PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 19 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 235,702 words · 486 reading sections
Character Of St. Paul.
2 Tim. iii. 10. Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering , charity, patience. IN every age of the world there have been persons adverse to the truth of God, and actively engaged in frustrating his designs for the salvation of men. In the days of Moses, Jannes and Jambres so…
663 wordsSECTION 6262 2 Timothy, Iii. 10. [2254.
1. Embrace his principles — [It is observable, that the Apostle himself takes lor granted that every true Christian will resemble him in his = This is here the import of the word translated " faith." 1 Phil. ii. 17. views of divine truth : for, having spoken of the sufferings which he had been called to endure, h…
534 wordsSECTION 63The True Gospel Hated.
under heaven cause you to turn aside, even for a moment, from the path of duty. " Be steadftist, and immoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord." At the same time, imitate his love to man. Whatever treatment you meet with in the world, be long-suffering and loving towards all ; and " let patience hav…
391 wordsSECTION 6464 2 Timothy, Iii. 12. [2255.
the self-denj'ing ordinances which they practised. And papists are canonized for their penances and pilgrimages, and self- imposed austerities. Even amongst us, an exact attention to outward forms and to moral duties will gain for any man the admiration of all around him. This is not the life which will, in the ge…
785 wordsSECTION 656G 2 Timothy, Iii. 15. [2256.
Let me then address, 1. Those who are intimidated by the opposition made to them — [" Fear not man, who can only kill the body ; but fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell." " If you will not lay down your life for Christ, you cannot be his dis- ciples." We cannot lower those terms. Christ died, unde…
272 wordsSECTION 66225G.J The Early Knowledge Of Tiimothv. G7
2 Tim. iii. 15. From a child thou hast known the Holy Scrip- tures, which are able to make thee ivise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. IN seasons of heavy trial it is of great advantage to have had a long acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures and the principles of religion. A novice is apt …
561 wordsSECTION 67G8 2 Timothy, Iii. 15. [2256.
not in feeling suitable emotions, but in having a practical con- viction of those truths which ai-e calculated to excite them. This practical conviction none but God can give ; and he is as able to give it to one as to another. Indeed God does prefer those who are babes, in knowledge at least*^, and sometimes also…
696 wordsSECTION 6870 2 Timothy, Iii. 15. [2256.
Thus, in ascribing our salvation to the knowledge of the Scriptures, we do not derogate from the honour of Christ; since it is only by revealing his work and offices to us, and by leading us to depend upon him, that they become effectual for this blessed end. But at the same time we put an honour on the Scriptures…
692 wordsSECTION 69The Excellency Of The Scriptures.
2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. y/// Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- tion, for instruction in right eous7iess : that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. LITTLE do men in general think how much they are indebted to God for th…
361 wordsSECTION 70'72 2 Timothy, Iii. Ig, It. [2257.
could he have ever given so perfect a code of laws as those contained in the Ten Commandments ; and so complicated a system of ceremonial laws, that should shadow forth, in every particular, the work and offices of the Messiah, together with the privileges and enjoyments of his redeemed people? Or if we suppose a …
433 wordsSECTION 712257.] Excellency Of The Scriptures. 73
yet may properly be comprehended in two. The Scriptures are profitable, 1. For the estabhshment of sound doctrine — [They declare all tliat is needful for us to know : and they lay down every " doctrine" of our holy religion with the utmost precision. At the same time, they enable us to " reprove," or, as the wor…
404 wordsSECTION 7271 2 Timothy, Iii. 16, 17. [2257.
1. For their instruction — [We cannot conceive of any good work whicli a person instructed out of the Holy Scriptures is not fitted to perform. Take him as " a man of God," discharging the ministerial office : he may learn from the Scriptures how to demean him- self in the Church of God so wisely and so profitably…
446 wordsSECTION 732257.1 Excellency Of The Scriptures. '75
in relation to faith and practice, the most grievous errors abound. Bring therefore your sentiments and your conduct to this test. See whether your views of yourself, and of Christ, agree with those which the Scriptures exhibit; and see whe- ther your life, spirit, and conduct, be such as those of the Apostles wer…
453 wordsSECTION 74Charge To Ministers And People.
2 Tim. iv. 1,2. / charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, ivho shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word ; be instajit in season, out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. RELIGION is a matter of far greater importa…
327 wordsSECTION 752258.1 Ciiargk To Ministers And Pkopi.F. 77
with the fancies and conceits of men, but must de- clare simply the mind and will of God. He is sent of God for that very end. He is an ambassador from God to man, authorized to declare on what terms God will be reconciled to his rebellious subjects. And this ministry he is to discharge, 1. With assiduity — [Day…
435 wordsSECTION 7678 2 Timothy, Iv. 1,2. [2258.
useful even to one. Confident that his "doctrine" is right, he must labour to inculcate it on all ; and leave to God the issue, whether it be to blind and harden men, or to convert and save their souls ^. All this is the bounden duty of a minister : and of his labours in it he must give account to " the Judge of q…
721 wordsSECTION 7780 2 Timothy, Iv. 7, 8. [2259.
h Jam. ii. 12. * 1 John ii. 28. A christian's dying reflections. 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for me a crotvn of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, hut un…
573 wordsSECTION 7882 2 Timothy, Iv. 10. [2260.
2 Tim. iv. 10. Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. TO have our minds well established with prin- ciples, is doubtless very desirable : but in matters which are confessedly beyond the comprehension of man, we should be modest and diffident in drawing conclusions from them, lest, through an exc…
563 wordsSECTION 792260.1 Apostasy Of Demas. 83
Philistines were, when they saw their champion dead upon the field. Seeing the fact, we are eager to inquire into,] 2. The occasion of it — [Whence could this proceed ? To what shall we trace an event so calamitous, so unforeseen? We are not left in doubt respecting it : the Apostle, at the same time that he anno…
446 wordsSECTION 8084 2 Timothy, Iv. 10. [2260.
Surely we may learn from it — 1. That whatever attainments any man has made, it becomes him not to be too confident about the issue of his spiritual warfare — [If we are upright before God, we need not give way to distressing fears : they are dishonourable to God, and unpro- fitable to ourselves. But at the same …
476 wordsSECTION 812260.1 Apostasy Of Demas. 85
3. That, if we have unhappily forsaken the Lord, the door of mercy is not yet closed against us — [Of Demas we know no more than what is here spoken. But of Mark, who is also called John, and who was a compa- nion of Paul and Barnabas in their travels, we do know. He, hke Demas, forsook those holy men in a time of…
257 wordsSECTION 822261. J False Professors Described. 87
Tit. i. 16. They profess that they know God; hut in works they deny him. AT a time when the profession of godliness is everywhere abounding, it is of peculiar importance to lay down marks whereby the upright may be dis- tinguished, and the hypocritical be put to shame. There have ever been in the Church, many, wh…
666 wordsSECTION 8388 Titus, I. 16. [2261.
It is also, II. An awful character — ^ Rom. ii. 17 — 20. <= Isai. xlviii. 2. •^ Ezek. xxxiii. 31. <^ Isai. xxix. 1.'3. In two respects do these persons fearfully betray their extreme folly and wickedness : 1. They grievously dishonour God — [In proportion as they profess a zeal for God, is God implicated, if I …
427 wordsSECTION 842261.] False Professors Described. 89
[Professing that they know God, they take, of course, the Scriptures for their guide : but, with respect to the real Hfe of godliness, they are yet ignorant, because that " dark- ness has blinded their eyes'." In truth, they see every thing through a wrong medium, and as it were with a jaundiced eye ; and the very…
425 wordsSECTION 85Sober-Mindedness.
[Think not that a merely speculative knowledge, how- ever extensive it be, will suffice. To know God aright, you must know him, as reconciled to us in Christ Jesus ; and must so know him, as to renounce every other hope, and to rely altogether on Christ alone. Then only do we know hhn arioht, when we " cleave unto…
340 wordsSECTION 862262.]] Sober-Mindedness. 91
and condition. To the aged men and aged women many important hints were to be offered ; as to the young women also, through the medium of the ma- trons. In every one of these, sobriety of mind bears a part^ : but in the instructions which he is to give to young men, it comprehends the whole ; since, if they be th…
389 wordsSECTION 8792 Titus, Ii. 6. [2262.
not aware how strong a bias there is within them, or through what a delusive medium they behold the things around them. Their prejudices are all in favour of the world : their passions are pleading strong for indulgence : self-denial is in its very nature painful : and, if only they keep within the bounds pre- scr…
416 wordsSECTION 88"2202.1 Sober-Mindedness. 93
1. Some more general — [The first point that I would press on your attention is, to get your souls deeply imbued with the concerns of eternity. If the concerns of time have the ascendant in your hearts, there can be no hope of your ever being sober-minded, because your views and dispositions are radically wrong. Y…
719 wordsSECTION 89"2202.1 Sober-Mindedness. 93
One great help to sobriety will be, (what I would next recommend,) to choose for your associates the prudent and discreet. " He that walketh with wise men," says Solomon, "will be wise; but a companion of fools will be destroyed." We naturally drink into the spirit of those with whom we associate : and we are told…
263 wordsSECTION 902262.1 Sober-Mindedness. 95
with us: we may think that we are under the influence of a religious principle ; whilst, in fact, we are manifesting a temper that is truly Satanic. Let us remember this ; that whatever proceeds from pride, from passion, from interest, or from any corrupt principle whatever, is wrong ; and that we then only are ri…
437 wordsSECTION 9196 Titus, 11. 6. [2262.
be satisfied with any thing less. I call upon you, therefore, to embrace the truth, and to walk worthy of it : and, instead of censuring the infirmities of the weak, be yourselves examples to them in every thing that becometh the Gospel of Christ.] 2. Those who desire to serve the Lord — [Your very desires, if not…
500 wordsSECTION 92The Gospel Productive Of Holiness.
Tit. ii. 1 1 — 14. The grace of God that hringeth salvation hath appeared to all vien, teaching us that, denyi7ig tmgodliness a7id ivorldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, afid godly, in this 2)resent world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesu…
359 wordsSECTION 9398 Titus, Ii. 11—14. [2263.
are to be saved. They ascribe to Christ the honour of obtain- ing salvation for us on these favourable conditions ; but they make our performance of the conditions themselves to be the true and proper ground of our acceptance with God.] But the Gospel, as described in the text, is widely different from this — [Su…
430 wordsSECTION 942263.1 The Gospel Productivk Of Holiness. 99
2. A life of universal holiness — [We have duties to God, our neighbour, and ourselves. Those which relate to ourselves are comprehended under the term "sobriety," which includes the government of all our passions, and the regulation of all our tempers. " Righteous- ness " fitly expresses our duty to our neighbour…
404 wordsSECTION 95100 Titus, It. 11—14. [2263.
[At the first appearance of the Lord Jesus, the scope and tendency of his doctrine were shadowed forth in miracles : the devils were cast out by him, and all manner of diseases were healed. But the full intent of his incarnation and death were not understood till after the day of Pentecost. Then the honour of his …
458 wordsSECTION 96The Work Of The Trinity In Redemption.
[All kinds of iniquity would be renounced, and all heavenly graces be kept in exercise. There would be no public wars, no private animosities, no wants which would not be relieved as soon as they were known. Evil tempers would be banished : the pains arising from discontent or malice would be forgotten. Peace and …
367 wordsSECTION 97102 Titus, Iii. 4—7. [2264.
is, in some way incomprehensible by us, a distinc- tion of persons in the Godhead. This is fmther con- firmed by the manner in which the inspired writers set forth the work of redemption : they frequently speak of it as effected by three distinct Persons, whom they represent as bearing three distinct offices, and…
350 wordsSECTION 982264.1 Work Of The Trinity In Redemption. 103
tion : the whole earth is full of his goodness. But man, the glory of this lower world, has participated the fruits of his kindness in far the most ahundant measure ; having been endued with nobler faculties, and fitted for incomparably higher enjoyments than any other creature. In some respects, God has loved ma…
376 wordsSECTION 99104 Titus, Iii. 4—7. [2264.
the sun. Now the sun shines with equal brightness when it is behind a cloud, or when this part of the globe is left in midnight darkness ; only it is not visible to us till it actually appears above the horizon, or till the clouds that veil it from our eyes are dissipated. So the love of God has shone from all et…
365 wordsSECTION 1002264.1 Work Of The Trinity In Redemption. 105
we are saved, not by works of righteousness which we have done. The only procuring cause of our salvation is Jesus Christ. Every thing which we receive comes to us on account of what he has done and suffered : if the Father's love appear to us, or if the Spirit be shed forth upon us, it is, as the text observes, …
366 wordsSECTION 101106 Titus, Hi. 4—7. [2264.
will pray the Father, and he shall send you another Comforter :" so that, while we trace back our redemp- tion to the Father's love, we ascribe it also to the mediation of the Son. The third Person in the ever-blessed Trinity also bears his part in this glorious work : we shall proceed therefore to set before you…
365 wordsSECTION 1022264.] Work Of The Trinity In Redemption. 107
abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us. Thus we shall remain ignorant of the Father's love, and uninterested in the mediation of the Son ; yea, we shall continue dead in trespasses and sins, if the Holy Ghost do not work effectually in us. Not- withstanding all that the Father and the Son have done …
369 wordsSECTION 103108 Titus, Iii. 4—7. [2264.
the hope of eternal Hfe." The justification of sinful man was a concern so dear to God, that he gave his only-begotten Son in order to effect it ; and so pre- cious were our souls in the sight of Christ, that he willingly laid down his life for them. The Holy Spirit also cheerfully undertook his part in the econo…
365 wordsSECTION 1042264.] Work Of The Trinity In Redemption. 109
glory. Now we are sure that Christ died for those who were given to him ; and that the Holy Ghost will renew and sanctify those for whom Christ died. The only question that can arise is this ; Has the Father loved me, and has Christ died for me ? To this I answer. We cannot look into the book of God's decrees, an…
763 wordsSECTION 1052264.] Work Of The Trinity In Redemption. 109
Lastly ; we see what obligations lie upon every professor of religion to abound in good works. The 2264.] WORK OF THE TRINITY IN REDEMPTION. Ill Apostle, in the words immediately following the text, says, " This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that (N. B. to the end that…
385 wordsSECTION 106The True Way Of Promoting Good Works.
Tit. iii. 8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly , that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. ONE of the principal ends of a Christian ministry- is, to stem the torrent of iniquity, and to m…
329 wordsSECTION 10722G5.]] True Way Of Promoting Good Works. 113
opposite aspect : it is an express injunction to Titus to bring forward continually the leading doctrines of our religion, in order to^ lead men to the practice of its duties. Following his instructions, we propose to shew, I. What subjects a Christian minister ought chiefly to insist upon — The things which St.…
394 wordsSECTION 108114 Titus, Iii. 8. [2265.
One would suppose that these subjects should be the most welcome of all that can be presented to our view. But this is not the case : for, however great the encouragement that is derived from them, they all have an humiliating tendency : they shew us the depth of our misery, that called for such a remedy : they co…
428 wordsSECTION 1092265.1 True Way Of Promoting Good Works. 115
the way of salvation ; will he not be filled with admiring and adoring thoughts of God's mercy? Will not " the grace of Christ," and " the love of the Spirit," constrain him to cry out, " What shall I render to the Lord for all the benefits that he hath done unto me ?" Yes ; let him only be penetrated with a sense…
492 wordsSECTION 110116 Titus, Iii. 8. [2205.
principles of religion, we mean to disparage its fruits : no : only let the fruits proceed from love to God, and a desire to promote his glory, and they cannot be spoken of too highly : the smallest service performed in such a way, shall in no wise lose its reward.] Hoping that the giving to the doctrines of Chris…
398 wordsSECTION 111118 Philemon, 7. [2266.
Philem. 7. We have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother, IN no epistle that was ever written was contained, I apprehend, a greater measure of address and skill than in this. The Apostle had a deep knowledge of the human heart, and an exquisite sensi…
615 wordsSECTION 1122266.] Benevolence Encouraged. 119
be regarded by us at no higher rate than the enemies of God, and the children of the wicked one? Assuredly not: " if we love Him that begat, we ought, in a pre-eminent degree, to love those who are begotten of him'^."] 2. Because the Lord Jesus Christ is more deeply interested in them — [They have sought through …
780 wordsSECTION 11322()G."1 Benevolence Encouraged. 121
1. How pre-eminently God was honoured by it — [It was so exercised in obedience to an express command of God : so that God's care for the saints was displayed in it. Besides, it bore upon it the very stamp and character of God, who " manifests himself to his saints as he does not unto the world y." Hence it necess…
529 wordsSECTION 114122 Philemon, 7. [2266.
services for his good, we have not seen, as it were, a load taken off his mind, and his sorrow turned into joy? Have not persons so comforted looked up to God with grateful adoration for the blessings bestowed ? Have not their friends and attendants, too, been often filled with admiration of the persons manifestin…
472 wordsSECTION 1152207.] The Efficacy Of The Gospel. 123
tvho have contributed to aid the society with your funds, an acknowledgment is justly due: and I trust that your liberality on the present occasion will afford me fresh ground for joy and gratitude. Yet, I must not let my gratitude terminate altogether on you; but must rather view God himself in you; and give glor…
250 wordsSECTION 116124 Philemon, 10, 11. [2267.
Philem. 10, 11. / beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds : which in time past ivas to thee unprofitable, but noiv profitable to thee and to me. THE inspired volume certainly differs in many respects from what we might have expected. We should have supposed, that it would contain only s…
556 wordsSECTION 1172267.] The Efficacy Of The Gospel. 1£5
by the Apostle, he would on no account retain him at Rome, but sent him back to his master, Philemon, at Colosse.] 2. The exquisite delicacy with which he pleaded his cause — [In point of delicacy of feeling and sentiment, this epistle has not perhaps its equal in the world. Some of its leadin^i- features we will…
452 wordsSECTION 11812G Philemon, 10, 11. [2267.
materially benefited by tbe services of Onesimus, as Philemon himself would in all probability be in future''. He then suggests a thought, which must of necessity produce a great effect upon Philemon's mind. Philemon, being himself an eminent servant of Christ, could not but know that God has formed his purposes f…
497 wordsSECTION 1192267.1 '^^^^ Efficacy Of The Gospel. 127
the exquisite address with which the Apostle seeks to attain his end. This, if it had been the effect of art, would have gained our admiration : but, as the effect of Christian principle, and Christian love, it is edifying in the highest degree, inas- much as it shews what a spirit the Gospel breathes, and what ge…
418 wordsSECTION 120128 Philemon, 10, 11. [2267.
and I will freely give.' Yes, beloved brethren, how unprofit- able soever a man may have been in times past, he will not willingly be so any longer, but will be profitable to his minister, and to the Church of Christ, as far as his ability will admit.] 2. To those who have a more immediate claim upon him — [Onesi…
470 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.