PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 16 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 269,554 words · 584 reading sections
62 1 Corinthians, Ii. 6. [1936.
" receiving every thing out of the fuhiess " that is treasured up for him in Christ. Could he have the desire of his soul, he would be " holy as God himself is holy," and " perfect as his Father which is in heaven is perfect." Hence, when he finds in the Gospel every thing that he stands in need of, wisdom for the…
424 wordsSECTION 621936.] Wisdom Of The Gospel. C)3
man, but in the power of God\ Now, in this he has set us an example which we ought carefully to follow. We greatly err, if we hope by any meretricious ornaments to embellish the Gospel of Christ. That appears most beautiful, when it is exhibited most simply in its own native form. The whole world would in vain att…
585 wordsSECTION 631937.]] Mysteriousness Of The Gospel. 65
1 Cor. ii. 7. We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery. AMONGST persons of intelligence, nothing is so highly esteemed as wisdom. And well may it be preferred to every other attainment ; because it ele- vates its possessor in the scale of being, and assimi- lates him to the highest order of finite intelligences. E…
672 wordsSECTION 6466 1 Corinthians, Ii. 7. [1937.
But, to get a clearer insight into the mystery of the Gospel, let us notice, II. The comprehensiveness of its provisions — Nothing in it is wanting that can contribute to, i. The honour of God — [Were the Gospel at all deficient in this view, it would be impossible for God to approve of it. But there is not a per…
424 wordsSECTION 651937.] Mysteriousness Of The Gospel. 67
Supposing man to be informed that God had de- signs of mercy towards him, in what way would he expect it to be exercised ? He would look for it, 1. In a way of mere gratuitous forgiveness — [He would never once have the remotest idea of an atone- ment. It would appear in his eyes a perfect absurdity. In fact, it …
479 wordsSECTION 6668 1 Corinthians, Ii. 7. [1937.
communicated from above, appears to him to be an enthusi- astic conceit, unworthy of a sober mind. In short, every part of the Gospel salvation, whether as bringing us to God or fitting us for the enjoyment of him, is the very reverse of what the natural man would either suggest or approve. It cannot even be under…
440 wordsSECTION 671938.] Ignorance Of The Gospel, Fatal. 69
Thus we trust that the Gospel, however despised by an un- godly world, is justly entitled to the appellation given it in our text, " The wisdom of God in a mystery."] See, then, from hence, 1. What is the office of a minister — [It is to proclaim " the glorious Gospel of the blessed God." We are to " speak the wi…
349 wordsSECTION 6870 1 Corinthians, Ii. 8. [1938.
1 Cor. ii. 8. Had they known it, they vmuld not have crucified the Lord of Glory. IT has been supposed, that there is such a tran- scendent excellence in virtue, that if it were em- bodied upon earth, it would be universally revered and honoured. But virtue has been embodied in the person of God's only dear Son ;…
393 wordsSECTION 691938J Ignorance Of The Gospel, Fatal. 71
was shadowed forth in all their sacrifices, yet could they not comprehend the purposes of God which were revealed to them. They had the moral law, but knew not its spirituality and extent : they had the ceremonial law, but knew not its typical import : they had the prophecies, but knew not in what way they were to…
480 wordsSECTION 7072 1 Corinthians, Ii. 8. [1938.
known, and its truths so faithfully promulgated, as some would assert ? A taper would attract no notice by day ; but it is seen at a gi-eat distance at night, by reason of the surround- ing darkness : and, for the same reason, even a very slender exhibition of the Gospel, which would have passed unnoticed in the a…
490 wordsSECTION 711938.1 Ignorance Of The Gospel, Fatal. 73
what wilt thou have me to do ^ ? " and a life of entire devoted- ness to his service must of necessity ensue.] Can we wonder then at, III. Its fatal issue — It was, to the Jews who continued impenitent, of the most fatal consequence — [Doubtless their ignorance did in some respects extenuate, but it could by no …
422 wordsSECTION 7274 1 Corinthians, 11. 8. [1938.
wonders of love and mercy contained in it, are confident, in their own minds, that they have nothing to fear : and hence they continue in " the broad road that leadeth to destruction," without ever thinking of their impending fate, till they drop into perdition. A fact which a pious writer records, as seen by hims…
462 wordsSECTION 731938.] Ignorance Of The Gospel, Fatal. 75
it. I need not say, in this place', how eagerly knowledge is sought, in the hopes of promoting men's future advancement in life : and shall that knowledge be neglected which has so inti- mate a connexion with your happiness through eternity ? I mean not to detract from the importance of human sciences : but I must…
468 wordsSECTION 74The Gospel A Stupendous Mystery.
with joy ; and " rejoice that you are counted worthy to bear it for his sake." You may suppose that you may disarm the maUce of the world by the blamelessness of your conduct. But the more you resemble Christ in your conduct, the more will you be called to suffer for his sake. Open as his character and disposition…
388 wordsSECTION 751939.1 The Gospel A Stupendous Mystery. 77
conception^. To the same purpose the Apostle cites them in our text. He is speaking of the Gospel as " foolishness" indeed to the natural man, but as in reality the most stupendous display of the Divine wisdom; such as had never before been seen, or heard, or thought of, from the foundation of the vs^orld^ ; and …
391 wordsSECTION 7678 1 Corinthians, Ii. 9, 10. [1939.
thought of it ever entered into the mind of man, till it was revealed to man by the Spirit of God : it was far out of the reach of human reason to declare, how God should be just, and yet the justifier of sinful men. Even a future state of existence was rather guessed at than fully ascertained; and the nature of t…
397 wordsSECTION 771939.1 The Gospel A Stupendous Mystery. 79
tliey were assured of, in any case, was, rather an exemption from punishment by the civil magistrate, than an everhisting remission of their sins by God himself: so dark, even in this respect, was the dispensation under which they lived.] 3. The real blessedness of his people could not be duly estimated by them — …
393 wordsSECTION 7880 1 Corinthians, Ii. 9, 10. [1939.
yea, justice glorified in the way of mercy, and mercy in the way of justice, and truth and righteousness in all. Yes verily, " the whole glory of the Godhead now shines before us in the face of Jesus Christ^."] 2. The mysterious plan of redemption also is now fully opened — [We are introduced, if we may so speak,…
470 wordsSECTION 791939.] The Gospel A Stupendous Mystery. 81
Say, Did ever any child of man, even among the Jews, foresee such things as these ? Did even the highest archangel ever form any adequate conception of them, before they were revealed to the Christian Church ? No : they were hid from angels, as well as men'*; and the angels are made wiser by the revelation of them…
440 wordsSECTION 8082 1 Corinthians, Ii. 10. [1940.
thoughts in your hearts, know assuredly that the God of this world hath blinded your eyes, and that " you are in darkness even until now." Were you of the happy number of the Lord's people, it would have " been given you to behold the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven :" but " if you see them not, it is because y…
325 wordsSECTION 811940.] The Deep Things Of God. 83
1 Cor. ii. 10. The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. IN the verse immediately preceding our text, which is a citation from the Propliet Isaiah, there is a re- markable difference between the words, as uttered by the Prophet, and as cited by the Apostle. The Apostle quotes only so much as w…
431 wordsSECTION 82S4 1 Corinthians, Ii. 10. [1940.
In these words we are led to contemplate tJie pro- vince of the Holy Spirit in relation to the great mystery of redemption ; to contemplate it, I say, I. As exercised by him in reference to God — He " searcheth the deep things of God :" he searcheth, 1. The eternal pmposes of his grace — [From all eternity did G…
892 wordsSECTION 8386 1 Corinthians, 11. 10. [1940.
But as the Holy Spirit, in the exercise of this office, has respect to us, it will be proper for us to contem- plate it, •^ Isai. xlix. 5. "= Exod. xiv. 17. '' Exod. xv. 6. e Lev. X. 2. '" llev. xvi. 5 — 7. and xix. 2. s 2 Thess. i. 10. •> Matt, xxii. 1-2. II. As exercised by him in reference to us — " He search…
506 wordsSECTION 841940.] The Deep Things Of God. 87
knowledge of Christ";" and must " all be taught of GodP," before we can " know the things that have been freely given to us of God^." Let me then recommend, that, whenever you open the inspired volume, you lift up your hearts to him, and say, " Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.…
500 wordsSECTION 8588 1 Corinthians, Il 1^, 13. [1941.
be obeyed by our children and our servants, though they do not know all the objects we have in view when we issue our commands. We expect them to give us credit for ordering only what is wise and good ; and to take for granted, rather than delibei-ate upon, the wisdom of our commands. And what we expect of others,…
394 wordsSECTION 861941.] Influences Of The Spirit. 89
1 Cor. ii. 12,13. Now loe have received, not the spirit of the world, hut the Spirit which is of God; that we might knoto the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also tve speak, not in the words which mans ivisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spi…
404 wordsSECTION 8790 1 Corinthians, Ii. 12, 13. [1941.
But how is he himself to obtain the knowledge of it ?— [He must " receive it, not from the spirit of the world, but from the Spirit of God." It is itself altogether foreign to all that the world either cultivates or admires. It is not within the power of human intellect to comprehend it ; or of human investigatio…
652 wordsSECTION 8890 1 Corinthians, Ii. 12, 13. [1941.
It is not by the power of human eloquence that he must prevail — [Human eloquence is good in its place : but it can add nothing to the truth of God. On the contrary, it rather takes from the power of God's word, than adds any thing to it ; just as any efforts of man to augment by paint the brilliancy of a diamond…
799 wordsSECTION 8990 1 Corinthians, Ii. 12, 13. [1941.
*■ Acts ii. 30, 37. g Acts x. 43, 44. 1942.] THE NATURAL MAN's IGNORANCE. 93 corresponding with the truths themselves ; that is, a feeling of humiUation, or confidence, or joy, as the subject itself may require. Perhaps we may understand the matter yet more clearly, if we refer to the illustration before used, of …
375 wordsSECTION 90Mdccccxlii.
THE NATURAL MAn's IGNORANCE OF DIVINE THINGS. 1 Cor. ii. 14. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Sj)irit of God : for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he knoio them, because they are spiritually discerned. CHRISTIANITY, as far as relates to its provi- sions, is founded on the necessities of m…
968 wordsSECTION 9196 1 Corinthians, Ii. 14. [1942.
discernment. It is the Spirit of God alone that can supply us with those qualities of mind which will rectify the defects of our visual organs: but when he does supply them, then, in proportion as they are communicated, will be the clearness of our sight. We again say, that we do not bring this as a 2)erfect illus…
787 wordsSECTION 9298 1 Corinthians, Ii. 14. [1942.
Humiliating, no doubt, this declaration is: never- theless it is one which we shall do well, III. To improve — We may learn from it — 1. How to appreciate divine knowledge — [Valuable as human knowledge is, it bears no comparison with that which is divine. So superior is " the excellency of the knowledge of Chri…
588 wordsSECTION 93Advantages Of The Spiritual Man.
of all around us : " it is a light that is to be set on a candlestick, and not to be hid under a bushel." If then, through the dis- tinguishing grace of God, we have been called to the knowledge of the truth, it becomes us to " shine as lights m the world," and so to " hold forth the word of life," that others may …
359 wordsSECTION 94100 1 Corinthians, Ii. 15, 16. [1943.
Of these latter the Apostle speaks in the words which I have just read ; which will lead me to set before you, I. The advantage which the spiritual man enjoys above all others — " He judges all things" — [Of course, we must understand this observation as relat- ing to those things only which come properly before…
456 wordsSECTION 951943.]] Advantages Of The Spiritual Man. 101
the Divine favour in his soul. It is by that alone that he can obtain " the witness of the Spirit," or " the earnest of the Spirit," or " the sealing of the Spirit," which are necessary to elevate his soul above all earthly things : as the Apostle has said ; " This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our…
480 wordsSECTION 96Wisdom.
he certainly has not. But a new 'perception he has': and by means of that he is enabled to judge of these things a.? thev are. At the same time, he himself is judged of no man ; because no natural man does view things as they are ; he never takes eternity sufficiently into his account: if he did, he would see, at …
446 wordsSECTION 971943. 1 Advantages Of The Spiritual Man. 103
soul by the Spirit of God: as St. Paul has said, " God hatli given him the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of his Son'." Nay, "he is himself one spirit with Christ V' and " has in him the very mind that was in Christ^." He has, " according to the measure of the gift of Christ," the very " law of G…
500 wordsSECTION 98104 1 Corinthians, Iii. 5—7. [1944.
2. Study diligently the mind of God in his word — {^That, as we have observed, is the one only standard either for faith or practice ; and from that alone can the mind of God be ascertained. Though the Spirit is necessary for your guidance into truth, it is only by and through the word that he will instruct you. H…
297 wordsSECTION 991944.1 Undue Partiality To Ministers Reproved. 105
tJNDUE PARTIALITY TO MINISTERS REPROVED. 1 Cor. iii. 5 — 7. Who then is Paul, and who isApollos, hut minis- ters hy tvhom ye believed, evefi as the Lord gave to every man? J have planted, Apollos ivatered ; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that ivatereth ; but Go…
477 wordsSECTION 100Tt 1 • • •
tliat " faith shall come by hearing :" and where no minister is sent to till the ground, there is one great desert, in which no plant of righteousness is found, no real goodness exists. The land uncultivated brings forth nothing but briers and thorns. Human learnmg, to whatever extent it be carried, can produce no…
404 wordsSECTION 1011914.] Undue Partiality To Ministers Reproved. 107
[We are apt to idolize those from whose ministry we have derived benefit to our souls. From their labours we expect a blessing which we scarcely hope to derive from any other quarter ; and a secret dissatisfaction arises in our minds, if, at any time, his place be occupied by a less-favoured mini- ster. We forget …
499 wordsSECTION 102108 1 Corinthians, Iii. 5—7. [1944.
Let me found on this subject, 1. Some matter of inquiry — [What benefit have you received from all the labours of your minister? Are there not many who are as ignorant and as worldly as if they had never heard the Gospel at all ? You can bear me witness, that, from the beginning, " I have never known any thing am…
422 wordsSECTION 103Christ The Only Foundation.
1 Cor. iil. 11. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, ivhich is Jesus Christ. THERE is not any thing more injurious to the Church of God than a party-spirit : yet even in the apostohc age did it begin to distract the Christian community. At Corinth it prevailed, and rose to an alarming height : and S…
312 wordsSECTION 104110 1 Corinthians, Iii. 11. [1945.
2. Their own works and Christ's merits united — [Many, who see that their own works cannot justify them according to the strict tenour of the law, yet hope that they will, according to the milder demands of the Gospel. If they see that these will not suffice, they will look to Christ to supply their deficiencies. …
427 wordsSECTION 1051945.] Christ The Only Foundation. Hi
is the foundation laid in the covenant of graced. The same is laid in all the promises ^^. The same was exhibited in all the types'. The same is laid also in the Gospel'^. We are ex- pressly told that there is no other^ Nor indeed can there be any other to all eternity.] The necessity of building upon this will ap…
440 wordsSECTION 106112 1 Corinthians, Iii. 11. [1945.
that is commanded us, at least, nothing perfectly, or as we ought to have done it? Surely such an hope would soon appear to be a foundation of sand ; and would infallibly dis- appoint us to our eternal ruin. Yea, the very persons who build on such a foundation, almost invariably deny, that any man can be assured o…
471 wordsSECTION 107Mdccccxlvi.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THOSE WHO BUILD UPON THE TRUE FOUNDATION. 1 Cor. iii, 12 — 15. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, ivood, hay, stubble ; every mans work shall be made manifest : for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire ; and thejire shall try every ma…
284 wordsSECTION 108114 1 Corinthians, Iii. 12—15. [1946.
Among the persons who rely on Christ as their only hope, there is a great diversity hoth of sentiment and action. This is intimated by the different images under which their conduct is represented in the text. There are some whose actions may be compared to " wood, and hay, and stubble" — [There were in the apost…
431 wordsSECTION 1091946. ] Building On The True Foundation. 115
resided'', or rather, to that more glorious temple wherein he dwells invisible to mortal eyes*^.] That we may be stimulated to care and diligence in these things, let us consider, II. The importance of erecting such an edifice as will be approved of by God — This is set forth by the Apostle in very awful and app…
396 wordsSECTION 110Iig 1 Corinthians, 111. 16—17. [1947.
services, so far from increasing our reward, will diminish it. The person who has " added grace to grace with holy zeal and diligence, will have an entrance ministered unto him abim- dantly into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour'^." On the other hand, they whose spirit is less agreeable to the mind of God, will …
351 wordsSECTION 111Mdccccxlvii.
THE DANGER OF DEFILING GOD's TEMPLE. 1 Cor. iii. 16, 17. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God divellefh in you ? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy ; for the temple of God is holy, tvhich temple ye are. EVERY passion of the human mind should be called forth…
472 wordsSECTION 112118 1 Corinthl\Ns, Iii. 16,17. [1947.
II. The declaration founded upon it — God denounces the heaviest judgments against those who abuse this privilege — [He would not suffer any unclean person to enter into his temple of old, however free he might be from moral pollution, or however ignorantly he might have contracted his ceremonial defilementf'. Th…
655 wordsSECTION 113118 1 Corinthl\Ns, Iii. 16,17. [1947.
[As to be visited by an earthly monarch would be a higher honour than to be admitted into his palace, so to have God dwelling in our hearts on earth is even a higher honour than to be admitted into his temple above. Shall we not then be solicitous to obtain it ? when God has designed that we should even know ourse…
260 wordsSECTION 114The Means Of Attaining True Wisdom.
If some truths are revealed for the confirming of our stability, others are intended to create within us a holy jealousy. In- stead therefore of attempting to invalidate the declaration before us, let us flee from those defilements which alone can make it formidable. Let us maintain that purity of heart which God …
362 wordsSECTION 1151948.] Means Of Attaining True Wisdom. 121
purposes for which they were originally given ? To this we answer, that man does not want any new faculty, but only a new direction to the faculties he already possesses. We have a film upon the organs of vision, which needs to be removed : and for this end we must go to him who has said to us, " I counsel thee t…
330 wordsSECTION 116V22 1 Corinthians, Iii. 18. [1948.
day and hour. How differently will men argue on the most common subjects, and yet with equal con- fidence of the truth of their opinions ! How will those very arguments, which, under the influence of vanity, or interest, or passion, once seemed to a man unanswerable, afterwards appear to him frivolous in the extr…
370 wordsSECTION 1171948.] Means Of Attaining True Wisdom. 123
Spirit. Men who have a high opinion of their own reason, are ever ready to bring the word of God to their bar, and to pass judgment on it as true or false, according as it agrees with, or opposes, their own preconceived opinions. They are not contented to let reason judge, whether the revelation itself be from Go…
381 wordsSECTION 118124 1 Corinthians, Iii. 18. [1948.
Now it must be confessed, that this is humiliating to our proud reason ; and that it is difficult for those who " seem wise in this world," to condescend to receive instruction in such a way. But we shall find, that the Apostle's direction, if duly considered, may be vindicated (as we are in the next place to shew…
358 wordsSECTION 1191948.] Means Of Attaining True Wisdom. 125
that " by wisdom they knew not God^" But we will wave this advantage, and take the instance of St. Paul, who had the Scriptures in his hands, who was educated under the most eminent teacher of his day, and who had made a proficiency in biblical learning beyond any of his own age. With these helps, we might well e…
372 wordsSECTION 120126 1 Corinthians, Iii. 18. [1948.
passages that have been adduced, declare at least as much as they have been brought to estabhsh ? How much more they affirm, we shall not now inquire : but that they shew the fallibility of our reason in things relating to God, and the propriety of submit- ing our reason to the teaching of God's word and Spirit, …
369 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.