PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 18 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 232,894 words · 530 reading sections
Discourse.
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315 wordsSECTION 21 Thessalonians
Subject. 21G4. 2165, 2166. 2167. 2168. 2169. 2170. 2171. 2172. 2173. 2174. 2175. 2176. 2177. 2178. 2179. 2180. 2181. 2182. 2183. 2184. 2185. 2186. 2187. 2188. 2189 2190 2191, 2192 iv. 13. Extent and Source of the Christians Power All needful Supplies through Christ . iv. 19. i. 3—6. i…
290 wordsSECTION 31 Timothy
Vll Text. Subject. Page. 2194. ii. 7, 8. The Ministerial Character portrayed 284 2195. ii. 11, 12. The Duty of those who are called 290 2196. ii. 13. A due Reception of the Gospel 295 2197. ii. 19, 20. Christians the Joy of their Ministers . 299 2198. iii. 8. The People's Stability is the Mini- 3…
262 wordsSECTION 4A Work Of Grace.
Text. Subject. Page. 2223. i. 11. Richness and Fulness of the Gospel . 438 2224. i. 11. Suitableness and Sufficiency of the 454 2225. i. 11. The Excellency and Glory of the 469 2226. i. 15. Christ came to save Sinners 485 2227. i. 16. 488 2228. ii. 3, 4. 493 2229. ii. 5, 6. The Mediation of C…
690 wordsSECTION 52135.] A Work Of Grace. 3
2. When our love is laborious — [Our " love is not to be in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth :" nor must it have respect to men's bodies merely, but to their souls ; leading us to consult their spiritual welfare to the utmost of our power, at the same time that we gladly deny ourselves to relieve their …
536 wordsSECTION 64 Philippians, I. 6. [2135.
and stability1. The sun may occasionally be covered with a cloud ; yet shall it advance to its meridian height : and such shall be the path of all the servants of Godu : " they shall hold on their way, and their hands shall wax stronger and stronger x." This is the portion of them all without exception, for " it is…
842 wordsSECTION 7Growth In Grace.
2. Of admonition in reference to its continuance — [There is nothing at which I tremble more than at a hard, bold, presumptuous confidence respecting the application of this doctrine to a man's own state, whilst in his spirit and temper and conduct he shews himself to be far from the mind of Christ. In fact, where…
513 wordsSECTION 82136.] Growth In Grace. 7
exercises he was solicitous only to approve himself to God, yet he thought it proper on many accounts to inform them of the means he used for their benefit ; and to declare to them the particular things which he sought for in their behalf. From the prayer before us, we see that he desired, I. Their intellectual i…
401 wordsSECTION 98 Philippians, I. 8—11. [2136.
therefore labour incessantly to form a just estimate of heavenly things, and to have our affections regulated by an enlightened understanding.] 2. In a spiritual perception of the things known — [Merely speculative knowledge is of little avail : it is only like the light of the moon, which dissipates obscurity ind…
381 wordsSECTION 10Growth In Grace.
2136.] apostolic age, many were turned from the faith by the sophis- try of false teachers : and every day presents some to our view, who are ready to admire and applaud themselves for those very things which more disinterested persons see to be their characteristic failings : yea, plain and palpable faults are no…
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towards God and man ! Now it is of infinite importance, to the honour of religion and the comfort of our own souls, that these defects be remedied as much as possible ; that we be more and more delivered from the influence of corrupt passions ; and that we be kept sincere and upright until the day of Christ. But …
451 wordsSECTION 12Decision Of Character Recommended.
Phil. i. 17. / am set for the defence of the Gospel. THE Gospel is a revelation of mercy to sinful man, and the most stupendous display of God's wisdom and grace that ever was given to his intelligent crea- tion It might naturally have been expected that such tidings should have been invariably wel- comed with un…
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the place of his rebellious creatures, to bear the wrath which they had merited, and fulfil the law which they had broken, and thereby to work out a righteousness wherein they might find acceptance ! the sending also of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person in the ever-adorable Trinity, to impart to men the knowledge …
490 wordsSECTION 142137.] Decision Of Character Recommended. 13
quish for it cur own righteousness : for though self-righteous- ness cleaves closer to us than to any thing else, a just view of the Gospel will dispel it all, as a morning cloud ; and we shall be ready to seek our all in Christ; making him, and him alone, " our wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and re…
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to good advice ; but we should guard against seduction, from whatever quarter it may come ; and should " prove all things, and hold fast that only which is good." As to concealing our love to the Gospel, we should not attempt it, or even endure the thought of it for a moment. We should not be afraid of having it k…
457 wordsSECTION 162 138. J Preaching Of Christ, A Ground Of Joy. 1
not add, that the firmness of holy men in its support is a fur- ther testimony in its behalf? I know, indeed, that many have died in the defence of error : but where, in the annals of the world, will be found such a frame of mind as that of Stephen, except under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and in attesta- ti…
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Phil. i. 18. Christ is preached ; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. WHEN our blessed Lord came into the world, it was said concerning him, that he was " set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, that the thoughts of many hearts might be revealed3." And certainly his Gospel has been an oc…
391 wordsSECTION 182138.] Preaching Of Christ, A Ground Of Joy. 17
indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife ; and some also of good-will ; the one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds ; but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel. What then ? notwithstanding every way, whether in pretence or in tru…
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that he sees to be needful for them in this state of trial and probation. And he has actually promised to all, who believe in him, a supply of all spiritual blessings according to their necessities. Now, this must occupy a very large share in the ministrations of those who would preach the Gospel aright. On the Go…
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Christ is sometimes preached only as the means of advancing some personal and carnal ends. Some, alas ! preach Christ for gain ; and make the procla- mation of his Gospel an office, in the discharge of which they are to obtain a livelihood. Yes, " for filthy lucre sake " do multitudes engage in this service, and n…
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be brought from a distance to further the base design. And, if a minister out of the establishment be extensively useful in converting souls to Christ, similar efforts will sometimes be made, not so much to save the souls of men, as to keep them from attending the ministry of one in another communion. I do not by …
437 wordsSECTION 222138.] Preaching Of Christ, A Ground Of Joy. 21
We rejoice in it, 1. Because it diffuses truth — [Truth, under any circumstances, is better than error, even as light is better than darkness. But if truth be viewed in its consequences, its importance will be found to exceed our utmost conceptions. The preachers who proclaim not the Lord Jesus Christ, disseminat…
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them is the whole mystery of his love unfolded, in all its height and depth, and length and breadth.] 3. Because the souls of men are benefited — [Men, I say again, have nothing to do with the motives of the preacher. But if they receive the truth in the love of it, they enter at once into the full liberty of the …
474 wordsSECTION 242139. J Christ Magnified In Our Body. 23
[We are responsible for what we hear : and, if we hear of Christ, and receive him not into our hearts by faith, " it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha, in the day of judgment, than for us." Are there any of that character here present ? How would the Apostle weep over you ! He tells us, that " he had g…
257 wordsSECTION 2524 Philippians, I. 20. [2139.
Phil. i. 20. Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. WHILST the great mass of mankind, like a ship driven with fierce winds and tossed upon tempestuous waves, are uncertain what may be the event of their trials, the true Christian is like a ship at anchor : he beholds the storm, …
466 wordsSECTION 262139.] Christ Magnified In Our Body. 25
1 . The purity of his law — [It is not only in " bearing one another's burthens," but in obeying all the precepts of the Gospel, that we are to " fulfil the law of Christ." Now the extent of this law is not in any degree imagined by the world at large : they have no idea of the motives, the principles, the conduct…
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flowing with a rapid and majestic current to the sea, would defy the efforts of the whole world to turn it back again to its source ; yet by the returning tide it is not only arrested in its course, but driven up again with equal rapidity towards the fountain-head. It is thus that a sinner, when rushing with the w…
446 wordsSECTION 282139.] Christ Magnified In Our Body. 27
have, and embrace the opportunities that are afforded us. Dorcas was limited in her means of doing good ; yet were her exertions so great, that the whole Church at Joppa wept and deplored her loss : and tve also may endear ourselves to multi- tudes, and greatly magnify the Lord, if in our respective places we impr…
434 wordsSECTION 29St. Paul S Dilemma.
3. The advancing Christian — [What a noble ambition is yoursc! You are not con- tented to serve or enjoy Christ, but must also magnify him. Go on ; and he will soon " make your vile body like unto his glorious body " in a better world : and whatever others may be, you shall " not be ashamed before him at his comin…
657 wordsSECTION 3030 Philippians, I. 21—24. [2140.
Though these prospects were so glorious, yet they created some embarrassment in his mind. He pro- ceeds to mention, II. The straits and difficulties to which they reduced him — He speaks not indeed of any serious difficulties, but only of a dilemma to which he was reduced by the contrary desires within him a : …
486 wordsSECTION 312140.1 St« Pauls Dilemma. 31
But benevolence soon triumphed, and formed, III. The ultimate decision of his mind — [Whether God made any revelation to him on the subject, or he inferred the purposes of God from the effects of divine grace operating on his soul, we know not : but he knew that he should abide and continue with the Church for som…
462 wordsSECTION 32A Holy Conversation Recommended.
2. For interesting inquiry — [How are we to obtain that blessed state of mind ? The answer is plain : Let it be " to ns Christ to live ;" and then it will assuredly be " gain to die :" and, however great our desire after that gain, we shall have a self-denying willingness to live, for the honour of Christ, and the…
393 wordsSECTION 332141.] A Holy Conversation Recommended. 33
life dear to him, if only he might be instrumental to their eternal welfare. He was now in prison at Rome: yet what employed his thoughts ? He had a request to make to the Philippian Church : and what was it ? Did he desire that they would endeavour to liberate him from his chains ? No ; he was unmindful of him- …
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2. The profession it calls us to — [We profess to be " as lights in the world," " as cities set on a hill :" we profess to be " born from above/' to be " trans- formed into the Divine image," yea, to be " changed into the Divine image, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of our God." In a word, we profess to be " e…
402 wordsSECTION 352141.J A Holy Conversation Recommended. 35
can say with truth respecting them, " I live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." Now, amongst the various blessings which he desires them to enjoy, there are two in particular, to which we would call your attention ; 1. An union of heart among themselves — [This is essentially necessary to the welfare of any Church: …
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had in view, was the dread of persecution6: and certain it is, that the fear, not only of death, but even of an opprobrious name, causes many to draw back from their holy profession. But we must "take up our cross daily, and follow Christ;" yea, we must " follow him boldly without the camp, bearing his reproach." …
319 wordsSECTION 372142.J Suffering For Christ, A Gift Of God. 37
Phil. i. 29. Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. THE chief obstacles to a holy and consistent con- duct arise perhaps from within, from the evil propen- sities of our own hearts. But very serious difficulties are occasioned by the frowns and me…
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confer a gift on God himself ! Surely, much as we are in- debted to God for the gift of faith, the giving us an opportu- nity to honour him should be esteemed a far richer obligation, nor should any thing that we possess be of any value in our sight, if we may but have the honour of sacrificing it for his sake.] …
482 wordsSECTION 392142.] Suffering For Christ, A Gift Of God. 39
we shall have a favourable testimony from Godg, and a happy issue to our present conflicts.] 5. It is a richer mean of glory — [The smallest portion of real faith has the promise of eternal life h : and in this view it may be thought superior in value to every thing else. But suffering for Christ's sake is the me…
441 wordsSECTION 40Unity Recommended.
toucheth the apple of his eyer ;" and that "it were better for you to have a millstone hanged about your neck, than that you should cause one of his little ones to stumble8." Be sen- sible then of your guilt and danger : embrace the doctrine which you have been labouring to destroy': and, instead of opposing, labo…
331 wordsSECTION 412143.] Unity Recommended. 41
give no advantage to their adversaries by intestine divisions. The object, I say, which he desired to promote, was unity of sentiment and affection — This appears to be the true scope and import of his words : " Being joined together in love, be united also in sentiment: and being joined together in sentiment, be…
424 wordsSECTION 4242 Philippians, Ii. 1, 2. [2143.
neutral ground, open alike to either party, and to be occupied or not by each, as they see fit. What the fundamentals are, may, it is true, be differently stated : but, if Christianity be viewed in its true light as a remedy, and we agree in the depth of the malady it is proposed to cure ; the means of healing, th…
472 wordsSECTION 432 143. J Unity Recommended. 43
consolation ; a mine, the treasures of which were altogether unsearchable. Who can contemplate the covenant which he entered into for the redemption of a ruined world, together with all that he did to accomplish this stupendous work ; his mysterious incarnation, his holy life, his meritorious death, his glorious r…
719 wordsSECTION 442144.J Esteeming Others Above Ourselves. 45
Earnestly desiring that the same heavenly disposition mav abound in vou also, I would, with most affectionate entreaty, recommend, 1. That you guard against every disposition that may interrupt this harmony — [The Apostle particularly cautions the Philippians against " strife and vain-glory," and exhorts them " i…
362 wordsSECTION 4546 Philippians, Ii. 3. [2144.
Phil. ii. 3. In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. IT is a common and universally approved saying, that the tree may be known by its fruit. Now we would have the Gospel brought to this test : and we are willing that it should be accepted or rejected, according to the issue of this tri…
566 wordsSECTION 462144.] Esteeming Others Above Ourselves. 47
I have in some measure anticipated my second head, yet I will proceed more fully to point out, II. Its reasonableness — The reasonableness of it appears from this, that we know incomparably more concerning ourselves, than we do, or can do, respecting others. We know more of our own, 1. Motives — [There are work…
409 wordsSECTION 4748 Philippians, Ii. 3. [2144.
highest degree reasonable that we should " prefer them in honour before ourselves3."] 3. Advantages — [We have been conscious of the strivings of God's Spirit within our own souls ; whilst respecting the experience of others we know nothing. The inward fears that have been excited in us, and the hopes we have che…
384 wordsSECTION 482144.] Esteeming Others Above Ourselves. 49
selves at the expense of others? " Strife and vain-glory" are, in my text, put in immediate contrast with " the lowliness of mind" which is there recommended. Suppose that all were actuated by the spirit of which we have been speaking ; the little offences which occur would be scarcely noticed as worthy of a thoug…
436 wordsSECTION 49Mmcxlv.
them with his favour, both hered, and in the eternal world e. They see in such characters religion adorned and honoured f. Would you then, brethren, recommend religion, cultivate this spirit, and account yourselves the lowest of all and the least of alls!] (1 1 Pet. v. 5. e Luke xviii. 14. f 1 Pet. in. 4. si Cor.…
693 wordsSECTION 5052 Philippians, Ii. 5—8. [2145.
b The Greek is not laov ru> ©£w, as in John v. 18, but laa, which means as. This is unanswerably shewn by the references which Dr. Whitby on the place has made to passages in the Septuagint, where it is so translated. and exercised all the divine prerogatives. He per- formed by his own power all the works which ar…
788 wordsSECTION 5154 Philippians, Ii. 5—8. [2145.
cease from filling up the measure of his sufferings, till he could say, " It is finished." This then is the fact affirmed by the Apostle ; a fact, which we should have considered as absolutely incredible, if God himself had not plainly declared it, and confirmed his testimony by the most indubitable evidence. We …
745 wordsSECTION 5256 Philippians, Ii. 5—8. [2145.
condition? What infidelity must there be in our minds, or what obduracy in our hearts, if we can look upon their state without the tenderest emotions of pity and grief ! 2. But to our compassion we must add also a willingness to do and suffer any thing for their good. When our blessed Lord beheld our misery, he f…
699 wordsSECTION 5358 Philipp1Ans, Ii. 5—8. [2145.
Let then all such excuses be put away ; and let all exert themselves at least in prayer to the great " Lord of the harvest," and entreat him day and night " to send forth labourers into his harvest." To enforce what has been said, we would call your attention to some additional considerations — Consider then, fir…
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Consider, further, how kindly Christ will accept such labours at your hands. He tells us respecting things of a mere temporal nature, that what we have be- stowed on others for his sake, he will accept as conferred on himself ; " I was hungry, and ye fed me ; naked, and ye clothed me ; sick and in prison, and ye …
400 wordsSECTION 55The Exaltation Of Christ.
his service : and may all the endeavours, whether of this or any other society, be abundantly blessed, to the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and to the salvation of many souls ! Amen and Amen. Phil. ii. 9 — 11. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name : tha…
316 wordsSECTION 5662 Philippians, Ii. 9—11. [2146.
The Lord Jesus Christ, as God, was incapable of elevation : but, as man, he was raised from the lowest degradation to the highest degrees of glory. Amidst the depths of his humiliation he was greatly exalted — [At his baptism he received an audible testimony from heaven, together with a visible communication of t…
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he was invested with " all power both in heaven and in earth ;" and " all things were given into his hands," that he might order every thing for the accomplishment of his own will, and the furtherance of the work which he had begun. In him was all fulness treasured up, that he might impart unto his people all need…
454 wordsSECTION 5864 Philippians, Ii. 12, 13. [2147.
honour the Father ; and that he who honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father who hath sent him0."] Behold then, 1. How awful is the state of those who submit not to him ! [We are equally rebels against him, whether we oppose him as Lord, or as Christ ; whether we refuse to submit to his righteousness1*, o…
361 wordsSECTION 592147.] G0D Assists The Diligent. 65
Phil. ii. 12, 13. Work out your otvn salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. THERE is no person, however eminent his attain- ments in religion may be, who does not need to be exhorted and urged to press forward. The Philip- pians, in the j…
448 wordsSECTION 6066 Philipp1Ans, Ii. 12, 13. [2147.
us ; how insufficient we are of ourselves for this great work, and how awful would be the consequences of miscarrying in it; and we shall readily acknowledge that our utmost caution is little enough. St. Paul felt the force of these considerations ; and notwithstanding he knew himself to be a chosen vessel unto Go…
452 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.