PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 16 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 269,554 words · 584 reading sections
394 2 Corinthians, I. 3, 4. [1998.
I. His representation of the Deity — In the Old Testament, Jehovah was known as *' the God of Abraham ;" but in the New Testament, he is exhibited mider a yet more endearing character, as " the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." Observe here, 1. His relation to C…
424 wordsSECTION 3621998.] Trials And Consolations Useful. 395
may be found in him to the utmost extent of our necessities. Nothing but mercy properly flows from him: "judgment is his strange act," which is never called forth, till mercy has been as it were exhausted. Judgments are his servants ; but mercies are his children, in whom is all his delight*^. As for comfort, he i…
441 wordsSECTION 363396 2 Corinthians, I. 3, 4. [1998.
indeed in a more abundant measure than others; but every faithful minister in his measure experiences the same. Who that is zealous for his God does not incur the hatred of an ungodly world ? Who that has long ministered in holy things has not had occasion to deplore the fall of some, the apostasy of others, and t…
428 wordsSECTION 3641998.] Trials And Consolations Useful. 397
The design of God in these dispensations was in a more especial manner an occasion of gratitude to his soul. He felt that by this his diversified experi- ence, he was better fitted for the discharge of his high office, and better quahfied to comfort his afflicted brethren. By it, 1. He was better qualified to com…
431 wordsSECTION 365398 2 Corinthians, I. 3, 4. [1998.
" turned out rather to the furtherance of the Gospel : for his bonds in Christ being manifest in all the imperial palace, and in all other places, many of his brethren, waxing confident by his bonds, were so much the more bold to speak the word without fear""." Thus, though he was bound, " the word of God was not …
452 wordsSECTION 3661999.1 Testimony Of A Good Conscience. 399
[Make the improvement of them which the Apostle did ; Bless God for them ; and improve them for the good of others. Have you by your own experience found God to be " a Father of mercies, and a God of all comfort?" acknowledge him under this blessed character, and commend him to all for the instruc- tion and comfor…
266 wordsSECTION 367400 2 Corinthians, I. 12. [1999-
2 Cor. i. 12. Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our con- science, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, 7iot withjleshly wisdom, hut by the grace of God, we have had our conversa- tion in the world. GREATLY as the Apostle merited the admiration of all, there was not any thing which he did that was not mad…
499 wordsSECTION 3681999.] Testimony Of A Good Conscience. 401
And we in like manner, whether we proceed in an uniform tenour, or diversify our conduct according to existing circum- stances, should exclude every other consideration from our minds: "we should choose only the things that will please"^" and glorify our God.] 2. In the means by which he prosecutes his ends — [He…
472 wordsSECTION 369402 2 Corinthians, I. 12. [1999.
II. What evidence we should have, that it is such as God requires — Men can judge only of acts, and can ascertain principles no farther than they are illustrated by the outward fruits produced by them. The inward mo- tives and dispositions of the mind can be discerned only by ourselves, and by God, who searcheth …
397 wordsSECTION 3701999.] Testimony Of A Good Conscience. 403
upon iny soul, that, to spare you, I came not as yet unto Corinth^" But in the Epistle to the Romans we have a more remarkable instance. It was supposed by the Jews, that the Apostle's love to the Gentiles necessarily argued a want of love towards his brethren of the Jewish nation : and he, in order to silence for…
450 wordsSECTION 371404 2 Corinthians, I. 12. [1999.
to find fault with them. Every thing they do is made an occasion of reproach to them. Whether they more affect the austerity of John, or the ease and famiHarity of Jesus, whether they pipe or mourn, they are equally condemned ^ As for the reasons of their conduct, or the truth of the reports that are circulated re…
479 wordsSECTION 3721999. J Testimony Ok A Good Conscience. 405
may give a sentence of approbation wliere tlie severest con- demnation is due^. If not itself regulated according to the Scriptures of truth, it will be a false guide and a deceitful comforter ] 2. Consult it daily as in the presence of God — [Inquire into its records of the past, and seek its direction for the f…
416 wordsSECTION 373Mm.
THE churchman's CONFESSION, OR AN APPEAL TO THE LITURGY. 2 Cor. i. 13. TFe write none other things tmto you, than tchat ye read or acknoioledge. AS the testimony of one's own conscience is the strongest support under false accusations, so an ap- peal to the consciences of others is the most effectual means of re…
683 wordsSECTION 374408 2 Corinthians, I. 13. [2000.
Permit me then to state what we declare respecting the first of these points, Our lost estate. We declare, that every man is a sinner before God : that both the actions and the hearts of men are de- praved : that whatever difference there may be be- tween one and another with respect to open sin, there is no diff…
745 wordsSECTION 375410 2 Corinthians, I. 13. [2000.
s Eccl. ix. t3. ^ Rom. viii. 7. ' Job xl. 4. I' Eph. ii. 3. and Tit. iii. 3. who implore help and direction from their God with an earnestness at all proportioned to the urgency of their case ! Is it inquired, wherein we have so greatly erred ? Our own acknowledgments contain the most satis- factory reply : " We…
740 wordsSECTION 376410 2 Corinthians, I. 13. [2000.
I" Rom. vii. 18. " Isai. i. .'>, G. " Acts xx. 21. il2 2 CORINTHIANS, I. 13. [2000. have merited : we must cry to him for deHverance from it, as Peter cried for preservation from the waves, " Save, Lord, or I perish :" and this must be our experience, not merely after some flagrant transgression, or on some parti…
742 wordsSECTION 377414 2 Corinthians, I. 13. [2000.
y Luke xviii. 13. ^ Zech. xiii, 1. * Rom. x. 3. blessings promised to the penitent, and to the obe- dient, we very wilhngly allow : and on proper occa- sions we are glad to bring forward those promises, in order to encourage men to repent and obey : but that men are justified by their repentance or obedience, or …
709 wordsSECTION 37841(> 2 Corinthians, L 13. [2000.
Thus under this head also may be seen a perfect harmony between those things which we have affirmed. »^ Gal. V. 3, 4. 1 Gal. ii. 21. « Isai. xlv. 22. " Matt. xi. 28. « John vi. 37. p 1 John i. 7. >? Acts xiii. 39, r Isai. i. 18. » 2 Cor. i. 20. ' Rom. iii. 26. " 1 John i. 9. and those which you " read" in the Scr…
720 wordsSECTION 379418 2 Corinthians, I. 13. [2000.
We appeal then to all ; What do we, or what can we, ask of you more than this ? And if these high attainments be not necessary, why do you ask of God for Christ's sake to give them to you? If, on the other hand, they are necessary, why are we deemed enthusiastic and over-righteous for requiring them at your hands…
736 wordsSECTION 380420 2 Corinthians, I. 13. [2000.
Next, let us take this prayer as a test whereby to try our own experience. We may now discard from our minds all that this or that minister may lay down as necessary to our salvation. We have here, what no man can reasonably dispute, our own acknowledgments. We have here as beautiful, as just, as scriptural a sum…
723 wordsSECTION 381422 2 Corinthians, I. 20. [2001.
<i Isai. xliv. 20. 2 Cor. i. 20. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, ttnto the glory of God by us. MANKIND in general discover much versatility in their spirit and conduct. They form purposes and rescind them according as they are influenced by carnal hopes or fears ; but the Gospel teach…
500 wordsSECTION 3822001. J Stability Of The Promises. 423
unless they be either revoked by God, or forfeited by man ; but God will not suffer them to fail by either of these means — He himself will not revoke them — [Some of his promises are absolute and others conditional : the conditional are suspended on the performance of something by man: the absolute are made with…
471 wordsSECTION 383424 2 Corinthians, I. 20. [2001.
this''; and the weakest of his people may join in the Apostle's triumph*.] This doctrine is far from being a matter of specu- lation only : III. In their accomplishment God is glorified, and the ends of our ministry are answered — The promises, as recorded in the Scriptures, are the foundation of our hopes : but…
363 wordsSECTION 384The Different Operations Of The Holy Spirit.
pectation of their full accomplishment ? Have we so embraced them as to shew that we are seeking another country''? Let us not mistake our true and proper character. If we be strangers from the covenant of promise, we are without Christ, and without hope*^. The threatenings, and not the promises, belong to us, and…
353 wordsSECTION 385426 2 Corinthians, I. 21, 22. [2002.
[All who believe in Christ are united to him as " branches of the true vine." At first indeed they are but as babes, or children, liable to be tossed to and fro^; but by experience they become more rooted and grounded in Christ*'. As their views of their own weakness and of his sufficiency are enlarged, they grow …
410 wordsSECTION 3862002.] Operations Of The Holy Spirit. 427
It appears needless, at first sight, to enter minutely into this part of our subject : but the very construc- tion of the sentence shews that there is something particularly emphatical in it. It implies, 1. That these blessings are purely the gift of God — [They are not the creatures of a vain and heated imagi- n…
391 wordsSECTION 387The Devices Of Satan Exposed.
[Many, instead of enjoying a heaven upon earth, are filled with doubts and fears: yet even these have the image of God manifestly instamped upon them, and the hope vi^hich they possess is more precious to them than the whole world: but we may well say to them, " Why art thou lean, seeing thou art a king's son ?" L…
340 wordsSECTION 3882003.J The Devices Of Satan Exposed. 429
mine the interests of true religion ; and, if St. Paul had not authoritatively interposed to regulate the conduct of that Church by the Gospel-standard, Satan would soon have prevailed to root out of it all vital godliness. The Apostle's interposition was extremely painful to him. It was " with much anguish of he…
373 wordsSECTION 389430 2 Corinthians, Ii. 11. [2003.
incessant. All of these were once bright and glorious angels around the throne of God : but " they kept not their first estate;" and, for their wickedness, were cast down to the regions of darkness ; whence however for a season they are permitted to emerge, in order that they may exert their powers, and subserve u…
481 wordsSECTION 3902003.J The Devices Of Satan Exposed. 431
who cannot lie, has pledged his truth and faithfulness for your preservation. Perhaps there is no one device in which his subtilty more appears than this : for it is by a pretended zeal for God's honour more than by any other thing whatever, that he leads men to sin, and lulls them asleep in sin. To one, he sugges…
932 wordsSECTION 3912003.] The Devices Of Satan Exposed. 433
*> Josh. iii. 1, 2. » 1 Chron. xxi. 1. particular necessity for watching against him with all possible care. Whatever there be, either in our minds or bodies, that seems to favour his temptations, it is only with our own con- currence that he can effect any thing : against our will he can do nothing. " If we resis…
483 wordsSECTION 392454 2 Corinthians, Ii. 11. [2003.
1. Be ever on your guard against them — [You have to contend, " not against flesh and blood only, but against principalities and powers :" and therefore must be continually on your guard. This is the advice which Peter gives, and gives from bitter experience. He had been warned by his Lord to watch and pray, and e…
453 wordsSECTION 393The Importance Of The Ministry.
you to come and put your feet on the necks of your van- quished enemies. Do it; and assure yourselves, that through him you shall be " more than conquerors over all." For a little time this subtle adversary will yet continue his assaults. It was only " for a season" that he suspended his eiForts even against the L…
363 wordsSECTION 394436 2 Corinthians, Ii. 15, 16. [2004.
the occasion of deeper condemnation to those wlio reject their message, yet are they accepted and ap- proved of God, as well in their ineffectual, as in their successful, labours. This is the consolation expressed in the text ; from whence we shall take occasion to shew, I. In what way the ministry of the Gospel …
367 wordsSECTION 3952004.] The Importance Of The Ministry. 437
tation only: but we must not " imagine that God is such an one as ourselves :" whatever tends to his glory, is pleasing in his sight.] Our pleasure, however, in ministering the Gospel, is mixed with pain, when we reflect on, II. The effects which it produces upon men — To some we are an occasion of deeper condemn…
447 wordsSECTION 396438 2 Corinthians, Ii. 15, 16. [2004.
Well might St. Paul, in contemplating these effects of his ministry, express his sense of, III. Its arduousness and importance — Let it only be considered what a sacred trust is committed to us : on the one hand the glory of God, and on the other hand the salvation of man, is en- trusted to our care : What a trea…
422 wordsSECTION 397Christians Are Epistles Of Christ.
it Stir you up to live more to his glory ? Let not our labours of love be the means of augmenting your guilt and misery. Force us not to be " swift witnesses against you" in the day of judgment: but rather seek, that we may have you as our joy and crown of rejoicing in that day. In the meantime, " pray for us." Ou…
384 wordsSECTION 398440 2 Corinthians, Iii. ^, 3. [2005.
in the Lord^" Thus, in this epistle also he vindi- cates himself as ministering, not like the false teachers, who corrupted the word of God, but with a holy integrity befitting his high office''. Yet apprehensive lest he should be misunderstood, as though he felt a need of such commendations either from himself or…
342 wordsSECTION 3992005.] Christians Are Epistles Of Christ. 441
children of wrath, even as others'^. But a great change has been wrought in them : they have been " turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God." They are become " new creatures :" their views, their desires, their pursuits, are all new. The change that has taken place in them is not unli…
497 wordsSECTION 400U2 2 Corinthians, Iii. 2, 3. [2005.
upon it all as foolishness. Nevertheless such are the lessons which Christians teach to all around them ; and such are the instructions which Christ conveys by them to a benighted world.] Whilst they thus speak from Christ they give us just occasion also to notice, II. The honour they reflect on the Gospel of Chr…
439 wordsSECTION 4012005.J Christians Are Epistles Of Christ. 443
me," so may we say of these persons, that they are " seals," whereby God himself attests the mission of his servants, and the truth of the doctrine which they deliver.] 2. Of the efficacy of the Gospel — [It is not a mere external change which the Gospel effects, but a change of the whole soul, from sin and sorrow…
464 wordsSECTION 402444- 2 Corinthians, Iii. 2, 3. [2005.
[Beloved brethren, let not a clay pass without your having some divine lesson written more clearly and more legibly upon your souls. Bring your hearts daily to the Lord Jesus Christ, and present them as a tablet to him, that he may write upon them something which they have not hitherto contained. And when you come…
552 wordsSECTION 403Mmvi.
THE EXTENT OF MAN's IMPOTENCY. 2 Cor. iii. 5. Not that tve are sufficiejit of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves ; hut our sufficiency is of God. COMMONLY as these words are cited, they are not easy to be satisfactorily explained. There is an evident abruptness in them : and they appear to go far beyond…
277 wordsSECTION 404446 2 Corinthians, Iii. 5. [2006.
would have been the precise idea which the subject called for. But, as no such construction can be put upon it, we are convinced that the version given to it in our translation is right ; and that the Apostle must be understood as going designedly beyond what the occasion called for, and as intending to intimate, …
796 wordsSECTION 405448 2 Corinthians, Iii. 5. [2006.
From the same divine source must be derived all our sufficiency, II. For the exercising of good in our own souls — The foregoing observations illustrate the Apostle's i John xii. 10, 11. i^ Acts ii. 11—15. • Acts xxvi. 24 — 28. m Acts xvi. 14. n Acts xxviii. 23 — 27. ° Prov. XX. 12. PI Cor. iii. 6, 7. argument. …
720 wordsSECTION 406Life.
2. What matter there is for encouragement— [Was Paul's sufficiency derived from God alone ? Then I also may obtain all that I need. Since the same source and fountain is open for me also, why need I be discouraged at the thought of my own impotency ? If God, in instances without number, " has revealed unto babes w…
522 wordsSECTION 4072007.] The Letter, And The Spirit. 451
love thy neighbour as thyself." For the performance of these commandments the law afforded no strength, whilst yet it made no allowance whatever for the smallest defect in our obedience. The terms it prescribed were plain and positive, " Do this, and live." On the other hand, it said, " Cursed is every one that co…
489 wordsSECTION 408452 2 Corinthians, Iii. 6. [2007.
[We are careful to distinguish between the two covenants; well knowing, that all who remain under the former covenant must perish ; and that there is no salvation for any man, but on the terms prescribed by the new covenant, the covenant of grace. In accordance with this, it is our constant labour to mark the dang…
429 wordsSECTION 4092007.] The Letter, And The Spirit. 453
acquire such a measure of righteousness as shall serve as a foun- dation of hope, and yet are unable so to satisfy their conscience as to find peace in their souls. But, in bringing before you the new covenant, we shew that you may dismiss all your fears, and indulge a better hope ; since the Lord Jesus Christ has …
470 wordsSECTION 410454 2 Corinthians, Iii. 6. [2007.
to "the mind that was in Christ Jesus," be visible to all around you; that, that is the object which we aim at; that so, if our doctrine be condemned, we may challenge the world to produce such effects wrought by any other means than those which we use, — an exhibition of " Christ crucified," and an unqua- lified …
476 wordsSECTION 411The Law And The Gospel Compared.
2 Cor. iii. 6. The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. THE Gospel is that weapon, whereby God subdues a rebeUious world to the obedience of faith : and the Apostle Paul, when his commission to preach it was called in question, appealed to the effects wrought by it on the hearts of his hearers, as a decisiv…
322 wordsSECTION 412456 2 Corinthians, Iii. 6. [2008.
I. By contrasting the new testament with the old — The old-testament dispensation had no power to give life — [The Law, as given to man in Paradise, was undoubtedly " ordained unto life :" and was capable of giving him life, if he had continued obedient to it : but to fallen man it never has been, or can be, a so…
469 wordsSECTION 4132008.] The Law And The Gospel Compared. 457
The truth is, that neither the moral nor ceremonial law was given for the purpose of enabling any one to obtain, by means of it, a justifying righteousness. They were both given with a view to prepare men for that better dispensation which was in due time to be introduced ; the moral law shutting them up under con…
456 wordsSECTION 414458 2 Corinthians, Iii. 6. [2008.
effect on all to whom it is sent ? I must answer. No : and this will lead me to make distinctions in reference to the Gospel itself, II. By contrasting the new testament as externally administered, with the same as internally and spiritually received — The new testament itself, as a lette?', has no other effect …
471 wordsSECTION 4152008.] The Law And The Gospel Compared. 459
by the righteousness of another appears to supersede all occa- sion for any righteousness of their own. They can see no more suitableness or sufficiency in such a Gospel, than Naaman could see in the direction given him to wash in Jordan in order to cure his leprosy. Thus, in the very constitution of the Gospel, t…
446 wordsSECTION 416460 2 Corinthians, Iii. 6. [2008.
[To some " the word comes, not in word only, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:" and to them it is a source of life. It conveys to them a new and vital principle, whereby they are enabled to live unto their God : or, as the Scripture expresses it, " they, by means of it, are made par- takers of a div…
471 wordsSECTION 4172009.] Gospel Glory Above That Of The Law. 461
Ezekiel's hearers ; who came to him, just as those who were truly pious did ; and he was to them as " a very lovely song of one that had a pleasant voice, and played well upon an instru- ment : but though they heard his words, they would not do them ; for their heart went after their covetousnessi." Beware, lest b…
399 wordsSECTION 418462 2 Corinthians, Iii. 7—11. [2009.
2 Cor. iii. 7 — IL If the ministration of death, written and en- graiie7i in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could jiot steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance ; which glory was to he done away : how shall not the ministration of the spirit he rather glorious ? for…
396 wordsSECTION 4192009.] Gospel Glory Above That Of The Law. 463
intended to give man any title to life ; nor could it possibly give life, because every human being is corrupt, and incapable of rendering to it a perfect obedience*^. The law is a perfect transcript of God's mind and will. It makes known to man the whole extent of his duty ; and requires a perfect obedience to ev…
499 wordsSECTION 420464 2 Corinthians, Iii. 7—11. [2009.
surate with all the demands of the law, and offers that right- eousness to every man who will believe in Christ. It declares that " Christ himself is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth " ;" and that the law was given as a ministration of death on purpose to shut men up to this right- …
463 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.