PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 14 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 258,605 words · 560 reading sections
1785.J The Conversion Of Lydia. 451
all the blessings she had received. Hence she desired, and urged the Apostles, if they accounted her sincere, to come and take up their abode under her roof. This was attended, not only with expense, but with considerable danger too11 : but she had counted the cost in every way, and was well content to pay it. Th…
444 wordsSECTION 422A Spirit Of Divination Cast Out.
ness, permission to bear it ; yea, she accounted it not a burthen, but an honour and a joy. Thus it was with the Christians in the Churches of Macedonia x: and thus should it be with us also. We should long and pant after opportunities of honour- ing our God : we should value nothing any further than it may be sub…
372 wordsSECTION 4231786.1 A Spirit Of Divination Cast Out. 453
her, prevent her from practising the same deceits in future ! Yet it did dispossess her of talents with which she had before been endowed, and deprived her masters of all hope of further gain from the exercise of those talents a. This is a clear proof, that she had really been possessed by an evil spirit ; and tha…
387 wordsSECTION 424454 Acts, Xvi. 16—18. [1786.
testimony to be, it was far from being acceptable to the Apostles ; as we see by, II. The conduct they observed respecting her — 1. For many days they waited, to see what God might do by her means: but at last they commiserated her state — [St. Paul was " grieved " at her, as well he might be : for, whilst she w…
369 wordsSECTION 4251786.] A Spirit Of Divination Cast Out. 455
Let us learn from hence, 1. To distinguish between the advocates of the Gospel and the Gospel itself — c John iii. 19. d Matt, xviii. 7. [If any were hardened in their infidelity by means of that damsel, they were exceeding blameable: for her testimony did not at all affect either the persons respecting whom it w…
531 wordsSECTION 426The Conversion Of The Jailor.
Acts xvi. 29 — 31. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. VARIOUS are the ways in which God effects the conversio…
298 wordsSECTION 4271787.] Conversion Of The Jailor. 457
a thought, in comparison of the salvation of the soulc Nor is there any human being who needs not this inquiry. All are sinners ; and, as sinners, condemned : all therefore have reason to dread the wrath of God, and to ask how they may obtain mercy at his hands Youth, learning, riches, do not at all supersede the …
455 wordsSECTION 428458 Acts, Xvi. 29—31. [1787.
your own, but seek it as the free gift of God for Christ's sake. "Look" to Christ, as the wounded Israelites did to the brazen serpent ; and " wash " in the fountain of his blood, as Naaman did in the streams of Jordan : then shall you " be healed" from your leprosy, and " be saved" from the deadly wounds of sin Y…
455 wordsSECTION 4291788.] Proofs That Jesus Is The Messiah. 459
2. The fearful— [Some there are who make this inquiry, we trust, in sin- cerity, yet do not derive comfort from the Apostle's direction : they are so discouraged by a sense of their own unworthiness, that they are not able to lay hold on the promises of the Gospel : they are ready to think it would be presumption …
337 wordsSECTION 430•160 Acts, Xvii. 2—5. [1788.
Acts xvii. 2 — 5. And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consor…
489 wordsSECTION 4311788. ] Proofs That Jesus Is The Messiah. 161
hand of power, he should dash in pieces his enemies as a potter's vesselb. Again, " His soul was not to be left in hell, nor was this Holy One to see corruption0." Does not that clearly shew that his soul was first to go into hell, i. e. the place of departed spirits ; that his body was to be consigned to the grav…
755 wordsSECTION 4321789.] Effects Of Attention To The Gospel. 465
0 Rom. viii. 20. THE GOOD EFFECTS OF A CANDID ATTENTION TO THE GOSPEL. Acts xvii. 11, 12. These tvere more noble than those in IViessa- hnica, in, that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scripttires daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed. THE clamour…
523 wordsSECTION 433466 Acts, Xvii. 11, 12. [1789.
II. The benefit which accrued to them by means of it- Many at Beraea became obedient to the faith — [While the Thessalonians rejected the overtures of mercy, the Berseans thankfully embraced them. By believing in Christ they became partakers of his salvation ; and now are they rejoicing before the throne of God, …
376 wordsSECTION 434Repentance Enjoined.
Acts xvii. 30. The times of this ignorance God winked at ; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. THIS is one of the most celebrated discourses in all the inspired volume. Being delivered to heathen philosophers, he did not make any appeal to the Jewish Scriptures, as he did whenever he addressed the J…
359 wordsSECTION 4354G8 Acts, Xvii. 30. [1790.
had " endured them with much long-suffering," even to that very day. In fact, this same forbearance is yet exercised towards the heathen world, and on the very same account. Probably not so much as one-sixth part of the world has ever heard of the name of Jesus Christ : so that the times of ignorance yet con- tin…
421 wordsSECTION 4361790. J Repentance Enjoined. 46(J
III. The urgent necessity which lies upon us all to comply with it — [" God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness." It is not left to men's option, whether they will embrace the sentiments proposed to them in the Gospel, or obey its injunctions: they must obey them, at the peril of …
444 wordsSECTION 437A Day Appointed For Christ To Judge The World.
into " the fountain opened for sin and for uncleannessh :" so shall all " your sins be blotted out, as a morning cloud," and you shall stand before God " without spot or blemish." So shall your " repentance be unto life," even " a repentance to salvation not to be repented of." The very Saviour in whom you trust, …
329 wordsSECTION 4381791. J A Day F0R Christ To Judge The World. 471
His address to them on the occasion forms a lively contrast with the abstruse speculations and vain reasonings which universally prevailed among them. He told them that there was one God, who was the Creator and Governor of all things, who claimed from them a spiritual worship, and whom exclusively they were boun…
369 wordsSECTION 439472 Acts, Xvii. 81. [1791.
respective bodies, however long ago, and in whatever various manner they may have been consumed, shall be restored to life, and be united to their souls ; the personal identity of every individual being preserved, and every one answering for the things which he himself did in the body. As to the difficulties which…
417 wordsSECTION 4401791.] A Day For Christ To Judge The World. 473
It is desirable also for the humiliation of his enemies. How will they, who so triumphed in his destruction, stand appalled, when they shall see " the stone which they rejected, become the head-stone of the corner ! " when they shall behold him seated on his throne, and hear him say, " Bring hither those that were…
464 wordsSECTION 441474 Acts, Xviii. 17. [1792.
of the Lord ; and therefore we would persuade you," by every consideration that can influence the mind of man.] 2. How carefully should we guard against self- deception ! [We easily deceive ourselves ; but we cannot deceive our God. Hence St. Paul gives us this solemn caution; " Be not deceived : God is not mocke…
317 wordsSECTION 4421792.1 The Character Of Gallic 475
Acts xviii. 17. And Gallio cared for none of those things. WE are assured that not one jot or tittle of God's word has ever failed, or ever can fail. But, for the trial of our faith, and for the more abundant mani- festation of his own truth and faithfulness, God is often pleased to let events of so dark a nature …
438 wordsSECTION 443476 Acts, Xviii. 17. [1792.
of those things :" but God cared for Paul ; and it was impossible for man to " hurt him." The indifference of Gallio left Paul entirely at the mercy of his ene- mies : but " the word of God could not be broken ;" and therefore Paul was as safe from injury, as he would have been even in heaven itself. The account …
432 wordsSECTION 4441792.] The Character Of Gallio. 477
a man. He had long heard of Paul, and of the wonderful exertions he made in propagating what he professed to be a revelation from heaven. We can make some allowance for a Governor, circumstanced as Gallio was, not sending to Paul to get information from him respecting the doctrines he preached : but now God had se…
469 wordsSECTION 445478 Acts, Xviii. 17. [1792.
way to heaven : whereas Gallic-, with that very instructor in his presence, would not even trouble himself so much as to hear what he had to say. He accounted Christianity as no other than a strife about words, and therefore undeserving his notice. Unhappy man, to have so little concern for thine immortal soul, an…
436 wordsSECTION 4461792.] The Character Of Gallic 479
and his people : we should resolutely withstand the efforts of ungodly men, and maintain against all opposition the immutable laws of equity and love.] 2. From that part of his character which is un- questionably bad — [Here also we will mention two things ; namely, not to be indifferent about the concerns of oth…
497 wordsSECTION 447Character And Ministry Of Apollos.
duty of " caring for these things." About the things of this world we may relax our care : there are few who do not run into a criminal excess in their attention to them : in reference to them, we think no anxiety too great, no labour too abun- dant: whilst the interests of the soul are deemed unworthy of any care…
388 wordsSECTION 4481793.] Character And Ministry Of Apollos. 481
serve the Lord, had but a very contracted view of the things which he proposed to teach : but God so ordered it, that his exertions in the cause of religion should introduce him to the acquaintance with Aquila and Priscilla, and be the means of bringing him to the full knowledge, and complete enjoyment, of the Go…
403 wordsSECTION 449482 Acts, Xviii. 21—28. [1793.
unless he lay himself out in the service of God to the utmost of his power. To this was added that most amiable of all graces, humility of mind. Notwithstanding his natural talents and eminent acquirements, he was willing to be instructed by any one who could advance him in the knowledge of the Lord. Aquila was o…
457 wordsSECTION 4501793. J Character And Ministry Of Apollos. 483
same occasion to prove the Messiahship of Christ, since that is universally acknowledged amongst us, yet are we called to magnify the importance of that truth, and to commend it to men's attention, as the source of all their happiness.] In his labours he was useful to many souls — [He " mightily convinced the Jews…
447 wordsSECTION 451The Power Of Christ And His Gospel.
of their Christian profession. Instead of indulging- such a proud contemptuous spirit, you should rejoice in every appear- ance of good, and endeavour to impart to him a fuller know- ledge of the truth. This would render good service both to God and man : and it is a service which all may render, if only with meek…
374 wordsSECTION 4521794.] Power Of Christ And His Gospel. 485
works to a confederacy with Satan, rather than to the agency of the Spirit of God. In like manner, when his Apostles cast out devils in his name, many supposed that they wrought their miracles by means of magical incantations. Hence some,' and, in par- ticular, seven sons of a Jewish priest, thought by the use of…
394 wordsSECTION 453486 Acts, Xix. 15. [1794.
made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in ite." In his resurrection and ascension he completed his triumphs, "leading captivity captive f," ana* " putting all his enemies under his feet6."] 2. By the ministry of others — [When first our hlessed Lord sent forth his twelve Apostles, he gave them a commiss…
475 wordsSECTION 4541794.1 Power Of Christ And His Gospel. 487
II. The insufficiency of all created power to eject Satan — None but that stronger man, the Lord Jesus, has ever been able to prevail against " the strong man armed :" Till attacked by the Lord Jesus, " Satan keepeth his goods in peace :" He defies, 1. All false religions — [Go back to the clays of old ; What wa…
393 wordsSECTION 455488 Acts, Xix. 15. [1794.
on which it was laid11. To all such efforts he says in his heart, " Jesus I know, and Paul I know ; but who are ye ? " It should seem indeed, that men, feeling the authority of God's law, and the terrors of his wrath, should be able to effect any thing : but our arm is paralysed, and we cannot stretch it forth, unl…
471 wordsSECTION 4561794.] Power Of Christ And His Gospel. 489
demoniac mentioned by St. Mark, is a melancholy picture of yours, who are breaking through all the restraints of God's holy law, and inflicting the most deadly wounds upon your own souls u. O beg of God to shew you what a miserable state you are in, and to interpose with his almighty power for your speedy delivera…
487 wordsSECTION 457490 Acts, Xix. 18—20. [1795.
you to withstand so potent an enemy. To this you are called by the history before us. The failure of these presumptuous exorcists served to illustrate more fully the success of the Apostle, in and by whom the Lord Jesus wrought : and you are told, "The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified*. " Magnify then your Sav…
348 wordsSECTION 4581795.1 Genuine Repentance. 491
Acts xix. 18 — 20. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before alt men : and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prev…
420 wordsSECTION 459Acts, Xix. 18—2 1795
world, the faithful servants of Christ. Their conduct on this occasion will lead me to sh I. What effects the Gospel produced on them — S me amongst them had already "believed* in Christ : but not so as to come under the full influence of the Go* .re wrought upon at this time : the wonder, which they beheld, impr…
371 wordsSECTION 46017'Jo.I Genuine Rlpentance. 40-3
the bitterness of sin ; and would gladly, if possible, root it out of their own hearts, and prevent its continuance in the world. Hence, so far as they could by this act effectuate that holy purpose, they determined to do it. At all events, they saw that this sacrifice would glorify their Lord and Master : and evi…
423 wordsSECTION 461494 Acts, Xix. 18—20. [1795.
what fear ; yea, what vehement desire ; yea, what zeal ; yea, what revenge. In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter f." Thus will repentance manifest itself in every upright soul. It will not only mourn for sin, but will put it away, and most especially the besetting sin. Has a man bee…
487 wordsSECTION 462Heathenish And Christian Zeal Compared.
animated them ; the same determination to mortify sin in your- selves, to discountenance it in others, and to bear your testimony before the whole world, that Christ alone is to be served and honoured and obeyed ? Bring yourselves, I say, to this test; and see whether your conduct speaks for you, as theirs did for…
355 wordsSECTION 463496 Acts, Xix. 34. [179G.
This doubtless was great ; but it was, 1. Blind— [Who was Diana ? What had she clone for them ? What could a senseless image do for them? Or what difference would there be in the power of that image, whether it was made with hands, or fell down (as they foolishly supposed) from Jupiter, who himself was only a cre…
444 wordsSECTION 4641796. J Heathen And Christian Zeal Compared. 497
in bondage by them, are as zealous for those superstitions, as for the most important doctrines of their religion. Happy- would it be if Protestant Churches also were not chargeable with the same evils: but truth compels us to acknowledge, that the fire which burns upon our Christian altars would soon languish, if…
417 wordsSECTION 465498 Acts, Xix. 34. [179(5.
interests, and carnal passions. Self should have no concern whatever in it, any farther than the advancement of our own spiritual and eternal welfare may be comprehended under that term. In all its actings it must be regulated by a tender regard to the weaknesses and prejudices of men. It is by no means sufficient…
488 wordsSECTION 4661796.] Heathen And Christian Zeal Compared. 499
ment, mercy, and truth." We mean not to say, that any truth, or any duty, is of small moment ; but we affirm, that there is a vast distance between some truths or duties, and others ; and that consequently there should be a proportionate difference be- tween the zeal we exercise in relation to them. St. Paul " beca…
481 wordsSECTION 467500 Acts, Xx. 7. [1797.
given us of the Corinthian Church d. To devote ourselves also unreservedly to God is another exercise of zeal which deserves our earliest attention. The mortifying of every lust, the cultivating of every gracious affection, and the getting of " our whole man, body, soul, and spirit, sanctified unto the Lord1'," th…
796 wordsSECTION 468502 Acts, Xx. 7. [1797.
3 Compare 1 Cor. xvi. 2. with Rev. i. 10. Lord himself on the night previous to his crucifixion. This ordinance constituted an essential part of the service on every Lord's-day : it called the attention of the Church to that great mystery which was the foundation of all their hopes, even to the body of Christ as …
722 wordsSECTION 469504 Acts, Xx. 7. [1797.
In that room, there were " many lights " — [The enemies of the Church were ready to raise all manner of evil reports against the Disciples ; and they would gladly have represented these nocturnal meetings as scenes of much iniquity. To cut off all occasion for such calumnies, the Disciples took care to have the pl…
816 wordsSECTION 470Mdccxcviii.
2. How earnestly we should improve our present intercourse with each other ! _ [It is but a little while, at all events, that our present con- nexion can be continued : I must soon go to give an account of my ministry, as you also must to answer for the way in which you have improved it : and even from Sabbath to …
675 wordsSECTION 471Mdccxcviii.
1798.1 Paul's appeal to the ephesian elders. 507 please, but what would " profit tliem :" and delivering to them his sentiments, not merely in public addresses, but privately and personally in their own houses, whenever an occasion offered ] 3. The subject of his ministrations — [He had never entertained them wit…
400 wordsSECTION 472508 Acts, Xx. 24. [1799.
takes place at the removal of a faithful minister, unless there be substituted in his place an Elisha, on whom the mantle of Elijah has fallen. When Moses was on the mount only forty days, the people, even with Aaron at their head, departed from the Lord, and made a golden calf. What then must not be expected, whe…
328 wordsSECTION 4731799.] Duty Of Ministers. 509
Acts xx. 24. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which J have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God. OF all the employments under heaven, there is not one so honourable or so useful …
464 wordsSECTION 474510 Acts, Xx. 24. [1799.
expiation for sin; in the bestowment of faith on the indi- viduals of mankind ; and in the completion of the work in the souls of all that shall be saved. From the beginning to the end, in all its parts, this salvation was traced by him to the free and sovereign grace of God Of these things, also, he " testified w…
434 wordsSECTION 4751799.1 Duty Of Ministers. 511
his example we learn, that this testimony must be borne, 1. With undaunted firmness — [Never was there a faithful servant of God who was not persecuted for righteousness' sake. If bonds and imprison- ments do not await the pious minister at this day, it is not because he is less an object of hatred now than forme…
429 wordsSECTION 476512 Acts, Xx. 26, 27. [1800.
more precious than life itself? If received aright, all things will be counted but as dung and dross in comparison of it. If received aright, it will be obeyed : your course of life will be directed by it : and you will be standing ready to give up your account to him, whose word it is, and whose salvation is proc…
388 wordsSECTION 4771800.] Ministerial Fidelity. 513
Acts xx. 26, 27. / take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. NO one can be conceived more averse to egotism than was the Apostle Paul. Yet, on some occasions, he felt it necessary, for the vindication of his own charac…
395 wordsSECTION 478514 Acts, Xx. 26,27. [1800.
our recovery in Christ. The whole of our guilt, both original and actual, must be stated ; and so stated, as that every one may be made sensible of his lost condition, and of the utter impossibility of ever restoring himself to the Divine favour. The law must be set forth in its spirituality, and with its penal sa…
494 wordsSECTION 4791800.] Ministerial Fidelity. 515
When the Apostle says that he " had not shunned " to exercise this fidelity, he strongly intimates, II. The difficulty of maintaining it — Such statements as these are very offensive to the pride of man — [Man is ready to conceive of himself as not very sinful, and not deserving of any great measure of punishment…
462 wordsSECTION 480516 Acts, Xx. 26, 27. [1800.
hatred, and reproach, and persecution, in every place, and every age. It matters not how blameless a man is in the whole of his conversation, or how benevolent in the whole of his conduct; hated he will be, yea, and despised and perse- cuted too, if he be faithful to his God, and to the souls of men. Men will acco…
497 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.