PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 18 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 232,894 words · 530 reading sections
314 1 Thessalonians, Iii. 9, 10. [2199.
2. Its influential energies — [Nothing but faith will produce an abiding influence upon the soul. How that will operate, we see at large in the 11th chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews: and to have it operate in that way upon his people's minds, will be the continued aim of every pious minister. He will not be c…
257 wordsSECTION 302316 1 Thessalonians, Iii. 9, 10. [2199.
that so, at whatever moment they be summoned to the pre- sence of their God, they may be found ready, and meet for the inheritance provided for them.] This subject will clearly shew us, 1. What is the source of all our other deficiencies — [Faith is at the root of all that is good; and unbelief, of all that is ev…
423 wordsSECTION 303The Effect Of Love On Universal Holiness.
1 Thess. iii. 12, 13. The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you : to the end he may stablish your hearts un- blameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. THE grace which is most…
343 wordsSECTION 304318 1 Thessalonians, Iii. 12, 13. [2200:
1. It rectifies all the powers of the soul — [Self has usurped an entire dominion over the whole race of mankind. It has pervaded and debased all their faculties. The understanding is so blinded by it, as to be incapable of seeing any thing in its true light : and the judgment is so per- verted, that men universal…
490 wordsSECTION 3052200.] Effect Of Love On Universal Holiness. 319
2. It enters into every action of the life — [It is as the soul, which pervades, and operates in, every part of the body. We are apt to view it only in some par- ticular act ; but it enters into, and forms, the very habit of the soul. St. Paul's description of it will serve us as a rule whereby to judge of its off…
505 wordsSECTION 306320 1 Thessalonians, Iii. 12, 13. [2200.
attend the public ordinances, or take up the blessed word of God, he has new eyes, new ears, new feelings altogether. There is an unction of the Spirit upon his soul, that enables him to derive edification from every thing", and to diffuse, wherever he goes, " a sweet savour of the knowledge of Christ." His love i…
433 wordsSECTION 3072200.] Effect Of Love On Universal Holiness. 321
her infant offspring. And such was his anxiety ahout them, that he could scarcely endure his existence, till he was assured of their spiritual welfare ; and he was as willing to lay down his life for them, as a mother was to draw forth the breast to her sucking child r. Now such is the love that we should all aspi…
502 wordsSECTION 308322 1 Thessalonians, Iii. 12, 13. [2200.
want of a radical principle of love in our souls, it may profit us nothing ; and we may be, in God's estimation, no better than sounding brass or tinkling cymbalsV O, how carefully should we examine ourselves as to the existence of this prin- ciple within us, and how ardently should we seek its increase ! " As a m…
487 wordsSECTION 309Advancement In Holiness Enforced.
with good." Try yourselves by this standard, and you will soon see what the state of your souls is before God.] 2. What shall I do to get an increase of it ? [Many directions here might be given : but we will con- tent ourselves with only one. Nothing but love will beget love : nor will any thing but a sense of Go…
371 wordsSECTION 310324> 1 Thessalonians, Iv. 1. [2201.
appropriate place ; but both are alike important : for if, on the one hand, the superstructure will fall, without a foundation ; so on the other hand, it is for the sake of the superstructure alone that the foun- dation is laid. St. Paul, " as a wise master-builder," was careful at all times to lay his foundation …
376 wordsSECTION 3112201.] Advancement In Holiness Enforced. 325
Do we need a justifying righteousness? To him we must look for it, and from him we must receive it : " We must call him, The Lord our Righteousness d." Do we need grace to sanctify and renew our souls ? From him we must receive it, accord- ing to our necessities6. Our wisdom, our strength, our peace, our all, is i…
466 wordsSECTION 312326 1 Thessalonians, Iv. 1. [2201.
they had so heard them as to be influenced by them. It was at all times a delight to the Apostle to acknowledge the good that was in his converts, and to bestow commendation on them as far as it was due. And it is with unfeigned joy, that we can make the same acknowledgment respecting those to whom We have ministe…
452 wordsSECTION 3132201. J Advancement In Holiness Enforced. 327
" I exhort you by the Lord Jesus!" By this sacred name I would also beseech you, beloved brethren : I would entreat you, 1. By the consideration of all that he has done and suffered for you — [Can you reflect on the humiliation, the labours, the suf- ferings to which he submitted for you, and not long to requite …
426 wordsSECTION 314328 1 Thessalonians, Iv. 13—18. [2202.
is this ! Can you, my brethren, glorify the Father, and mag- nify the Lord Jesus, and will you not strive to do it ? Know assuredly, that " your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ" does cause him to be exceedingly magnified : and the more "the exceeding grace of God" appears in you, the more of praises a…
400 wordsSECTION 3152202.] The Resurrection. 329
1 Thess. iv. 13 — 18. / would not have you to be ignorant :, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For, if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus loill God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of…
416 wordsSECTION 316330 1 Thessalonians, Iv. 13—18. [2202.
did not appear to be well grounded in it : and there- fore St. Paul assured them, that it was a doctrine on which they might fully depend. They did believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — [On these two facts all Christianity was founded, namely, that " Jesus had died for our sins, and had risen ag…
380 wordsSECTION 3172202.] The Resurrection. 331
entombed within them, and they shall all live again upon the earth h. The text indeed speaks of the righteous only, who had fallen asleep in Christ: but in other passages we are informed that the ungodly also will hear the voice of the Son of God, and, in obedience to it, come forth from their graves1. Irresistibl…
452 wordsSECTION 318S32 1 Thessalonians, Iv. 13—18. [2202.
being now made perfect," and " their vile body fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body!" On the other hand, with what reluctance are the ungodly dragged into his presence ! How gladly would they hide themselves from him, if it were pos- sible. Thousands, who were once the great and noble of the earth, and who t…
401 wordsSECTION 3192203.1 Watchfulness Enjoined. Ss3
The word translated " comfort," is in the margin rendered " exhort." Either sense of the word is just ; and therefore we will include both. This subject then should be improved by us, 1. In a way of mutual consolation — [Have any of us been bereaved of dear and pious friends ? " Let us not sorrow, as those who ha…
329 wordsSECTION 320334 1 Thessalonians, V. 1—8. [2203.
1 Thess. v. 1 — 8. Of the times and the seaso?is, brethren, ye have no need that I ivrite unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and …
457 wordsSECTION 3212203.] Watchfulness Enjoined. 335
it is " a secret which the Father has reserved in his own bosom." This only we know concerning it, that it will come suddenly and unexpected to all them that dwell on the earth : and therefore it is our wisdom to be always standing prepared for it. We believe indeed that it is yet far distant from us, be- cause t…
370 wordsSECTION 322336 1 Thessalonians, V. 1—8. [2203.
of, endeavour to find some reason for the mor- tality of our neighbour, which does not attach to ourselves. When, as in the instance now before us, a person is snatched away suddenly, and in full health, as it were, we are constrained for a moment to reflect, that we also are liable to be called away : but it is …
369 wordsSECTION 3232203.] Watchfulness Enjoined. 337
one would think that he should scarcely give sleep to his eyes or slumber to his eye-lids, till he had obtained a clear evidence of his acceptance with God, and had " made his calling and election sure." But this is not the case : and therefore, evident as the truth is, we need to have it brought before us, and e…
387 wordsSECTION 324338 1 Thessalonians, V. 1—8. [2203.
salvation : the form of godliness, how far soever it may carry us, will profit us nothing at the bar of judgment, if we possess not the power of it. How awful then is the thought, that, in a few days or weeks, those persons who are most respected and revered amongst us for their wisdom and learning, for their pro…
350 wordsSECTION 3252203.] Watchfulness Enjoined. 339
and of the day." The state of profession was very different then from what it is at this time : people did not embrace Christianity unless they had been strongly convinced of its truth ; and the moment they did embrace it, they strove to " walk worthy of their high calling," and to stimulate each other to " adorn…
372 wordsSECTION 326.340 1 Thessalonians, V. 1—8. [2203.
me to mention, with what unwearied diligence, and distinguished ability, he filled the high office which had been assigned him in this university ; and how uniform have been his exertions, for upwards of thirty years, for the advancement of learning, the maintenance of order, and the due regulation of all the com…
367 wordsSECTION 3272203. J Watchfulness Enjoined. 3.41
his faithful followers. He accounted it no degra- dation to shew in every way his attachment to the Gospel, and his full conviction that there is sal- vation in no other name under heaven than the name of Jesus Christ. He was, in the highest sense of the word, " a child of light :" and verily he caused " his ligh…
364 wordsSECTION 328342 1 Thessalonians, V. 1—8. [2203.
they never walk in the way thither, or seek to obtain favour with their offended God. But let it not be thus with any who desire happiness beyond the grave. If ever we would behold the face of God in peace, we must improve our present hours in turning to him, and in labouring to perform his will. If the prize hel…
391 wordsSECTION 3292203.] Watchfulness Enjoined. 343
we must aspire after a perfect conformity to the Divine image, and endeavour to " walk in all things even as Christ himself walked." But our duty is described in our text under some peculiar images, to which we shall do well to advert. We are supposed to be as sentinels, watching against the incursions of our spi…
383 wordsSECTION 330344 1 Thessalonians, V. 1—8. [2203.
Him who is " our Advocate with the Father, and the propitiation for our sins." Hence it is that all our peace must flow ; and hence we shall find a satisfac- tory answer to the accusations of every enemy : "Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died ; yea rather, that is risen again, who also maketh inter…
371 wordsSECTION 3312203. J Watchfulness Enjoined. 345
of heaven to be clouded by the indulgence of any unhallowed lusts ? No ; he will contend with every enemy of his soul : he will " crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts :" he will " lay aside every weight, and the sins that most easily beset him, and will run with patience the race that is set before him,…
397 wordsSECTION 332The Duties Of Moderation And Watchfulness.
a close. And how terrible will it be, if that day should overtake us as a thief! Let us be wise: I beseech you all, by the tender mercies of God, to have compassion on your own souls, and to " work while it is day, knowing that the night cometh wherein no man can work." 1 Thess. v. 8. Let us, who are of the day, …
305 wordsSECTION 3332204.] Moderation And Watchfulness. 347
deeds of darkness ; " nor will they come to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved."] As contrasted with them, believers " are of the day"— [They have been " brought out of darkness into the marvellous light" of the Gospel, and are enabled to " discern between good and evil." Their dispositions also are c…
392 wordsSECTION 334348 1 Thessalonians, V. 8. [2204.
is that, whenever called to appear before God, they should be able to give a good account of their stewardship : surely then , they can find no time to loiter. They should rather exert themselves with all diligence ; and, " whatsoever their hand findeth to do, they should do it with all their might."] This exhorta…
411 wordsSECTION 3352205.] The Nature Of True Religion. 349
whether our head or heart were unprotected, our vigilant enemy would assuredly seize his opportunity to inflict a deadly wound. It is on the union of our graces that our safety depends. Whether we lay aside our faith, our love, or our hope, we are equally in danger. Let us then put them on daily, and preserve them…
305 wordsSECTION 336350 1 Thessalonians, V. 16—18. [2205.
1 Thess. v. 16 — 18. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. THE just union of personal and relative duties is the brightest ornament of the Christian profession. The discharge of either will be imperfect, if it be not united…
665 wordsSECTION 337Quenching The Spirit.
[The will of God should be the law of all his creatures; and his will respecting us is fully revealed. It is his earnest desire that we should live in the enjoyment of himself. " He willeth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live." It is moreover his autho- ritative c…
263 wordsSECTION 338352 1 Thessalonians, V. 19. [2206.
can be exercised aright, unless all be allowed their due place and influence. There are doubtless many occasions of grief and sorrow ; yet no circumstances are so afflictive, but we may find in them some ground of joy and gratitude. Hence in the direc- tions which the Apostle gives to the Thessalonian Church, he …
373 wordsSECTION 3392206.1 Quenching The Spirit, 353
light which they did not derive from himc. Call upon him in a state of great dejection ; and he will be your Comforter d. Beg of him to reveal to you the Father's love, and the grace of Christ; and he will inflame your soul with love and grati- tude6. Submit your stony heart to his powerful operations; and he will…
483 wordsSECTION 340354 1 Thessalonians, V. 19. [2206.
2. By delaying to comply with them — [Few, if any, are so impious as to determine that they will never turn to God. Men deceive themselves with some faint purposes of turning to God at a future period. Thus, when the Spirit "knocks at the door of their hearts0," they send him away, as Felix did St. Paul, with an i…
411 wordsSECTION 3412206.] Quenching The Spirit. 355
[It may appear to us to be only a friend or minister, or, at most, our own conscience, that we resist : but, whatever be the means whereby God speaks to us, the voice is his ; and an opposition to the dictates of the Spirit is an opposition to God himself4. Have we sufficiently considered whom we thus "provoke to …
420 wordsSECTION 342Investigation Of Truth Recommended.
[Fire will go out, if left to itself. We are commanded to " stir it upz." This must be done by meditation a, by prayer b, by reading of the word of Godc, by attending on divine ordi- nances^ and by holy and spiritual conversation6. Watch then the motions of the Spirit, and delay not to comply with them. Let every …
320 wordsSECTION 3432207.1 Investigation Of Truth Recommended. 357
good*." There is much error abroad in the world ; and that not only harboured, but propagated also. It will be well, therefore, for us to prove, by some authorized standard, 1. Our own sentiments— [Every man has some sentiments about religion, though in many cases they are very crude and indistinct. On any other…
450 wordsSECTION 344358 1 Thessalonians, V. 21. [2207.
" Thou hast tried them which say they are x\postles, and are not; and hast found them liars f." And whether this, or the contrary, be the result of your examination, I say with bold- ness, " Try even an Apostle by the standard of God's blessed word."] Having thus distinguished truth from falsehood, we must, II. …
406 wordsSECTION 3452207.1 Investigation Of Truth Recommended. 359
But we are not to make a sacrifice of divine truth, to please man : for " if we yet pleased men, we could not be the servants of Christ11." Nor are we to indulge any anxiety upon this head : for the very desire to retain " the friendship of the world" is a certain mark of enmity against God'. Whatever men may say,…
486 wordsSECTION 346Abstaining From All Appearance Of Evil.
1 Thess. v. 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil. SIN is a tremendous evil. The consequences of one single sin are beyond all our powers of thought or conception. If one only be hardened by it, who can tell where his influence may extend, or through how many generations it may be transmitted ? To the individua…
355 wordsSECTION 3472208.] Abstaining From All Appearance Of Evil. 361
and Nehemiah might have gone into the temple, to save him- self from dangerf: but they both chose rather to expose then- lives to any peril, rather than do what in their circumstances would have been open to misconstruction, and would have been imputed to them as sin. Thus there are some amuse- ments and indulgenc…
439 wordsSECTION 348362 1 Thessalonians, V. 22. [2208.
To impress this injunction the more deeply on our minds, let us consider, II. The importance of it — The avoiding of all appearance of evil is of great consequence, 1. To ourselves — [Our character is stamped by our actions as they appear to the ivorld. God only can judge the heart: man must of necessity form h…
419 wordsSECTION 3492208.] Abstaining From All Appearance Of Evil. 363
[A discreet and blameless conduct is no less important as it respects the Church. The weak are of necessity much in- fluenced by those whom they consider as more advanced than themselves : and, if they see any thing done by a person whom they respect, they will be ready to follow his example, even though they are …
376 wordsSECTION 350Complete Sanctification To Be Sought After.
1 Thess. v. 23, 24*. The very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, tvho also tvill do it. PARENTS naturally desire the prosperity of their children ; but they can by n…
715 wordsSECTION 351366 1 Thessalonians, V. 23, 24. [2209.
This entire change was the first part of the blessing which St. Paul solicited in their behalf. But he could not be satisfied with this, he therefore further entreated.] b Heb. iv. 12. c Rom. vi. 12, 13. d Jude, ver. 10. e Eph. ii. 3. f 2 Cor. vii. 1. s Jam. hi. 15. h Rom. vi. If). i Gal. v. 24. k Eph, iVi 23,24. …
587 wordsSECTION 3522209.1 Complete Sanctification To Be Sought. 367
Vast as this blessing was, he did not doubt of obtaining it in their behalf. This appears from, II. The assurance given — To the attainment of this blessed state God " calleth us" in his Gospel — [" God hath not called us to uncleanness, but unto holi- ness," even to the highest measure of it that can possibly be…
465 wordsSECTION 353368 1 Thessalonians, V. 23, 24. [2209.
We must, however, be found in the diligent use of the appointed means — [The dependence of his blessing on the use of the ap- pointed means is not always expressed ; but it is always implied. " He will be inquired of by us," before he will do for us the things which he has most freely promised f. He has appointed…
456 wordsSECTION 3542209.] Complete Sanctification To Be Sought. 369
[Such there have been in every age of the Church. Not that the Gospel has in itself any tendency to create such characters ; but the corruption of men's hearts will take occa- sion from the Gospel to foster sentiments, which are, in reality, subversive of its most fundamental truths. Many re- gard all exhortations…
500 wordsSECTION 355370 1 Thessalonians, V. 23, 24. [2209.
of any particular men, but the character and effect of their principles : and we do not hesitate to say again, that this is the true character and effect of Antinomianism, wherever it exists. In opposition to all who would thus make " Christ a minister of sin," we must declare, that he came to save his people, no…
389 wordsSECTION 356The State Of The Thessalonian Church.
2 Thess. i. 3 — 7. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth ; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and …
259 wordsSECTION 357372 2 Thessalonians, I. 3—7. [2210.
and deservedly so, because she was conspicuous amongst all the Churches of that age for her high attainments. The words I have just read will lead me to consider, T. The happy state of the Thessalonian Church — In her infant state she was highly commended for " her works of faith, and labours of love, and patienc…
659 wordsSECTION 358374 2 Thessalonians, I. 3—7. [2210.
II. In what light the Apostle viewed it — He knew not to give flattering words to any man : yet he could not but declare that he regarded their state as a fit subject, 1. Of thanksgiving to God — [God was the author of the grace they first received : and he was the giver also of all the improvement they had made …
650 wordsSECTION 3592210. J State Of The Thessalonian Church. 375
III. What lessons we should learn from it — Two things it may well teach us : 1. That opposition, how formidable soever it may be, is no excuse for our turning back from God — [What are our persecutions, in comparison of those which they endured? Yet they were "steadfast, immoveable, and always abounding in the w…
433 wordsSECTION 360376 2 Thessalonians, I. 3—7. [2210.
[Many have heard the Gospel to little purpose ; or rather, " our entering in unto them has been altogether in vaine." If we look for their works of faith, and labours of love, and pa- tience of hope, as evidences that the word has come to them with power, we find no more than others have who never heard the Gospel…
546 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.