PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 15 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 259,427 words · 557 reading sections
Mdccccii.
THE UNSEARCHABLENESS OF GOD's WAYS. Rom. xi. 33. 0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and. knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are his judgments , and, his ways past finding out ! ON whatever side we look, we are surrounded with mysteries ; yea, we are a mystery to ourselves. The works of creation, and pr…
474 wordsSECTION 422458 Romans, Xl 33. [1902.
[This seems no less unsearchable than the former. Sup- posing that God had sent his Son to expiate our guilt, we should at least expect that he would require man to work out a righteousness for himself, and to obtain salvation by his obedience to the law. But, blessed be his name ! he has not required any such thi…
748 wordsSECTION 423460 Romans, Xl 33. [1902.
Say, now, brethren, whether "these judgments be not in- deed unsearchable, and these ways past finding out ?" — ■ ] Glorious as that part of our subject is, we leave it, in order to mark the mysteriousness of God's dealings with men, II. In the way in which he imparts that salvation to them — And here we would n…
674 wordsSECTION 4241902.] Unsearchableness Of God'S* Ways. 4()1
a Ps. xxxvi. 6. b Job v. 9. ways high above our ways and his thoughts above our thoughts." Observe the objects of his choice : Who are they ? Are they such as human reason would select? He takes a Manasseh, who had filled Jerusalem with the blood of innocents ; a Mary Magdalen, who had been possessed by seven devi…
480 wordsSECTION 425462 Romans, Xi. 33. [1902.
1. What is the proper posture of a sinner's mind — [We should not presume to sit in judgment upon God, arraigning either the declarations of his word, or the dispen- sations of his providence. What know we either of the one or of the other? "We were but of yesterday and know nothing :" and " if any man think that …
463 wordsSECTION 426God All In All.
Rom. xi. 34 — 36. Who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor ? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again ? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. GOD is represented in the Scriptures as " a jea- lous God…
354 wordsSECTION 427464 Romans, Xl 34—36. [1903.
own glorious perfections, and of making all the rights of jus- tice, and truth, and holiness, to consist with the exercise of mercy ? Or who ever did any thing to merit at his hands such an interposition in his favour? If there be any one so vain as to arrogate any thing to himself in this respect, let him bring f…
427 wordsSECTION 4281903.] G0D All In All. 405
his power and grace. We could as easily form a new world, as we could form the new creature in our own bosoms : " He that must work us to this self-same thing, is Godf." In its rise, its progress, and its consummation, no other hand can be seen but His. Nor is good alone to be traced to him ; for he is, so far as …
442 wordsSECTION 42946G Romans, Xl 34—36. [1903.
You will do it in heaven — [Do you hear amongst the heavenly hosts one who is taking honour to himself? No: there is but one sound amongst all the celestial choir : all are singing praises to God and to the Lamb. And doubtless the saints in glory now see how much they are indebted to God " for events which once th…
383 wordsSECTION 430Devotedness To God Recommended.
Rom. xii. 1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, ivhich is your reasonable service. THE end of all true religion is, to bring men to God. From him they have fallen, and to him must they be restored. Whatever instructio…
329 wordsSECTION 4314G8 Romans, Xii. 1. . [1904.
for our whole selves) a living sacrifice unto the Lord ;" that is, we should, with the full concurrence of our inmost souls, devote ourselves to God, 1. To fulfil his will— [We must not strain a metaphor too far. The sacrifices under the law were intended to make atonement for sin : but this is no part of our off…
493 wordsSECTION 4321904.] Devotedness To God Recommended. 469
or reputation, or liberty, are to be welcomed by us, and gloried in, as means of honouring and glorifying our incarnate Godp. In a word, " we should neither live unto ourselves, nor die unto ourselves ; but live and die unto God only ; so that, both living and dying, we may be the Lord's h."] But let us mark more …
436 wordsSECTION 433470 Romans, Xii. 1. [1904.
when presented by ungodly worshippers, who relied on them for acceptance, whilst they lived in wilful sink. A heart filled with gratitude to him, and devoted to his service, was " more than thousands of rams or ten thousands of rivers of oil ' : and every act of obedience proceeding from faith and love, is in his …
475 wordsSECTION 434Against Conformity To The World.
him, "rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer for his sake." Thus shall the end of all God's mercies to you be duly answered, and his glory be advanced in your everlasting salvation.] Rom. xii. 2. Be not conformed to this world: but be ye trans- formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may 'prove what i…
329 wordsSECTION 435472 Romans, Xii. 2. [1905.
necessity be as opposite to ours as darkness is to light b. By forming a connexion with such persons, what can be expected but that we should be enticed to imitate their conduct? And though we commit no flagrant evil, we are assured, that while we are walking according to the course of this world, we walk after th…
448 wordsSECTION 4361905.1 Against Conformity To The World. 473
II. Wherein consists that transformation of soul that is opposed to it — The Christian is " a new creature ; old things are passed away ; and all things are become new :" ac- cording to the proficiency he has made, he conforms himself to, 1. Other principles — [The worldly man knows no higher principle than self…
408 wordsSECTION 437474 Romans, Xii. 2. [1905.
his own," and that consequently he " ought not to live unto himself, but unto him that died for him." He feels that, if in any thing he consult merely his own honour or interest, he so far withholds from God the honour due unto his name; and therefore he labours to comply with that divine injunction, " Whether ye …
406 wordsSECTION 4381905.] Against Conformity To The World. 475
talents committed to us : nor can we doubt but that the tokens of God's approbation that we shall receive, shall be propor- tioned to the sacrifices we have made, and the exertions we have used in his service0.] 3. Beneficial to man — [It is usually supposed that a compliance with the direc- tions in the text wou…
449 wordsSECTION 439Sobriety Of Mind Enjoined.
the world1. As obedient children, " fashion yourselves in no respect according to your former lusts in your ignorance, but as he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation"."] 1 Gal. vi. 14. u 1 Pet. i. 14, 15. Rom. xii. 3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man tha…
339 wordsSECTION 4401906.] Sobriety Of Mind Enjoined. 477
/hat, not for their own aggrandizement, but for the benefit of the Church to which they belonged. It should seem that these gifts were put forth by a special exercise of faith ; and that persons were en- abled to exercise them at those seasons, and in those degrees to which they were prompted by a special communi…
416 wordsSECTION 441478 Romans, Xii. 3. [1906.
themselves like a poor publican, but that they may justly expect from God some peculiar favour on account of their own inherent righteousness. This was the habit of the Apostle's mind, previous to his conversion ; and it is that which is at this day the greatest obstacle to the conversion of thousands. Even spirit…
441 wordsSECTION 4421906.] Sobriety Of Mind Enjoined. 479
This is marked with very peculiar force in the passage before us. In the preceding verses, where the Apostle had exhorted the Roman converts to piety in a general view, he had addressed them as " Brethren" and used the language of entreaty ; but in the text, where he particularizes the duty of hu- mility, he assu…
421 wordsSECTION 443180 Romans, Xii. 3. [1906.
[It is an insult to God to make his gifts a pedestal for the exaltation of self. You will remember, that he complains of his people of old, because they appropriated his corn, and his wine, and his oil," to the honouring of others who were his rivals in their esteem k. And this is the very thing which every man do…
518 wordsSECTION 4441907.] Christians Ahe Members Of One Body. 481
your talents be improved for God, they will bring from him a recompence proportioned to the increase r. Thus, both here and in the eternal world, will you be gainers, if with meekness and modesty you employ for God the blessings he has imparted to you. To every one, then, that is among you, I say,] 1. Consider you…
348 wordsSECTION 4454S2 Romans, Xii. 4—8. [1907.
Rom. xii. 4 — 8. As we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office : so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of …
456 wordsSECTION 4461907.] Christians Are Members Of One Body. 483
severally as he will*." On the other hand, they who have the lowest office have no reason for discontent : for they, in their place, are as necessary to the perfection of the whole, as any other member whatever. If they have a lower office than others, they have comparatively less responsibility : and, if they dis…
800 wordsSECTION 4471907. I Christians Are Members Oe One Body. 485
But our view of this relation will answer no good end, unless we attend to, II. The duties arising from it — The offices mentioned in our text, were, if not wholly, yet in a measure distinct, in the apostolic age. There were two great leading offices ; the " prophesying," or preaching of the word of Godf; and " …
513 wordsSECTION 448486 Romans, Xii. 4—8. [1907.
we may meet with, we must " not faint or be weary in well doing," but, " by patient continuance in it," approve ourselves faithful unto death. Sometimes the difficulties will arise from one quarter, and sometimes from another : sometimes they will assume the garb of humility, and make us pretend unfitness for the …
509 wordsSECTION 449Christian Duties To God And Man Explained.
-r 1908.] " in love ;" and, as the Apostle says, " Let all your things be done with charity." If it be said, that to practise this is difficult ; true, it is so ; yea, and impossible to those who know not their relation to Christ, and to one another : but to those who look to Christ as their living Head, and who…
380 wordsSECTION 450488 Romans, Xii. 9—12. [1908.
because, if by means of it we lose somewhat in point of distinctness, that loss will be more than supplied by the light which they will mutually reflect on each other, and the force that will be derived from a com- bination of them all. The Apostle here states the Christian's duties, I. In general — [We must " a…
457 wordsSECTION 4511908.] Christian Duties To God And Man. 489
purpose, " not counting our lives dear to us, so that we may but fulfil the will of God, and finish our course with joyd." To every one who would draw us from the path of duty, we must make this reply, " Whether it be right to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but do what we know to be h…
447 wordsSECTION 452490 Romans, Xii. 9—12. [190S.
Now then we call upon you, brethren, to shew forth this fruit of the grace ye have received. This is the kind of love, and this the measure, which you are to manifest towards all the children of God : and in proportion only as you manifest it, have you any evidence that you belong to Christh. " If you love him tha…
461 wordsSECTION 4531908.1 Christian Duties To God And Man. 491
calling upon him continually for mercy, and for grace to help you in the time of need. This is the direction given you in our text ; you are to be " rejoicing in hope, patient in tribula- tion, continuing instant in prayer." You are " never to faint or be weary in well-doing ;" but to take the promises of God as y…
463 wordsSECTION 454Sympathy Recommended.
hates, and walking in all things as Christ walked : see it uniting in the bonds of tenderest love the whole family of Christ : see it stirring up every member of that family to activity in all the duties of his place and station, that none shall have any fault to find against him, or any negligence to lay to his c…
363 wordsSECTION 4551909.] Sympathy Recommended. 493
made our own : we should " rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep." That this grace may be more cultivated amongst us, we will endeavour to shew, I. The nature and extent of Christian sympathy — Sympathy is that feeling of the mind whereby wre enter into the concerns of others as if they wer…
404 wordsSECTION 456494 Romans, Xii. 15. [1909.
will of course heighten our feelings, and more exquisite sen- sations will be excited in us by the sight of a suffering saint, who is as a member of Christ's bodyd, than would be called forth towards one who stood in no such relation to Christ, yet our compassion should be deep and tender towards all. The good Sam…
500 wordsSECTION 4571909. ] Sympathy Recommended. 495
of their sins, which have grown up unto heaven, and are a load upon their conscience too heavy for them to bear ? How should we pant after an opportunity to make known to them the glad tidings of salvation through a crucified Redeemer; that so we may " give unto them the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of…
448 wordsSECTION 458496 Romans, Xii. 15. [1909.
the shining of the sun, the verdure of the fields, the cheerful aspect of the different tribes and orders of the animal creation, all diffuse a peace and serenity through his mind, and draw- forth into exercise the principles of benevolence within him. The comforts also with which the various classes of his fellow-…
497 wordsSECTION 4591909.] Sympathy Recommended. 497
want of such stirrings, would have languished, is resuscitated ; and oil is poured, as it were, upon the flame.] But these things are rather matters of experience than of abstract discussion : to be known and understood, they must be felt.] 3. To the Church at large — [Where these amiable feelings are displayed i…
454 wordsSECTION 460498 Romans, Xii. 15. [1909.
high : his convictions are only intellectual ; and they can never be productive of what is spiritual. Even in their moral effects they operate to but a small extent : but, in respect of spiritual sympathy, they bear no fruit at all. O, brethren, see from hence how poor and defective that religion is which generall…
512 wordsSECTION 461Overcoming Evil With Good.
Rom. xii. 21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. THE writings of the Old Testament exhibit a system of morals incomparably superior to any that was ever promulgated by the wisest philosophers. In extent it equals the New Testament. It is quite a mistake to say that our Lord inculcated sublimer …
332 wordsSECTION 462500 Romans, Xii. 21. [1910.
together for his people's good :" our faith has failed, and we are overcome. Suppose the injury done to us has irritated and inflamed our minds, so that we give way to anger and impatience : then also we are overcome ; because we ought to " possess our souls in patience0," and to " let patience have its perfect wo…
479 wordsSECTION 4631 910. J Overcoming Evil With Good. 501
David's repeated exercises of forbearance and kindness towards him constrained him to confess his own wickedness, and the distinguished excellence of the person whom he persecutedk. Such a victory as that is greater than the most successful warrior could ever boast : and we should aim at similar con- quests : we s…
427 wordsSECTION 464502 Romans, Xii. 21. [1910.
world, and his people with one voice had put him to death, still, so far from bearing resentment against them in his heart, he, after he had risen from the dead, commanded that his Gospel should be preached first of all in that city where he had been crucified, and that the offers of salvation should be first made…
454 wordsSECTION 4651911.1 Duty To Civil Governors. 503
purpose, if he were not allowed to exercise it in the support of virtue and the punishment of vice11. Parents, masters, ministers, must exercise the authority committed to them. It is the vindictive disposition that is forbidden, and the unwearied exercise of love that is inculcated ] 2. Enforce it — [Many argume…
382 wordsSECTION 466504 Romans, Xiii. 1—7. [1911.
Rom. xiii. 1 — 7. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God : and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good wor…
458 wordsSECTION 4671911. J Duty To Civil Governors. 505
they should indeed be found enemies to the govern- ment under which they lived, they would furnish the heathen with an unanswerable argument against them, and would, in fact, arm all the civil powers for their destruction. On the other hand, if the Christians at Rome should shew themselves peaceable and obedient …
393 wordsSECTION 468506 Romans, Xiii. 1—7. [1911.
into their hands. They are to be "a terror to the workers of iniquity," and " not to bear the sword in vain :" but to all others they are " ministers for good," protecting them in the peaceful enjoyment of every earthly blessing. Would we conceive aright of the benefits we derive from our govern- ment, let us imag…
444 wordsSECTION 4691911.1 Duty To Civil Governors. 507
ears, than their own : that, for what they do they may have many reasons, which we are not acquainted with : that, if in any thing they err, it may be with the best intentions. In a word, we should form the most favourable judgment of all that they do, and give them credit for their motives, where we cannot altoge…
484 wordsSECTION 470508 Romans, Xiii. 1—7. [1911.
3. To support his office — [Where power is vested for the public good, there must also expense be, to defray the charges of the dignity attached to it. All the functions of government also must of necessity be attended with expense, which the public of course must support. Hence there must be taxes of different ki…
457 wordsSECTION 4711911. J Duty To Civil Governors. 509
1. Be thankful for the constitution under which you live — [It is generally agreed by those who have studied the constitution of Britain, that it is the most perfect of any upon earth. In no other state under heaven is there a greater mea- sure of liberty combined with the same measure of security and strength. T…
472 wordsSECTION 472The Nearness Of Salvation A Motive To Diligence.
extend also to the life to come. " Be strong, therefore, and very courageous to observe and do all that he commands q." Honour him in your hearts : labour to advance also his in- terests in the world : account no sacrifice painful that he requires at your hands : but " be ready, if need be, to lay down your lives …
327 wordsSECTION 4731912.] Salvation A Motive To Diligence. 511
cable to himself e ? In truth, there are seasons, even with the best of men, when the divine life comparatively lan- guishes within them, and when " the things which remain in them are in appearance at least ready to dief This may arise from different causes: sometimes from " the cares of this world" pressing upon…
429 wordsSECTION 474512 Romans, Xiii. 11. [1912.
gained without much exertion, much less is a heavenly crown : " the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence ; and the violent take it hy force0." But " there is a rest remaining for youp;" and that rest is now very near at hand. Look then at the racer in his course : does not the thought of his having nearly finished…
429 wordsSECTION 475Vigilance Prescribed.
Rom. xiii. 12. The night is far .spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off' the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. IT is the distinguished privilege of man that he is able to bring to his recollection things that are past, and to anticipate future events, so as to give them a kin…
375 wordsSECTION 476514 Romans, Xiii. 12. [1913.
true light; and because the empire of sin will be eternally destroyed. Now this " night is far spent, and the day is at hand." Considering how short the time is that is allotted us on earth, this may be spoken in reference to those who are even in the bloom of life. Twenty or thirty years cut off from the short s…
484 wordsSECTION 477Putting On The Lord Jesus Christ.
power. Besides, much of the time allotted for the performing of it, is spent already; and that which remains must be short, and may be terminated in an hour. Is it not " high time then that we should awake out of sleepc?" Should we not begin without an hour's delay, and " work with all our might ? " Yes ; let us a…
355 wordsSECTION 478L L 2
516 ROMANS, XIII. Ik [1914. when surrounded by an immense multitude of people who pressed upon him for instruction, began his dis- course with a solemn warning to his more immediate Disciples, to " beware of hypocrisy a." And on an- other occasion he said to them, " Take heed to your- selves, lest at any time you…
351 wordsSECTION 4791914.] Putting On The Lord Jesus Christ. 517
inculcating faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ; whose righteousness we ought to put on daily, as that robe wherein alone a sinner can stand in the presence of his God. But, though this is our duty, yet it is not the duty that is here inculcated. The meaning of the Apostle is, that we should put on the graces of the …
428 wordsSECTION 480518 Romans, Xiii. 14. [1914.
but committed himself to Him that judge th righteously k." Beloved brethren, set the Lord Jesus Christ before you in these respects. See what lamentable evils prevail, both in the Church and in the world, through the want of these heavenly dispositions. Verily, the different Churches of Chris- tendom, yea, and alm…
418 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.