PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 18 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 232,894 words · 530 reading sections
128 Philippians, Iv. 8. [2161.
body as it is with our natural bodies: when every member performs its proper office, and supplies its proper nutriment, all the parts are kept in activity and vigour, and the whole is confirmed and strengthened". Let any of the graces before mentioned be neglected, and disunion will proportionably ensue. Moreover,…
444 wordsSECTION 1222161.] The Extent Of A Christian'S Duty. 129
think of their excellency, that you may be stirred up to abound in them : and think of their complicated effects on the world around you, that you may make your light to shine before men, and that others, beholding it, may glorify your Father that is in heaven *.]u 1 Matt. v. 16. u Instead of this application, th…
524 wordsSECTION 123Paul An Example For Us.
Phil. iv. 9. Those things, which ye have both learned, and re- ceived, and heard, and seen in me, do : and the God of peace shall be with yon. NO man was ever more averse to boasting than the Apostle Paul : and, when compelled to declare what God had done in him or by him, he appeared to himself " a fool," for ut…
347 wordsSECTION 1242162.] Paul An Example For Us. 131
suffice for a full consideration of them ; nor does my present subject require more than a brief notice of what he inculcated as due, 1. To God— [It was not " a divided heart " that he called on men to offer to their God and Saviour : he taught them to surrender up themselves as living sacrifices to him; and to b…
484 wordsSECTION 125132 Philipptans, Iv. 9. [2162.
1 Phil. ii. 4—8 It may however be asked, What are we to do, if they be- come our enemies, and seek to destroy us? I answer, Contend with them : if they will fight, so do ye fight : and the more they exert themselves, the greater let your efforts be also. Only remember, that your weapon must not be like theirs : T…
457 wordsSECTION 1261262.] Paul An Example For Us. 133
brethren according to the flesh :" and, when he could not pre- vail on them to embrace the Gospel which he offered to them, he called God to witness what grief their obduracy occasioned him: "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness,…
449 wordsSECTION 127134 Philippians, Iv, 9. [2162.
the splendour and influence of the meridian sun : how then can the feeble language of mortality describe the action of Almighty God upon the soul, which he deigns to visit with his more immediate presence ? Suffice it however to say, that such visits are realized in the souls of God's faithful people ; and that " …
483 wordsSECTION 1282162.] Paul An Example For Us. 135
great reward0." The present state of the Church, with all her privileges and blessings, is only a prelude to, and a pre- paration for, a state of far higher blessedness ; as St. John expressly informs us : " I, John, saw the holy city, New Jeru- salem, coining down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorn…
461 wordsSECTION 129Contentment.
manner. You can never love God too much : nor can you ever love man too much, provided you love him in subser- viency to God. Methinks you may advance far beyond what you have already attained, before you will equal the Apostle Paul : and if at this moment you even equalled him, you would still be far from having …
350 wordsSECTION 1302163.] Contentment. 137
I. State to you the experience of St. Paul — In unfolding it, I would entreat you particularly to notice, 1. The invaluable lesson he had learned — [Greatly diversified had been his states ; but " in all, he had learned to be content." The word which we translate " content" comprehends much more than a mere quies…
472 wordsSECTION 131138 Phil1Ppians, Tv. 11,12. [2163.
the Divine will, and advancing the Divine glory, upheld him under all circumstances, and far more than counterbalanced all his sufferings. In all this he was " instructed," or, as the word means, initiated, as into a deep mystery6-. It was from an insight into the mystery of the Gospel that he gained this extraord…
455 wordsSECTION 1322163.] Contentment. 139
have come to rescue him from his sufferings ; and will you complain of any thing which you may surfer for him ? Methinks you feel, every one of you, that the most perfect contentment is that which becomes you under every state, to which, by any possibility, you may be reduced.] 2. As a blessed state — [The corpor…
455 wordsSECTION 133140 Phil1Ppians, Iv. 11, 12. [2163.
the hosannahs of the populace, and you find in him no undue elation of mind : or view him in the garden of Gethsemane, or in the hall of Pilate, or when suspended on the cross, you see in him no undue depression. He drank with composure the cup which God had put into his hands ; saying, " Not my will, but thine be…
460 wordsSECTION 134Extent And Source Of The Christian'S Power.
3. Survey the glory that is reserved for you in heaven — [What does it matter to a traveller, if his accommoda- tions, where he stops but a few minutes, be not exactly such as he could wish ? Can they carry me forward to my destined home ? will be his main inquiry : and if he find that he can attain his wishes in…
357 wordsSECTION 135142 Philippians, Iv. 13. [2164.
1. Endure all trials — [In following his Divine Master, he may be called to suffer reproaches, privations, torments, and death itself. But " none of these can move him." When his heart is right with God, he can " rejoice that he is counted worthy to suffer shame for his Redeemer's sakea:" he can " suffer the loss …
460 wordsSECTION 1362164.1 Extent Of The Christian'S Power. 143
deavours to avail himself of every wind that blows, to get for- ward in his Christian course. But in reference to all the foregoing points, we must acknow- ledge, that all Christians are not equally advanced ; nor does any Christian so walk as not to shew, at some time or other, that " he has not yet attained, nor…
423 wordsSECTION 137144 Philippians, Iv. 13. [2164.
I, but the grace of God which was with me :" " by the grace of God I am what I amb." Nor is it by strength once communicated, that we are strong; but from continual communications of grace from the same overflowing fountain. It is not through Christ who hath strengthened, but who doth strengthen us, that we can do…
447 wordsSECTION 138All Needful Supplies Through Christ.
[A life of godliness cannot be maintained without con- stant watchfulness and strenuous exertion. And there are times when " even the youths faint and are weary, and the young men utterly fall." But " if we wait upon our God we shall certainly renew our strength, and mount up with wings as eaglesm." If we look " t…
346 wordsSECTION 139146 Philippians, Iv. 19. [2165.
mindful of all their wants, and abundantly supply them in the hour of need. To enter fully into the scope of his words, we should inquire, I. When are we authorized to call God our God ? It is not every claim that presumptuous sinners take upon them to advance, that will be found autho- rized in the Holy Scriptu…
364 wordsSECTION 1402165. J All Needful Supplies Through Christ. 147
poor, and blind, and naked? He will both suit his gifts to our necessities6; and make the very depth of our misery the measure of his own mercy.] 2. According to the riches of his own grace — [Let us survey all the tokens of his bounty on earth, and contemplate all the expressions of his love in heaven; let us go…
415 wordsSECTION 141148 Philippians, Iv. 19. [2165.
bread from heaven, and water from a rock ; he would make the ravens to bring them meat, or their barrel and cruse to supply them with an undiminished store. He has said that " the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the expectation of the poor perish for ever." What if we have not all that flesh and blood mig…
417 wordsSECTION 142Mmclxvi.
Paul's commendation of the gospel. Col. i. 3 — 6. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the wor…
281 wordsSECTION 143150 Colossians, I. 3—6. [2166.
such a view as no creature could ever have antici- pated ; and in such a view as must fill the whole creation, whether of men or angels, with the pro- foundest admiration, and gratitude, and love. This is the Gospel which ye " have heard ;" which also, through the illuminating influence of the Spirit of God, many…
417 wordsSECTION 1442166.] Paul'S Commendation Ok The Gospel. 1 "' 1
begotten again to a lively hope of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for usb." Yes, faith penetrates the highest heavens, and sees there crowns and kingdoms purchased by the blood of Christ, and promised to all who believe in him. An eternity of glory upon the…
426 wordsSECTION 145152 Colossians, I. 9—13. [2167.
O ! what inestimable blessings are these ! Say, then, whether those who have preached unto you the word of life have not reason to bless God for you, as the " seals of their ministry," and as destined to be " their joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of that Saviour " whom they have preached unto youf? ] 2…
328 wordsSECTION 1462167.] Prayer For Growth In Grace. 153
Col. i. 9 — 13. We do not cease to pray for you that ye might be filled tvith the knowledge of his ivill in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and, increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened tvith all might, acc…
482 wordsSECTION 147154 Colossians, I. 9—13. [2167.
the same time its sweet savour, and its practical influence, " in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding." And should not such be our prayer also for ourselves ? Let us not forget, that, while we aspire after divine knowledge, we must chiefly seek that which brings a feast to the soul, and endues it with a nice a…
451 wordsSECTION 1482167.] Prayer For Growth In Grace. 155
people ; and will testify to them their adoption into his family, and seal them unto the day of redemption. How desirable is this for every saint! and how rich a recompence is it for any self-denial he may exercise in the path of duty ! Would to God that all professing Christians might experience this ; and that n…
466 wordsSECTION 149156 Colossians, I. 16—18. [2168.
give glory to their God ? What if they be burning at the stake, ought they not to rejoice that God has rescued them from hell, and that they are entering on a state of uninter- rupted everlasting happiness ? Surely no Christian should rest short of this attainment : but we should all unite in wrestling with our Go…
290 wordsSECTION 1502168.] The Glory Of Christ. 157
Col. i. 16 — 18. By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers : all things were created by him, and for him : and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the Head of th…
459 wordsSECTION 151158 Colossians, I. 1(5—18. [2168.
(for it seems that in heaven, as well as on earth and in hell, there are beings of different ranks and orders,) from his creating hand they have derived their existence, and from his sovereign will their station. Nor is there any thing in the whole creation which is not upheld by him. He directs the stars in their…
498 wordsSECTION 1522168.] The Glory Of Christ. 159
geniture still attach to him ; and that he is, in heaven, the Head and Representative of all his members, who, in due time, shall participate the glory which he there enjoys. This is what the Apostle elsewhere distinctly states ; saying, " Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that…
436 wordsSECTION 153160 Colossians, I. 16—18. [2168.
be ashamed that they have ever been suffered to occupy one single thought, except in subserviency to him. In a word, the Lord Jesus should be to us now, what he will be in a better world — our light, our life, our joy, our All.] 2. In our affiance — [As God, who created all things, he is able, and, as our living …
693 wordsSECTION 154160 Colossians, I. 16—18. [2168.
2. Awake to the performance of your duties to- wards him — [Are you not ashamed that this adorable Saviour has held so low a place in your esteem, that even the most con- temptible things that can be imagined have had a pre-eminence above him? There is not a base lust which has not more power to sway you, than lo…
255 wordsSECTION 155The Fulness Of Christ.
highest heavens1 : and look forward to the time when he, who has ascended as your Forerunner, shall come again to take you to himself, and "seat you with him upon his throne, as he sitteth on his Father's throne."] • Col. iii. 1, 2. Col. i. 19. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. IT is sc…
375 wordsSECTION 1562169.1 The Fulness Of Christ. 163
2. A communicative fulness — [He has a fulness of merit to justify the most ungodly. Christ, by his obedience unto death, perfected whatever was ne- cessary for the restoring of us to the Divine favour. His atone- ment was satisfactory ; his righteousness was complete. Under the Mosaic law, there were many sins fo…
435 wordsSECTION 1571G4 Colossians, I. 19. [2169.
All are necessitated to depend on him for a constant commu- nication of grace and peace, as much as to depend on the sun for the periodical returns of light and heat. Hence, both on earth and in heaven a, all are constrained to give him all the glory of their salvation. No one can ascribe any thing to his own good…
492 wordsSECTION 1582170.1 Sanctification The End Of Redemption. 165
in the exercise of which we ma}' be " filled with all the fulness of God." Let all of us then cultivate this precious grace, and, as the best means of receiving every other blessing, let us pray with the Apostles, " Lord, increase our faith."] 2. The evil of self-righteousness — [Self-righteousness is a practical …
369 wordsSECTION 159166 Colossiasn, I. 21—23. [2170.
Col. i. 21 — 23. You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by tvicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his Jlesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight : if ye con- tinue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved aivay from the h…
465 wordsSECTION 1602170.] Sanctification The End Of Redemption. 167
of becoming better acquainted with God and with his holy will, we have not been forward to avail ourselves of them : and if instruction on the subject of his Gospel has been proffered to us, we have rather turned away from it, as distasteful to us, than listened to it as pleasing to our souls. The very light which…
497 wordsSECTION 161168 Colossians, I. 21—23. [2170.
But, that, we may not be deceived by a partial view of this mystery I will pass on from what he has done, to shew, II. What was his ultimate design in doing it — Whatever compassion the Lord Jesus felt for our fallen race, and however desirous he was to deliver us from destruction, he had other objects in view, …
424 wordsSECTION 1622 170. J Sanctification The End Of Redemption. 169
will so renew them as to render them perfectly sinless ; for the flesh will continue to lust against the Spirit, as well as the Spirit against the flesh, to the latest hour of our lives'1: but he will so make the spiritual principle triumphant in the soul, as to leave in us no alloived sin, and so that he may pres…
370 wordsSECTION 163170 Colossi Ans, I. 21—23. [2170.
and the word preached to them in his name, will be " a savour of death unto all, to whom it is not a savour of life." The receiv- ing of him into our hearts by faith, put us into possession of all the blessings which he had purchased for us.] 2. By the continued exercise of the same faith we must ultimately secure…
470 wordsSECTION 1642171.] Christ In Us, The Hope Of Glory. 171
2. Are there here those whom God has reconciled to himself? [How can you ever adore him as you ought to do ? Can you reflect on the means he has used for your redemption ; can you reflect on his laying your iniquities on the person of his only dear Son, and not bless him ? The wonder is, how you can find a moment…
268 wordsSECTION 165172 Colossians, I. 27. [2171.
Col. i. 27. Christ in you, the hope of glory. THE Gospel is a "mystery," "the riches" of which are unsearchable, and " the glory" incompre- hensible. But the sum and substance of it is con- tained in few words : it is briefly this ; " Christ in us, the hope of glory." In the margin of our Bibles it is translated,…
564 wordsSECTION 1662171.] Christ In Us, The Hope Of Glory. 173
1. Purifying our hearts from sin — [Our blessed Lord is said to " dwell in use," and to be " one with us, even as he and his Father are onef." Now it is a fact, that his people are universally, and without excep- tion, holy. And whence comes this? Is it from any power of their own ? No ; it is from the mighty work…
457 wordsSECTION 167174 Colossians, I. 28. [2172.
Jesus Christ into our hearts by faith, is a fatal delusion. For the Apostle says, that they who are " without Christ" are also without hope"1." You will ask, Do I wish to drive you to despair ? Yes, I do ; so far, at least, as to drive you out of all false refuges, and to lead you to Him who is the only Sa- viour …
322 wordsSECTION 1682172.] Preaching Christ. 175
Col. i. 28. Whom we preach, warning every man, arid teach- ing every man in all ivisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. THE mystery of the Gospel was first made known to Adam in Paradise : but in process of time the real scope of it was forgotten ; and nothing of it remained but the rites …
491 wordsSECTION 1691Tg Colossi Ans, I. 28. [2172.
often speaks of Christ " dwelling in usg," and " living in ush," and " being our life1:" and in the text he says, that " Christ in us is the hope of glory." The necessity of this he urged with as much care and earnestness as the atonement itself: because without Christ we could do nothing k, yea, we must continue …
473 wordsSECTION 1702172.] Preaching Christ. 177
Hence it appears with how much justice he called himself "a wise master-builder x:" indeed the whole of his ministra- tions prove him to have been "a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth y."] He further declares the scope or end at which he continually aimed — [The Apostle con…
446 wordsSECTION 171178 Colossians, I. 28. [2172.
1. Me, as your minister — [St. Paul is doubtless the best model for a Christian minister; and, consequently, he is most likely to labour with effect who follows him in the subject, the manner, and the scope of his ministrations. What then becomes me but to be a follower of him in these respects ? God helping me, t…
443 wordsSECTION 172Mystery Of The Gospel To Be Searched Out.
Col. ii. 1, 2. I toould that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh ; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding , to the acknowledgment of the mys…
320 wordsSECTION 173Iso Colossians, Ii. 1, 2. [2173.
1. To bring them to a clear knowledge of the Gospel of Christ — [The Gospel is here called a mystery, even " the mystery of God :" and throughout all his writings he designates it as a great stupendous mystery. It is the mystery of God, even of the Father, and of Christ. It must be viewed as from all eternity con…
449 wordsSECTION 1742173.] Mystery Of The Gospel To Be Searched Out. Is!
acknowledge him ; but will surely " deny them in the presence of his Father and of his holy angels." Hence St. Paul laboured to effect this also ; even to impress their minds so deeply with this mystery, that they might rejoice and glory in it, and be willing to bear all the sufferings that could ever be inflicted…
493 wordsSECTION 175182 Colossians, It. 1,2. [2173.
Having seen what the Apostle desired for them, we will proceed to shew, II. Why with such intensity he desired it — In the close of the preceding chapter he speaks of " labouring and striving" according to the working of the Holy Spirit, who wrought in him mightily. The word, before translated " striving," he her…
392 wordsSECTION 1762173.] Mystery Of The Gospel To Be Searched Out. 183
divine principle breathes a purer atmosphere than others; and can say, " This is the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." Now the Apostle was anxious that " the hearts" of all his brethren " might be thus comforted." And what more can I wish for you? or rather I should say, what less than this should satisf…
445 wordsSECTION 177184- Colossians, Ii. 1,2. [2173.
a thought in comparison of this. What can worldly knowledge do for you, in comparison of the knowledge of Christ ? or what can the fondest endearments of mere human affection do, in comparison of the love that is divine? If St. Paul's judgment may be taken, he " counted all things but loss for the excellency of th…
437 wordsSECTION 178The Fulness That Is In Christ.
Col. ii. 3. In ivhom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. " WISDOM," we are told, " is the principal thing ; and therefore we should get wisdom." In all civilized countries, wisdom has been held in the highest repute: and institutions have been set on foot for the cultiva- tion of it. How highly it …
325 wordsSECTION 179186 Colossians, Ii. 3. [2174.
not however forget, that the Scriptures are the foun- tain of true wisdom. We should ever bear in mind, that the heathen sages, though wiser than their con- temporaries, were deplorably ignorant in comparison of those who live under the Christian dispensation : and even the light which some of the most learned am…
313 wordsSECTION 1802174.1 The Fulness That Is In Christ. 187
the impatience of modern auditories, that I could not have time to do more than merely open to you the casket, and give you a superficial view of its con- tents : but feeling how incompetent I am to unfold all the hidden mysteries of the Gospel, I must entreat you to make up for my deficiencies by your candour ; …
369 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.