PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 19 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 235,702 words · 486 reading sections
342 Hebrews, X. 23—25. [2312.
Here then is our encouragement to perform our duties to Christ and his Church. Whatever we may have to encounter for Christ's sake, we may, in reliance upon his word, " hold fast our profession ;" and whatever exertion may be necessary for filling up our respective offices as members of his body, we may labour and…
601 wordsSECTION 302The Evil And Danger Of Apostasy.
Heb. X. 26 — 31. If we sin wilfully/ after that we have received the knoivledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses law died without mercy under tioo or three witnes…
366 wordsSECTION 303344 Hebrews, X. 26—31. [2313.
bidding them to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering ; and warning them, that, if they turned back from God, it would be to their everlast- ing perdition. In the words which I have just read, he sets forth, I. The evil of apostasy — It is not of all sin, or even of all wilful sin, that he spe…
392 wordsSECTION 3042313.] The Evil And Danger Of Apostasy. 345
him, we, as far as in us lies, cast him down from his throne, and trample him under our feet; declaring, that he is un- worthy of the honour which we had erroneously put upon him, and that we will " no longer have him to reign over us :" yea, we even " crucify him afresh, and put him to an open shame^." Next, it i…
510 wordsSECTION 305346 Hebrews, X. 26—31. [2313.
him, which will not submit, either to be saved or governed in so mysterious a way. In other sins he beholds only a re- sistance to his authority; but in this, a contempt of all the wonders of his wisdom and love. A person who has never received the knowledge of the truth, cannot commit this sin, or any sin of equa…
463 wordsSECTION 3062313.] The Evil And Danger Of Apostasy. 347
And to you also do I appeal. If they who renounced that legal covenant, the provisions of which were chiefly of a temporal nature, and the engagements of it ratified only with the blood of beasts, were counted worthy of such a tremendous punishment as death ; of how much sorer punishment must he be worthy, who ren…
471 wordsSECTION 307348 Hebrews, X. 26—31. [2313.
therefore will fulfil his word. It is in vain to think that he will change : for " he is not a man, that he should lie ; or the son of man, that he should repent." Seeing then that he will take the matter into his own hands, judge ye, whether it be not " a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." W…
469 wordsSECTION 308The Benefit Of Past Experience.
[Why did the Lord Jesus Christ die under the load of all your guilt? Was it that you might continue in your sins? Why did the Holy Spirit undertake to renew and sanctify your souls ; and why has he begun a work of grace in your hearts? Was it that you might " return again with the dog to his vomit, and the sow tha…
355 wordsSECTION 309350 Hebrews, X. 32. [2314.
To fortify their minds and encourage their hearts, he bids them *' call to remembrance the former days." These days deserved remembrance — [They had been days of heavy trial to all who had em- braced the Christian faith. Every convert was an object of hatred and contempt both to Jews and Gentiles. No re- proaches…
424 wordsSECTION 3102314.] The Benefit Of Past Experience. 351
and to bring down into their souls an increase both of grace and peace. In a word, the tribulations which they had already endured, " had wrought patience, and experience, and hope ;" and therefore, instead of trembling at the prospect of future trials, it became every believer to hold fast the profession of his f…
396 wordsSECTION 311352 Hebrews, X. 32. [2314.
But now perhaps your love has grown cold ; your delight in the word of God and prayer has abated ; your exertions in the pursuit of heavenly things have languished ; and the power of divine grace upon your souls has visibly declined. Now pru- dence has not merely regulated (for that it ought to do) your zeal, but …
501 wordsSECTION 312Address —
still ? and if the " trial of your faith was precious to you here- tofore, yea more precious than gold, because you knew it would be found to your praise and honour and glory, as well as to the praise and honour and glory of your Lord, at his appeariiigV' should it not be alike precious now? If too an assured pro- …
492 wordsSECTION 313354 Hebrews, X. 32. [2314.
2. To those who, though illuminated by the Gospel, are not walking in the enjoyment of the Divine pre- sence— [This may arise from temptation and spiritual bondage, or from sloth and carnality, and worldly-mindedness. If it have arisen from the former, God forbid that I should " break the bruised reed, or quench …
458 wordsSECTION 314Patient Fortitude Required.
[Are you under trials ? Every day brings you nearer to the termination of them: and your Lord and Saviour is just ready to set the crown of victory upon your head, and to put you into full possession of that better and enduring substance that awaits you. Look up to heaven and see the myriads that are now around th…
368 wordsSECTION 315356 Hebrews, X. 35,36. [2315.
have need of it, as long as they should continue in the body. In this apostolic injunction we see, I. What state of mind befits the Christian — The '* confidence" here spoken of is a holy bold- ness in confessing Christ — [This is essential to the Christian character. Not even faith itself will avail for our sal…
372 wordsSECTION 3162315.1 Patient Fortitute Required. 357
reserve ; this is the one habit of his mind, and the one labour of his life. From day to day he does not his own will, or the will of an ungodly world ; but the will of God, as it is revealed in his blessed word.] 2. Suffering — [This will always more or less attend a faithful discharge of our duty to God. There …
404 wordsSECTION 317The True Means Of Persevering To The End.
[These are days of extraordinary toleration and candour. We cannot indeed say that " the offence of the cross has ceased :" for it never can cease, as long as the ungodly con- stitute the great majority of the world. But persecution, except in private circles, is but little known. The flames of martyrdom are no lo…
369 wordsSECTION 3182316.1 The True Means Of Perseverance. 359
The words in which the Apostle thus consoled the Hebrews, are taken from the Prophet Habakkuk ; who was himself comforted with this assm'ance, when bewailing and deprecating the calamities which were about to be brought upon the Jewish nation by their Chaldean enemies ^ And they are applicable to the Church of Go…
364 wordsSECTION 319360 Hebrews, X. 38, 39. [2316.
stress upon it, as establishing his doctrine beyond all con- tradiction^ Know ye then, as a matter of primary importance, that, if ever you would live before God, you must come to him as sinners destitute of all help or hope in your- selves, and must cast yourselves entirely upon that Saviour, " whom he has set fo…
473 wordsSECTION 3202316.1 The True Means Of Perseverance. 361
words. Some, in order to uphold a favourite system, will deny that the persons here cautioned against apo- stasy are the same as are spoken of in the preceding and following context. But I entreat you, brethren, never so to wrest the word of God. Take the word as little children, without inquiring what human sys- …
399 wordsSECTION 321362 Hebrews, X. .'38, 39. [2316.
But the words in my text are intended to convey much more tlian they express : they import that God will look upon such a backslider as an object of his utter abhorrence. This is more plainly declared in the book of Revelation ; where the Lord Jesus Christ, addressing the Laodicean Church, says, " I would thou wer…
434 wordsSECTION 3222316.] The True Means Of Perseverance. 363
are who may hope to persevere in the good way ? I answer, 1. Those who are still advancing in the face of difficulties — [Where there is nothing to try our faith and patience, no conclusions can be drawn respecting the principle of grace that is within us ; but, when we are fighting against the world, and the fl…
455 wordsSECTION 323364 Hebrews, X. 38, 39. [2316.
Be persuaded now to bear in mind, 1. That there is in the mind of God an immense difference between man and man — [Here we are all together ; and the world sees little difference between us : but on some, God looks with pleasure and complacency ; and on others, with aversion and abhorrence. Yes, if there be one a…
486 wordsSECTION 3242316.] The True Means Of Perseverance. 365
those who once appeared in a hopeful way, are multitudes " drawing back unto perdition." How little do both the one and the other of these imagine what awaits them at the moment of their departure hence ! Could they conceive it, how would they now be filled with horror ! how would their spirits sink within them ! …
485 wordsSECTION 325S66 Hebrews, Xl 1. [2317.
assuredly be productive of all the benefits which are here traced to it. But, notwithstanding all that is said of this principle in the Holy Scriptures, and the indispensable necessity of it to the salvation of the soul, how few condemn themselves for their want of it ! How few pray to God for it, or are even con-…
268 wordsSECTION 3262317.1 "^"^ Nature Of Faith. 367
Heb. xi. 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. CONSIDERING how much the Scriptures speak of faith, one is surprised that the subject of faith so little occupies the attention of the world at large, or even of the religious world. But the truth is, that the nature of f…
552 wordsSECTION 327368 Hebrews, Xl 1. [2317.
All intermediate matters it beholds fulfilled in their season, and is assured, that, of every thing that God has spoken, not one jot or tittle shall ever fall to the ground.] Of all this it brings a full conviction to the mind, and, as far as it can be desired, a full experience to the soul — [Faith is " the evid…
451 wordsSECTION 3282317.1 The Nature Of Faith. 369
with specifying two, which will, to a certain degree, give an insight into all : 1. It renders us indifferent to all the concerns of time and sense — [Whilst we are in the body we cannot be absolutely in- different to earthly things ; but comparatively we may. The unbeliever has respect to nothing else : he sees …
472 wordsSECTION 329370 Hebrews, Xl 1. [2317.
intimidate him ? who shall persuade him ? Bid him relax his diligence, and give way to carnal ease and pleasure ; he will say, ' Go, offer your advice to one that is running in a race, or fighting for his life: will he listen to you? expect not me then to listen, who am running for eternity, and fighting for my so…
703 wordsSECTION 330S72 Hebrews, Xl 4. [2318.
means of augmenting his happiness and glory® Thus shall faith operate in you: it shall " work by love:" it shall " purify the heart;" it shall " overcome the world ^." Only " live by faith :" and if at any time you be ready to stagger through unbelief, remember that " he is faithful who hath promised;" and " be st…
857 wordsSECTION 331S72 Hebrews, Xl 4. [2318.
It is evident then that Abel's offering excelled that of Cain in two most important respects, namely, in the matter of it, and in the disposition loith which it was offered : his being " a first- ling of his flock," whilst Cain's was only " of the fruits of the ground ;" and being offered with an express view to th…
265 wordsSECTION 332374 Hebrews, Xi. 4. [2318.
II. What instruction the pre-eminent acceptance of it conveys to us — We are told that " by it, he being dead yet speak- eth." The whole record concerning it shews, 1. That man, how righteous soever he may be, needs a sacrifice — [Abel is characterized by our blessed Lord himself as emi- nently righteous ; being…
841 wordsSECTION 333The Dead.
There is one thing not yet noticed in our text, which deserves particular attention, and which will serve us for an Application of the subject to our souls — " By his faith," and the consequent acceptance of his sacrifice, " Abel, though dead, yet speaketh to us." 1 Gen. iii. 15. >" Heb. ii. 14. " Rev. xiii. 8, …
800 wordsSECTION 334The Dead.
Such we may well conceive to be the strains in which Abel would now address you : and I pray God that they may sink down into our ears, and produce a saving effect upon our souls. Are there any here who are " going in the way of Cain"," and " hating those who are more righteous than themselves ^ ? " Ah ! think wha…
267 wordsSECTION 335Mmcccxix.
Enoch's translation. Heb. xi, 5. By faith Enoch vms translated that he should not see death ; aiid ivas not found, because God had translated him : for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. AMONGST those who obtained a good report through faith, Enoch bears a very distinguished place…
657 wordsSECTION 336380 Hebrews, Xl 5. [2319.
But let us view this event, II. As an instruction to us — Two things it obviously teaches us : 1. That there is a future state of existence, both for our souls and bodies — <= Gene V. 22, 24. ^ Jam. ii. 23. ^ John xiv. 21—23. f Rom. viii. 15, 16, s Jam. iv. 8. '' 1 John i. 3. * Ps. iv. 6. 1^ Rom. v. 5. l 1 John …
550 wordsSECTION 337The Necessity Of Faith.
tokens of his approbation, as shall richly recompense all that you may either do or siiffer for him, though it were a thousand times more than was ever yet done or suffered by mortal man ] 2. What should be your comfort in death — [What is death to a child of God? It is not death : no ; it is a sleep, a " falling…
385 wordsSECTION 338382 Hebrews, Xl 6. [2320.
" Without faith it is impossible to please God." But Enoch did please God : therefore it is clear that Enoch believed ; and that his works, whatever they were, were the fruits of faith. Now, in confirmation of this momentous truth, I will shew, I. What is that *' faith, without which we cannot please God" — Let …
369 wordsSECTION 3392320. J The Necessity Of Faith. 3S3
and a belief in him as fulfilling to us all his covenant engage- ments.] Now, " without such faith," we are told, " it is impossible to please God." Let me then proceed to shew you, II. Why it is so indispensable for that end — 1. Without such faith, we cannot have any right dispositions towards God — [What can…
396 wordsSECTION 340384 Hebrews, Xi. 7. [2321.
views you have of God, as covenanting vs^ith his Son to expiate our guilt, to renovate our souls, and to present our services to him perfumed with the incense of his own merits, and ren- dered acceptable through his prevailing intei'cession. Indeed, my brethren, these should be subjects of our most anxious inquiry…
357 wordsSECTION 341Mmcccxxi.
noah's faith. Heb. xi. 7. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved tvith fear, prepared a7i ark to the saving of his house ; by the tvhich he condemned the world, and, be- came heir of the righteousness which is by faith. OF all the principles which operate in the Chris- tian's mind, fa…
464 wordsSECTION 34238G Hebrews, Xl 7. [2321.
for his own safety : and it was an unequivocal proof of his crediting the declarations of God concerning them.] He exerted himself in God's appointed way — [God commanded him to construct a vessel of an immense size, and such an one as had not been seen from the foundation of the world '^ The expense of building i…
660 wordsSECTION 343388 Hebrews, Xi. 7. [2321.
Now do not presume to dispute against this. Do not, because there is no appearance at present of such calamities, imagine that they shall never come. Do not pretend to be- more merciful than God, and to say, God will never execute such tremendous judgments : for " he has said, and he will do it; he has spoken, and…
611 wordsSECTION 344Mmcccxxii.
Abraham's life a pattern for ours. Heb. xi. 8 — 10. By faith Abraham, lohen he was called to go out into a jylace which he should after receive for an inherit- ance, obeijed; and he went out, not knowing whither he xoent. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacle…
336 wordsSECTION 345390 Hebrews, Xl 8—10. [2322.
[Whilst Abraham was in Ur of the Chaldees, God ap- peared to him, and said, " Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land which I will shew thee ^" Whether this was done in a vision, or by a voice, we are not informed : but it is clear that it was done in such a way …
745 wordsSECTION 346392 Hebrews, Xl 8-10. [2322.
1. The authority of God should in our minds be paramount to every other authority — [As he " consulted not with flesh and blood," when once the Divine will was intimated to him, so neither should we : it should be sufficient for us that God hath commanded any thing : there should then be no inquiry whether the com…
651 wordsSECTION 347392 Hebrews, Xl 8-10. [2322.
2322.1 Abraham's life a pattern for ours. 393 order that you may obey it ? Inquire also, what influence the world has over you ? If you belong to Christ, though you are in the world, you are not of it : " you are not of the world, even as Christ was not of the world' :" you love it not, nor any thing that is in it…
531 wordsSECTION 348The Practical Efficacy Of Faith.
through Christ Jesus ; and then press forward towards it in the way of his commandments. Let us walk with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in this world, and then we shall " sit down with them for ever in the kingdom of our God,"] Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, hut having seen the…
695 wordsSECTION 349Mmcccxxiv.
2. In the habit of their lives — [The name " pilgrims and strangers " was not given to the patriarchs merely on account of their sojourning in a strange ^ Gen. xxiii. 4. and xlvii. 9. land ; for David, after he was established on his throne, and had subdued all his enemies on every side, assumes the same title'';…
696 wordsSECTION 350398 Hebrews, Xl 16. [2324.
In this he is distinguished from all other persons whatsoever — [Others may be weary of the world through disappoint- ment and vexation ; or they may feel an indifference towards some things that are in it. But there is no man, except the Christian, that is uniformly and universally dead to the world, at the same…
935 wordsSECTION 351400 Hebrews, Xi. 17—19. [2325.
Address — 1. Those who set their hearts on earthly things — [How unlike are you to the saints of former days ! Com- pare your life, or rather your spirit, with that of the persons mentioned in my text. Do not mistake, as though their call was peculiar, and nothing resembling it is given to you. I know you are not…
473 wordsSECTION 3522325.] Abraham Offering Up Isaac. 401
Heb. xi. 17 — 19. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered uj) Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of tvhom it ivas said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called : accounting that God loas able to raise him up, even from the dead ; from whence also he received him in a…
512 wordsSECTION 353402 Hebrews, Xi. 17—19. [2325.
duty with readiness, with perseverance, and with a fortitude tliat was invincible. " He rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him''." But so …
478 wordsSECTION 3542325.] Abraham Offering Up Isaac. 403
Nor was he in this respect disappointed of his hope : for, in the moment his hand was lifted up to slay his son, God arrested his arm, and forbad the execution of his purpose, accepting the will for the deed, and accounting that as actually done which in an instant of time would have been irrevocably done, if the …
453 wordsSECTION 355404 Hebrews, Xl 17—19. [2325.
weaknesses to display themselves ». It is for the same end that God at this day suffers obstacles of various kinds to be put in the way of his people ; he does it, that their faith may be tried; and that, if it stand the trial, redoubled benefits may accrue unto them'\ Know ye then that these temptations, which ar…
660 wordsSECTION 356404 Hebrews, Xl 17—19. [2325.
3. From the issue of his trial, the benefit of ap- proving ourselves faitliful to our God — [" By this act of his he was justified." As a sinner, indeed, he had been accepted of God forty years before, as soon as ever he believed in that promised " Seed who was to descend from him, and in whom all the nations of t…
337 wordsSECTION 357406 Hebrews, Xl 17—19. [2325.
offered, have an evidence in our souls that w^e are in favour with God ? Will not the very exercise of such grace demon- strate to us the truth and efficacy of the grace we have re- ceived? And, when we have shewn such love to God, can we entertain any doubt of God's love to us ? Shall we feel any difficulty in co…
747 wordsSECTION 358408 Hebrews, Xi. 24—26. [2326.
MOSEs' CHOICE. Heb. xi. 24 — 26. By faith Moses, loJien he was come to years, refused to he called the son of Pharaoh's daughter ; choosing rather to suffer affliction ivith the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season ; esteeming the re- proach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in …
843 wordsSECTION 359408 Hebrews, Xi. 24—26. [2326.
But as the wisdom of this conduct may be doubted, I shall proceed, II. To vindicate it — It may be thought that this measure was unneces- sary, inexpedient, and absurd : but, 1. It was not unnecessary — [Circumstanced as he was, it became him to act as he did. He was, I grant, greatly indebted to Phai'aoh's daug…
681 wordsSECTION 360408 Hebrews, Xi. 24—26. [2326.
d Acts vii. 24 — 29. « Ps. Ixxxiv. 10. f Ps. xxxvii. 16. B Pro v. XV. 16, 17. *» Phil. iii. 8. 2326.] MOSEs' CHOICE. 41 1 loss, that, " when he had nothmg, he accounted himself as possessing all things" ;" and actually " took pleasure in all liis necessities and distresses, from a consideration of the benefit whi…
518 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1833); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.