECTION 4131783.1 Tiie Ceremonial Law Abrogated. 441
Gentiles about six years afterwards, when he preached to Cornelius and his friends: and on both occasions God had given the same testimony of his acceptance to the people, pouring out upon the uncircumcised Gentiles, precisely as he had done on the circumcised Jews, his Holy Spirit, both in his miraculous and sanc…
459 wordsSECTION 414U2 Acts, Xv. 10, 11. [1783.
and therefore to be shunned by all, but because any approaches towards it would appear like a return to their former idolatry. On the other hand, there were some things forbidden to the Jews, such as " eating of things offered to idols, or things strangled, or the blood" of any animal; and it was necessary that th…
833 wordsSECTION 415414 Acts, Xv. 36. [1784.
u Rom. x. 2, 3. x Zech. xiv. 9. Acts xv. 36. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. IT is of the nature of divine grace to be always operative, and never to remit its exertions, whilst ther…
451 wordsSECTION 4161784.] Inquiry Into The State Of The Church. 445
have reason to think that the greatest possible good would result from themd.] 2. A benevolent proposal — [This was not a proposal for an excursion of pleasure, but for a service of great difficulty and danger. Conspiracies were often formed against their lives ; and at one place Paul had been stoned, and left fo…
467 wordsSECTION 417446 Acts, Xv. 36. [1784.
more blameable of the two ; first, because he seems to have been too much actuated by partiality for his nepketv*; and next, because the Church at Antioch appear to have sided with the Apostle Paul ; " commending him with renewed ear- nestness to the grace of God," whilst Barnabas was suffered to depart without an…
856 wordsSECTION 418The Conversion Of Lydia.
Let all of every class search and try themselves, that they may know what answer to give to such inquiries as these. The great High-Priest walketh among the seven golden candlesticks, and observes infallibly the state of every lamp, whether it be burning dimly, or its light be bright2 : and to every one will r Rev…
438 wordsSECTION 4191785. J Tiie Conversion Of Lydia. 449
the happy instrument of saving her soul alive. Her name, her occupation, her character, and the place of her nativity, are all distinctly noticed : she was called " Lydia ;" and was " of the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple" clothes ; and a worshipper of the true God. We forbear, however, to dwell on these ci…
400 wordsSECTION 420450 Acts, Xvi. 14, 15. [1785.
could not understand the most important parts of Scripture, till " he opened their understandings f." In like manner, there is yet a veil on the hearts of men whilst they read and hear the Scriptures; nor can any but God remove itg. Hence it is plainly declared by our Lord himself, that " no man can come unto him,…
435 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.