PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 17 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 215,167 words · 500 reading sections
206G.] The Law Brings Us To Christ. 123
might have been acquainted with it, if he had sincerely improved every opportunity of gaining instruction ? Who has from his earliest youth acted up fully to the light that he has enjoyed, and done every thing which he knew or believed to be required of him ? Nay, who would dare to stand upon this ground for any …
394 wordsSECTION 122124 Galatians, Iii. 19. [2066.
my demand must be, that they who plead the obe- dience of the Lord Jesus Christ for them, may stand accepted through his righteousness ; and may be rewarded with eternal life, precisely as they would have been, if they had themselves fulfilled all that I required of them. Nay, I would even go further, and ask, th…
363 wordsSECTION 1232066.J The Law Brings Us To Christ. 125
unto it should be saved. The opportunity was gladly embraced by the perishing multitudes, and the means were instantly crowned with the desired success. And happy am I to say, that at this very moment is t/iat transaction renewed in the midst of you. You are all dying of the wounds of sin. Not a creature in the u…
381 wordsSECTION 124The Third Use Of The Law, As A Rule Of Life.
if it please God to accompany his word with power to your souls, you will have reason to bless God for every wound that has been inflicted ; and will enter fully into our next discourse, with a determination, through grace, that, whilst you flee from the law as a covenant, you will not neglect it as a rule of life…
320 wordsSECTION 1252067. J Vse Of The Law, As A Rule Of Life. 127
were urged against the Apostle's statements, would have greatly enervated mine, and prevented that favourable reception which I hope, through the ten- der mercy of God, they have met with in your minds. But I have longed for the present occasion, that I might vindicate the Gospel from the charge of licen- tiousne…
355 wordsSECTION 126128 Galat1Ans, Iii. 19. [2067.
I. In order to establish the perpetuity of the law as a rule of life, let it be remembered, that the law is a perfect transcript of the mind and will of God. It arises necessarily out of the relation which we bear to him and to each other. It did not depend on any arbitrary appointment of the Deity, (except, indee…
401 wordsSECTION 1272067.] Use Of The Law, As A Rule Of Life. 129
am to establish is, that " we are under the law to Christ." In confirmation of this, I assert, that our obedience to the law was contemplated by God himself : first, in all that Christ did and suffered for us ; next, in his liberating of us from the law as a covenant of works ; and, lastly, in his admission of us…
392 wordsSECTION 128130 Galatians, Iii. 19. [2067.
Next I say, that our obedience to the law was a most important end, for which we are liberated from the lata as a covenant of works. This is repeatedly asserted by St. Paul. In the eighth chapter of his Epistle to the Romans, he says, " The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law …
406 wordsSECTION 1292067.] Use °F The Law, As A Rule Of Life. 131
as he lives, and would be justly called an adulteress if she were to connect herself with another man during his life, so are we united in the closest bonds of the law. But, by the coining of the Lord Jesus Christ, and his satisfying all the demands of that law for us, its power over us is annulled, and it becomes…
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last place, that our obedience to the law is one of the chief blessifigs conferred upon us by the new covenant, the covenant of grace. You will remember, that the first covenant merely says, " Do this, and live." It condemns for disobedience ; but never does any thing towards enabling us to obey. But what says God…
389 wordsSECTION 1312067.] Use Of The Law, As A Rule Of Life. 133
to shew that we are still under the law to Christ, I come, In the II. d place, to enforce its obligations. Is the law designed to be a rule to govern us after we have laid hold on the covenant of grace ? Let us use it for that end, without attempting to lower any one of its demands, and with the utmost cheerful- …
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Christ (for you will take notice that I am following the Antinomian into all his strong-holds), we must remember what his end was in accomplishing salva- tion for us : " We have been bought with a price, that we may glorify him with our body and our spirit, which are his." There are two great errors from which we…
387 wordsSECTION 1332067.1 Use Of The Law> As A Rule Of Life. 135
and strive to " perfect holiness in the fear of God." Nothing must satisfy us, but the attainment of " God's perfect image in righteousness and true holiness." If the law is our rule, Christ himself must be our pattern : we must endeavour to " walk in all things as he walked," and to " purify ourselves even as he …
362 wordsSECTION 134136 Galatians, Iii. 19. [2067.
God in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter*." Here he refers to the same image as before, the dissolution of marriage by the death of our husband ; and the consequent termination of those restraints, in which, during his life, we were held. But what is to be the effect of this liberty ? an aba…
357 wordsSECTION 1352067.] Use Of The Law> As A Rule Of Life- 137
Before I close my subject, I think you will not deem me presumptuous if I venture to address a few words to my brethren who either are already in the ministry, or are preparing to engage in that sacred office. I think it must strike you, that this subject has by no means that prominence in our public ad- dresses …
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and entreat that they will not too hastily dismiss it from their minds : for verily, it demands from every child of man the most attentive consideration. I know that prejudices do exist, even as they have in all ages existed, against both the Law and the Gospel ; against the Law as severe, and against the Gospel …
401 wordsSECTION 1372068.] The True Use Of The Law. 139
particularly requires, that should be an object of your most diligent attention ; that, if a comparison be instituted between you and those who make no pro- fession of religion, you may at least be found to stand on equality with the best amongst them ; and be able to say, " Are they Hebrews ? so am I. Are they I…
287 wordsSECTION 138Ho Galatians, Iii. 21— 26. [2068.
Gal. iii. 21 — 26. Is the law then against the 'promises of God? God forbid : for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believ…
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promises as given to Abraham?' No; says the Apostle : there is a subserviency of the one to the other ; and both the one and the other proclaim to us, in fact, the same salvation — salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and by faith alone. To make this clear to the comprehension of all, I will distinctly ma…
368 wordsSECTION 140142 Galmtans, Iii. 21—26. [2068.
manifestation of it. For it made known to men the true extent of their duty : it shewed that we were bound to love God with all our heart, and all our mind, and all our soul, and all our strength : and to love our neighbour in all respects as our- selves. Nothing less than this was to be paid by us from the earlie…
520 wordsSECTION 1412068.] The True Use Of The Law. 143
can offer thee any thing : if thou canst not bring perfect obe- dience with thee, it is in vain to come to me : thou must seek a remedy elsewhere : for I can afford thee none.' Thus the law, being inflexible in its demands, and inexorable in its denunciations, compels the sinner to look out for some other way of e…
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to us, by the body of Christ ; yea, we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were heldf." And this effect is produced by the law itself; as he also tells us in the chapter preceding our text : " I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto Godg :" that is, the law so utterly con- d…
512 wordsSECTION 14320G8.1 The True Use Of The Law. 145
" by faith in Christ Jesus." There is no other way : it is simply and solely by faith : there is no mixture of works : works, so far from augmenting our title to these things, or contributing to the acquisition of them, will, if wrought for this end, cut us off from all hope of ever coming to the possession of the…
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from seeing the excellency of the Gospel salvation. It is pride that makes any so averse to be saved entirely by faith without the works of the law : and, till the proud hearts of men be humbled, the Gospel will always be to them a stumbling-block, and rock of offence. But be it known to you, that, how desirous so…
461 wordsSECTION 1452069. J Benefits And Obligations Of Baptism. 147
So the promises in return secure obedience to the law; as St. Paul has said, " Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the lawu." To this truth the whole Scriptures bear witness. " The grace of God which brings salvation, teaches us obedience x;" and the faith that apprehends that…
268 wordsSECTION 146148 Galatians, Iii. 27—29. [20G9.
Gal. iii. 27 — 29. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jeiv nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abrahams seed, and heirs according to the promise. TO en…
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degree change its gracious provisions'1. In truth, the Mosaic covenant, so far from superseding that which had been made with Abraham, was intended rather to be subservient to it, and as a schoolmaster, to educate persons for it, and to bring them to a participation of its blessings6. Consequently Christ, with wh…
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And what are we to understand by this ? I conceive it refers, not to any change of garments which Was made by persons at their baptism ; for we hear of no such custom in the apostolic age : but it refers to the change of garments which was made by Aaron, and all succeeding priests, at the time of their consecra- …
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he does in many other places, where he addresses whole collective bodies, and Churches, as " saints, and faithful in the Lordp." And I cannot but think, that in this passage we have a complete justification of the language used by our reformers in the baptismal service. After having baptized any child, we are the…
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charity, respecting those who had been consecrated to God in baptism ; and that our reformers studiously followed the Apostle, both in his spirit and language : and that, if we do not complain of the Apostle, or refuse to read his words, neither ought we to complain of our reformers, or refuse to use their words ;…
345 wordsSECTION 1512069.] Benefits And Obligations Of Baptism. 153
Now, by believing in Christ, we become perfectly one with Christ — [This is affirmed in my text : " We are all one in Christ Jesus." It is also frequently declared in other places. I will specify one, where the union which is formed with Christ in baptism is represented as equivalent to that which subsists betwee…
466 wordsSECTION 152154 Galatians, Iii. 27—29. [2069.
[You perceive, that, as " baptized into Christ," you pro- fess to have " put on Christ." Now, then, permit me to ask, have you ever felt your need of Christ ? Have you ever been conscious of the nakedness of your soul by reason of sin ; and of the utter insufficiency of the fig-leaves of your own right- eousness t…
514 wordsSECTION 1532070.1 The Incarnation Of Christ. 155
which was made with Abraham, and all the promises con- tained in it ; and say, ' All these are mine.' Survey all that Abraham ever possessed, or possesses at this moment at the right hand of God ; and then say, ' As Abraham's seed, and Abraham's heir, I am entitled to all of this.' Go further still, and survey all…
349 wordsSECTION 154156 Galatians, Iv. 4, 5. [2070.
Gal. iv. 4, 5. When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that tvere under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. THE advantages which we as Christians enjoy above the Jews are exceeding great. The Jewish Church was like an heir…
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it is remarkable, that a separate jurisdiction did depart from all the other tribes several hundred years before Christ's advent ; but that Judah retained it, in a measure, even during the captivity in Babylon; and never completely lost it, till Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, and the whole Jewish polity wa…
447 wordsSECTION 156158 Galatians, Iv. 4, 5. [2070.
all their advantages, were as far from God and righteousness as the heathen themselves f. The interposition of the Deity had also been displayed in a visible series of mercies and judgments, correspondent to the moral conduct of his people. Not only had thousands and tens of thousands been struck dead at a time fo…
391 wordsSECTION 1572070.] The Incarnation Of Christ. 159
This miraculous mode of conception and birth was farther necessary, in order to fulfil the prophecies : for in the very first promise that announced God's gracious intentions to the world, it was said, that " the Seed of the woman (not of the man, but of the woman) should bruise the serpent's headg." It had afterw…
468 wordsSECTION 158160 Galatians, Iv. 4, 5. [2070.
the law," he resigned not his breath till he could say in refer- ence to all that the law required of him, " It is finished1."] The incarnation of our blessed Lord remains yet further to be considered, as it respects, III. The end— We may say in general terms that he was sent, 1. To redeem us from guilt and miser…
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privilege is given to all without exception who believe in Christ p. What is implied in this privilege, the Apostle states in the two verses following the text. He specifies both the present and future benefits of this adoption. In this world, instead of having any occasion to dread the wrath of God, we may look u…
488 wordsSECTION 160162 Galatians, Iv. 6. [2071.
[What an astonishing transition does that soul expe- rience, which is delivered from the terrors of Mount Sinai, and brought into " the liberty of the children of God!" From being harassed with the dread of God's wrath, and impelled by servile fears to irksome, unsatisfying, ineffectual labours, how delightful to …
268 wordsSECTION 1612071.] The Spirit Of Adoption. 163
Gal. iv. 6. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. IF we were to judge by the exterior of men's lives, we should be ready to think that Christianity had done but little hitherto for the world : for it must be confessed, that, of those who profess our …
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[He has redeemed us from that bondage in which we were once held. Though, as Gentiles, we have never been bound by the ceremonial law, we have, of necessity, been subject to the moral law, which is equally binding on every child of man : and under that we have been exposed to the most tremendous curses for our vio…
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3. Confidence in his care — [A servant may hope for kind attentions from his master in a day of necessity, though still to a very limited extent; but a son is assured, that whatever relief his father can afford him shall be readily bestowed. His necessities may be great, and his troubles of long continuance ; but …
275 wordsSECTION 164166 Galatians, Iv. 6. [2071.
in heaven for him, who is also kept by the power of God for it. And who shall rob him of this inheritance? " Who shall separate him from his Father's love ?" He can look on the innumerable hosts of men and devils, and boldly defy them allf. The Spirit of adoption, which enables him to " cry, Abba, Father," assures…
435 wordsSECTION 165Ministers Labouring In Vain.
reject it ? Ah ! who can make you amends for the loss of these privileges ; or console your minds, when they are irrecoverably placed beyond your reach ? Be wise, I pray you ; and seek these blessings, ere they are for ever hid from your eyes.] 3. How earnestly should we hold fast the blessings thus accorded to u…
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if the people to whom he ministers remain in a state of ignorance, or, whilst they profess to have received the Gospel, they walk unworthy of it, he feels con- strained to adopt the language of St. Paul, and to say, " I am afraid of you, that I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." Now I propose to shew you, I…
438 wordsSECTION 1672072.] Ministers Labouring In Vain. 169
2. When they depart from the law as the rule of their life — ■ [The law, though set aside by the Gospel as a ground of our hope, remains, in all its pristine force, as a rule of life. It must be obeyed, and obeyed from the heart too, as much as if we were to obtain justification by it: nor is there any other stan…
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not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin ; but that now they had no cloak for their sind." What, then, must I say to you ? You well know, that " many prophets and kings have in vain desired to hear and see the things which have been made familiar to you ; and that, at this moment, many would account the…
506 wordsSECTION 1692072. 3 Ministers Labouring In Vain. 171
which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God : but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing ; whose end is, to be burned1." Ah ! think " how nigh the curse may be !" and how tremendous…
467 wordsSECTION 170The Nature And Importance Of Christian Zeal.
yourselves unto prayer ; — for me, that the blessing of God may be upon my labours ; and for yourselves, that " ye may not receive the grace of God in vain1."] r 2 Cor. vi. 1. Gal. iv. 18. It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing. MEN act with energy in things that are agreeable to them. But wh…
310 wordsSECTION 1712073.] The Nature Of Christian Zeal. 173
2. It is uniform in its operation — [The zeal of many is only occasional and partial5; but the Christian's is uniform and universal^: it has respect to every duty ; stimulating to private and personal, as well as public and official, duties. It does not, however, lay the same stress on trifles, as on the weightier…
376 wordsSECTION 172174 Galatians, Iv. 18. [2073.
shall know, who follow on to know the Lord";" and to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, shall eternal life assuredly be given0. Many seek to enter into the kingdom of heaven, and are not able : but none ever yet strove in vainp.] Address — 1. Those who have no…
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a minister's chief wish for his people. Gal. iv. 19, 20. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice ; for I stand in doubt of you. THE pastoral relation is described in the Scrip- tures by images well calculated …
252 wordsSECTION 174176 Galatians, Iv. 19, 20. [2074.
As a parent rejoices to see his children prospering in bodily health and worldly circumstances, so a minister is glad to see his people free from sickness and distress. He is thankful too, if he behold an outward reformation among them, and a diligent attendance on ordinances, and the establishment of family pray…
793 wordsSECTION 175178 Galatians, Iv. 19, 20. [2074.
k Gal. i. 6, 7. and hi. 1. l ver. 9—11. In Eph. iv. 14. " Ileb. xiii. 9. ° ver. 18. P ver. 14 — 17. VOL. XVII. N tremble for them. They are " like a cake not turned," (doughy on one side, and burnt up on the other,) alike unac- ceptable both to God and manq. And it is to be feared that they will prove at last to…
745 wordsSECTION 176180 Galat1Ans, Iv. 22—24. [2075.
2. Those of whom we entertain no doubt — [Where shall we find persons of this description? Where ? alas ! in every place. Can we stand in doubt about the swearer, the Sabbath-breaker, the whoremonger, the adulterer? Can we stand in doubt of those who live without secret prayer; of those who never felt their need o…
387 wordsSECTION 1772075.] Sarah And Hagar Types. 181
Gal. iv. 22 — 24. It is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond-maid, the other by a free-woman. But he who ivas of the bond-woman was born after the flesh ; but he of the free-woman was by promise. Which things are an allegory. THERE are many things in the Old Testament which we should have passed …
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II. In their disposition — [Ishmael, being born of the bond-woman, was himself a slave ; and therefore must, of necessity, have a servile spirit : but Isaac, the child of promise, felt all that freedom of spirit which an affectionate and beloved child is privileged to enjoy. Thus the children of the old covenant a…
447 wordsSECTION 1792075.] Sarah And Hagar Types. 183
of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, there- fore the world hateth you6." The children of the new covenant, in the mean time, meekly bear the cross ; " being defamed, they entreat ; being persecuted, they suffer it ;" " committing themselves to him that judge th righteously," and waiting the accomp…
422 wordsSECTION 180184 Galatians, Iv. 30. [2076.
the electing love of God, and to deride as deluded enthusiasts those, who found all their hopes upon it ? According to the answer which conscience gives to these queries, we may deter- mine to which covenant we belong, and consequently, what our end must be when we go hence. Let our inquiries then be prosecuted wi…
292 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.