PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 18 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 232,894 words · 530 reading sections
2147. J God Assists The Diligent. 67
abandon us at last that he has hitherto given " grace sufficient for us :" his past favours are an earnest and pledge of others yet to come : he will continue to " strengthen us in our inward man," and will " perfect his own strength in our weakness g." Let us then acknowledge the force of the argument in this vie…
472 wordsSECTION 6268 Philippians, Ii. 12, 13. [2147.
presuming to be wise above what is written. On the contrary, the two doctrines are perfectly harmonious ; nor is there any stronger argument for exertions on our part, than the freeness and sufficiency of God's grace. Let us not then set altar against altar, and doctrine against doctrine, but join in our experienc…
471 wordsSECTION 63Practical Religion Enforced.
is able to keep him from falling ; and therefore the believer says, " I know in whom I have believed, that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him8." And lastly, God has confirmed his promise with an oath ; and therefore they who have fled for refuge to the Lord Jesus, have strong consolation; becaus…
374 wordsSECTION 6470 Philippians, Ii. 14—16. [2148.
inculcates the indispensable necessity of them, in order to our final happiness ; and in most of them he enters very minutely into the different duties which we are to perforin to God, our neighbour, and our- selves. In the beginning of this chapter he had recommended lowliness of minda; which he after- wards enf…
354 wordsSECTION 652148.] Practical Religion Enforced. 71
Lord, if we do not the things which our Lord commands." It is by our obedience to his will that our blessed Lord estimates our love : " He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me :" and again, " If ye love me, keep my commandments." On keeping of God's command- ments, so great a stress…
440 wordsSECTION 662 Ph1Lippians, Ii. 14—16. [2148.
We should walk as lights in a dark world — [It would ill become "the children of God" to walk as children of Belial : on the contrary, they should be patterns to the whole world; and should "give no occasion whatever to their enemies to speak reproachfully." They should be " blameless and harmless, and without reb…
459 wordsSECTION 672149.1 Ministerial Zeal Depicted. 73
1. Guard against any misapprehension of this sub- ject— [Though we affirm that our works will be the ground of God's judgment in the last day, we would not be understood to intimate, that there is, or can be, any merit in our works. It is not for any worthiness in them that we are saved, but solely for the merits…
374 wordsSECTION 6874 Philippians, Ii. 17, 18. [2149.
Phil. ii. 17, 18. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. THE hope of benefiting immortal souls is most delightful to a benevolent mind ; and a successful issue to our labours is replete with joy…
472 wordsSECTION 692149.1 Ministerial Zeal Depicted. 75
in the very act of believing, they performed that service, which, in other sacrifices, was performed by the priest e. And this is the very thing noticed by St. Paul in another place, when he beseeches men to "present their oivn bodies a living sacrifice unto God, as an acceptable and reasonable service*." This, to…
486 wordsSECTION 7076 Philippians, Ii. 17, 18. [2149.
no doubt but that a proportionably augmented weight of glory would be awarded to him at the tribunal of his God1. Under these circumstances, death had no terrors for him : on the contrary, however his blood should be shed, he called on them to rejoice, both with him and for him; since the event, properly viewed, w…
403 wordsSECTION 712149.] Ministerial Zeal Depicted. 77
2. The wonderful love of the Lord Jesus Christ to our sinful race — [This which is spoken of in my text has been done for us by our Lord Jesus Christ ; of whom it is said, " He poured out his soul unto death k." He even came from heaven for this very purpose, and assumed our nature that he might be capable of doi…
479 wordsSECTION 72The Selfishness Of Man.
And how ready should we be to go forth, wherever our God may call us ; accounting nothing of the trials that may await us, even though life itself were the sacrifice that we were called to make. Dear brethren, let it not be said of you, "All men seek their own, and not the things of Jesus Christ0;" but beg of God …
319 wordsSECTION 732150.] The Selfishness Of Man. 19
have occasion to shew, in discussing the subject before us. St. Paul was now a prisoner at Rome, not knowing whether he should be liberated or put to death. In this state, he was extremely anxious about his con- verts at Philippi, who were themselves in a state of great suffering from enemies, whilst they were ex…
347 wordsSECTION 7480 Ph1Lippians, Ii. 81. [2150.
1. Supremely — [One would have supposed, that man, however fallen, should at least have given a precedence to his God : but he chooses rather to be a god unto himself, and to consult, in the first place, what will be most conducive to his own ease, or interest, or honour. If the gratification of self, in any respe…
468 wordsSECTION 752150.] Selfishness Of Man. 81
But the Apostle had very different persons in view. To understand his assertion aright, we must consi- der it, II. Constructively, in reference to the Church of Christ— Beyond all doubt, he referred, in his own mind, to all the Christians at Rome. But we are not to sup- pose that there was not one amongst them t…
410 wordsSECTION 7682 Philippians, Ii. 21. [2150.
often, in cold and nakedness8." But what effect did they produce on him ? Was he deterred by them from following the Lord? No: " None of these things move me," says he, " neither count I my life dear unto me, so that I may but finish my course with joyh." And is this the spirit that obtains amongst us? Alas! alas!…
464 wordsSECTION 772150. J Selfishness Of Man. 83
See then, here, what ground we have, 1. For inquiry — [How has it been with us? What has been the state of our minds towards the Lord Jesus Christ? Have we found our own concerns swallowed up, as it were, in a concern for him and his glory? Can we adopt, even in the most qualified sense, that expression of the Ps…
471 wordsSECTION 78G 2
84 PHILIPPIANS, I'll. 3. [2151. a great regard for him, and a fixed determination to serve him. One said, " Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest;" but was deterred from executing his purpose, when our Lord told him, " Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not w…
327 wordsSECTION 792151. J The True Christian Delineated. 85
Phil. iii. 3. We are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the fie sh. IT is much to be lamented that the nature of genuine Christianity is but little understood. An assent to the fundamental articles of our faith, and a conformity to certain rit…
489 wordsSECTION 8086 Philippians, Iii. 3. [2151.
of wealth ov honour, find all their pleasure in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. Others more rationally seek their happiness in the acquisition of knowledge. While others seem contented to move, like a horse in a mill, in the same round of daily occupation, without aiming at any t…
477 wordsSECTION 812152.] The Knowledge Of Christ. 87
soul also he has no hope but in God. To the free mercy of God in Christ Jesus he trusts for every blessing. In the atoning sacrifice and prevailing intercession of Jesus he con- fides, as the ground of his acceptance with his reconciled God. On the all-powerful grace of Christ he relies, as that which alone can en…
321 wordsSECTION 8288 Philippians, Iii. 7, 8. [2152.
Phil. iii. 7, 8. What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knoivledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. MANKIND in general are agitated by various and contending passions, while the true Christian enjoys serenity and composure : h…
471 wordsSECTION 832152.] The Knowledge Of Christ. 89
occasions '. His moral qualities also might well be valuable in his sight : for though no strictness of principles, probity of conduct, or zeal for religion, could recommend him God, yet they were ample testimonies of the integrity of his heart. His religious attainments were still more deserving estimation ; for …
424 wordsSECTION 8490 Phil1Ppians, Iii. 7, 8. [2152.
This it was which he esteemed beyond all other things — [In comparison of this, his civil distinctions, his moral qualities, and even his religious attainments, appeared to him " as dung and dross." He clearly perceived that none of those things could ever justify him at the tribunal of God ; and that, if ever he…
387 wordsSECTION 852152.] The Knowledge Of Christ. 91
of peace from Christ enabled him to glory in his infirmities, and even to take pleasure in the most complicated distresses5. Moreover, this knowledge will transform the soul into the image of God. Before his conversion, his zeal shewed itself in persecuting unto death the greatest friends both of God and man : how…
467 wordsSECTION 86Christ, Gain To The Believer.
Phil. iii. 8, 9. For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him; not having mine oivn righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. RESPECTING doctrines, as mere…
369 wordsSECTION 872153.] Christ, Gain To The Believer. 93
law and justice ; a righteousness wherein we may stand before him without spot or blemish.] This righteousness is to be apprehended by faith — [In no other manner can it be apprehended. It exists not in us, but in the Lord Jesus Christ ; whose it is, and by whom it is imputed to us ; and who is therefore called, "…
468 wordsSECTION 8894 Philippians, Iii. 8, 9. [2153.
To obtain an interest in the righteousness of Christ was his supreme desire — [If any man who ever lived might have had a righteous- ness of his own, the Apostle Paul might. His conduct pre- vious to his conversion, though mistaken, was yet as exemplary, and as strictly conformable to the dictates of his conscienc…
469 wordsSECTION 892153."] Christ, Gain To The Believer. 95
opposition to each other, " loss and gain," are such as may lead us to a yet more appropriate illustration11; that of a ship- wrecked mariner, who as Paul himself advised, casts out the tackling, and the very food from the ship, in order to preserve the lives of those who are on board0. He takes no account of that…
438 wordsSECTION 9096 Philippians, Iii. 8, 9. [2153.
what had he as a Christian ? There he was surpassed by none : none ever did more for their Lord than he ; none ever suffered more : yet could he find nothing in himself wherein to trust, and therefore he sought to be found in Christ alone. Thus also must you do : nor, if you refuse to do it, can you ever behold th…
430 wordsSECTION 91The Power Of Christ'S Resurrection.
Phil. iii. 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection. MANY think that religion is not an object of choice, but rather of compulsion and constraint : and hence they frequently suggest to the godly, that the mea- sure of piety to which they aspire is not necessary. But true Christians do not regard…
338 wordsSECTION 9298 Philippians, Iii. 10. [2154.
2. On our sanctification — [None but the Spirit of God can sanctify the soul. But the Spirit would never have been given, if Jesus had not risen e. At his ascension to heaven, he received the Holy Spirit as the promise of the Father f, and received him for the express purpose of sending him down into the hearts of…
433 wordsSECTION 932154.] The Power Of Christ'S Resurrection. 99
has given me to mortify my lusts, and from the delight which he has enabled me to feel in communion with himself, that there is a reality in the Gospel, which a mere speculative believer has no conception of. A man, who has heard men's testimony respecting the existence and influence of the sun, may be fully assur…
482 wordsSECTION 94Holy Ambition Encouraged.
[Had there been any one truth in it that was merely speculative, methinks the doctrine of the resurrection might have been supposed to come under that particular class. But it has been seen how extremely practical this doctrine is ; not merely as affording ground for faith and love, but as generating in the soul a…
367 wordsSECTION 952155.] Holy Ambition Encouraged. 101
thing further to be enjoyed. This was St. Paul's ex- perience. He had been apprehended and arrested, as it were, by the Lord Jesus, in order that he might be made to possess all the treasures of grace and glory: and, from that hour, he could never be satisfied with any thing short of the full enjoyment of themb. …
414 wordsSECTION 96102 Philippians, Iii. 13—15. [2155.
example of our Lord, and will he not find in himself deficiencies without number ? Let him even compare himself with Paul, a man of like passions with ourselves, and will he not appear a dwai'f, a very child in comparison of him? Let him examine himself with respect to every Christian grace, and see whether he do …
438 wordsSECTION 972156.] Of Following Good Examples. 103
This subject is of peculiar use, 1. For reproof — [How are they condemned who have never yet begun the Christian race! Do they expect to win the prize without running for it ? This cannot be : " the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent must take it by force." Still more are they condemned who wou…
308 wordsSECTION 98104 Philippians, Iii. 17, 20. [2156.
Phil. iii. 17, 20. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample .... For our conversation is in heaven. GREAT is the force of example, either to vitiate or improve the morals of those around us. There are few, even of real Christians, who do not, in some conside…
435 wordsSECTION 992156. J Of Following Good Examples. 105
" walk worthy of our high calling." Though we are in the world, we are not to be of it. " We have here no continuing city:" we are to be in this world as pilgrims only and so- journers : we must ever consider ourselves as strangers and foreigners, who, though living on earth are indeed fellow- citizens with the sa…
443 wordsSECTION 100A Warning To The Earthly-Minded.
of their ambition". Let all seek to know what a gloriously rich inheritance0 they are even now permitted to enjoy; and, having by faith gained access into this grace, let them stand in it, and rejoice in hope of the glory of Godp.] •» ver. 13, 14. ° Eph. i. 18. p Rom. v. 2. Phil. iii. 18, 19. Many walk, of whom I …
299 wordsSECTION 1012157.1 A Warning To The Earthly-Minded. 107
sensual, devilish %" and such is that, by which too many, who profess godliness, are actuated. 1. " Their belly is their god" — [By " the belly," we understand the sensual appetite b: and to make " a god" of it, is to yield ourselves up to its dominion. And must we go to heathen countries to find persons of this …
442 wordsSECTION 102108 Philippians, Iii. 18, 19. [2157.
themd. This would be as contrary to the mind and will of God, as to make a god of our belly, or to glory in our shame. Yet how many professed Christians are there who live under the habitual influence of an earthly mind, without ever con- ceiving that there is any thing wrong in their conduct! In spiritual employm…
428 wordsSECTION 1032157.] A Warning To The Earthly-Minded. 109
subjugation of the soul to Christ. In what light then must they appear before God? If " he that gathereth not with Christ, is as one that scattereth abroad1," much more must they, who are thus actively engaged in scattering the flock, be deemed his enemies. Yes, brethren, such persons, whatever they may profess, (…
436 wordsSECTION 104Steadfastness In God.
whatever the conduct of any professors of godliness may be, the Gospel which we preach is the " wisdom of God and the power of God unto salvation" to all those who cordially embrace it. Instead therefore of being offended at it our- selves on account of the misconduct of others, let us study to adorn and recommend…
659 wordsSECTION 105112 Philippians, Iv. 1. [2158.
you enlist under the banners of Christ ; and you must expect all manner of conflicts to your dying hour.] But you must be steadfast in your adherence to him — [You must be " good soldiers of Jesus Christ," and never cease to fight till you have obtained the victory. Neither hopes nor fears, neither joys nor sorro…
528 wordsSECTION 106Christian Moderation.
Divine life™. We should not give way to sloth, like the foolish Virgins; but have " our loins girt, and our lamps trimmed, and ourselves as those who wait for the coming of their Lord." We should look forward with a holy longing for that day, as the termination of all our conflicts, and the consummation of all our…
345 wordsSECTION 107114 Philippians, Iv. 5. [2159.
The word which we translate " moderation," im- ports such a kind of meekness and gentleness as results from an indifference to the world, and a supe- riority to all the things of time and sense. Perhaps our language does not contain any word of precisely the same import : but the Apostle's meaning is sufficiently…
463 wordsSECTION 1082159.] Christian Moderation. 115
2. In our joys and sorrows — [Though it is true, that the mass of mankind are chiefly influenced by what is future, yet there are circumstances wherein a few give up themselves altogether to their present emotions. The voluptuary imagines that he cannot drink too deep of the cup of pleasure; and the mourner, that …
478 wordsSECTION 109116 Philippians, Iv. 5. [2159.
minds, and to act agreeably to that persuasion: but still we should allow to others the same liberty which we claim for our- selves, and be content that others should think and judge for themselves, without desiring to impose upon them any restric- tions of our own. How happy would it have been for the Christian w…
447 wordsSECTION 1102159.] Christian Moderation. 117
1. To terminate all the things of time and sense — [Whatever we have here below, it is but of short duration : whether we are visited with comforts or afflictions, they are all both light and momentary, and therefore unworthy of any serious regard. Let any one look back upon his past life, and see how transient ha…
492 wordsSECTION 111A Dissuasive From Carefulness.
your moderation too be so constant and abiding, that it may " be known unto all men." True it is, that moderation is not of itself calculated to attract notice : it is, in its very nature, unobtrusive and retired. But where it so prevails as to regulate the heart and life, it of necessity diffuses a holy light aro…
356 wordsSECTION 1122160.] A Dissuasive From Carefulness. 119
only at things visible and temporal, instead of look- ing also at things invisible and eternal. Moreover, their expectations of future good are generally too sanguine ; and their apprehensions of future evil weigh more upon their spirits than the occasion requires. Hence arises in their minds an excessive " caref…
350 wordsSECTION 113120 Philippians, Iv. 6, 7. [2160.
whereby the loss, if sustained, might be in time retrieved. And it is no uncommon thing, to find men sacrificing their honour, their conscience, yea, their very hopes of salvation, in order to avert some impending calamity. But it would not be thus, if we considered every thing, even " the falling of a sparrow," a…
429 wordsSECTION 1142 160. J A Dissuasive From Carefulness. 121
thing we should make our requests to God ;" in doubt, for direction, (for he will direct our paths'1); in difficulties, for succour, (for he will give grace sufficient for use); and in wants, for supply, (for he has engaged that we shall want no manner of thing that is good f). Nothing is so great but that he is r…
414 wordsSECTION 115122 Philippians, Iv. 6, 7. [2160.
composed : yea, an inexpressible sweetness pervades the whole man, and turns his sorrows into an occasion of joyh. " The peace of God," thus infused into the soul, " keeps," as in a garrison1, both "the heart and mind;" so that if trouble seek to invade us, it can make no impression : not all the good that can be …
443 wordsSECTION 116The Extent Of A Christian'S Duty.
of present blessings, is also the only possible mean of everlast- ing happiness. The burthen of guilt which lies upon us, can never be removed, but by prayer. Peace with God can never be obtained, but by prayer. And they who will not pray, voluntarily bind their own sins upon them, and reject the proffered mercies…
361 wordsSECTION 117124 Phil1Ppians, Iv. 8. [2161.
We are at no loss to arrange the particular duties that are here enjoined, since the Apostle himself distributes them into classes : 1. Things " virtuous" — [Among these " truth" is the first in nature and import- ance ; since, without it, all the bands of society would be dis- solved : there would be no such thi…
489 wordsSECTION 1182161.] The Extent Of A Christian'S Duty. 125
have them in subjection. But it is not sufficient for a Chris- tian to refrain from open acts of uncleanness; he must learn to mortify his inward desires : he is to " keep his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lusts of concupiscence, like those who know not Godf." He is the temple of the Holy Ghost, …
474 wordsSECTION 119126 Philippians, Iv. 8. [2161.
added a candour in judging, a patience in enduring, a tender- ness in forgiving, a liberality in bestowing; an assemblage of such graces as these is the brightest ornament of a child of God ; and, as we all admire them when exemplified in others, we should make it our daily study to illustrate them in our own cond…
376 wordsSECTION 1202161. J The Extent Of A Christian'S Duty. 127
[ We have no better test of our sincerity before God than this. Our having embraced new tenets, however just those tenets may be, will not prove that our hearts are right with God : nor will an outward reformation of our conduct suffice to establish our pretensions to true conversion : there must be an uniformity …
453 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.