PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 20 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 248,754 words · 519 reading sections
( Ontents.
■ yS'<.J'///,v//fy // / // ( / /? (/ / ^~ Oil 1$+' % Text. Subject. Page. 2352. i. 2—4. 1 2353. i. 5, 6. The Way to obtain true Wisdom . 7 2354. i. 8. The double-minded Man exposed . 12 2355. i. 9, 10. The Effects of Religion on the dif- ferent Orders of Society .... 17 2356. i. 12. The Testi…
252 wordsSECTION 223S4.
2379. i. 1, 2. Offices of the Holy Trinity. 130 2380. i. 3—5. Regeneration considered .... 185 2881. i. 6, 7. The End of Affliction 111 2382. i. 8, 9. The Christian's Happiness 144 2383. i. 10—12. 'The Importance of the Prophecies. 147 i. 12. The Angels interested about the Gospel 150 2385. i. 1…
289 wordsSECTION 31 John
Vll 2411. 2412. 2413. 2414. 2415. 2416. 2417- 2418. 2419. 2420. 2421. 2422. 2423. 2424. 2425. 2426. 2427. 2428. 2429. 2430. 2431. 2432. 2433. 2434. 2435. 2436. 2437. 2438. 2439. 2440. 2441. 2442. iv. 19. v. 5. v. 7. v. 8, 9. v. 10, 11. i. 1, 2. i. 3. i. 4. i. 5—9. i. 10, 11. i…
314 wordsSECTION 4245S.
1 ur.sc 1 Subject. Page. 1 24 13. iii. 3. The Fruits and Effects of Hope . 423 24 11. iii. 5. Christ manifested to take away Sin . 420 2445. iii. 8. 'Tin- End of Christ's Incarnation . •131 24 10. iii. 9. The Christian's Deliverance from Sin 435 24 17. iii. 14. 442 2448. iii. 16. The Lore of …
254 wordsSECTION 5The Duty Of Patience.
The Christian's Knowledge of Christ . 552 2171. 4. JUDE 557 2 172. 14, 15. Christ's coming to Judgment . . . 562 2173. 20, 21. The Christian's Duties . . . . 566 2 174. i 24, 25. An Ascription of Praise to Jehovah . 571 Jam. i. 2 — 4*. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptatio…
303 wordsSECTION 6James, I. 2—4. [2352.
Palestine only that St. James wrote, but " to the twelve tribes who were scattered abroad." Religion was persecuted not by one party only, but by every party and in every place: and it is still, in every place, " to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness :" and all who will cultivate it will so…
427 wordsSECTION 72352.1 The Duty Of Patience. 3
were, in their measure, subjected to the same trials, and made to drink of the same bitter cup.] The same treatment they meet with in the present day— [We have observed, that a mere form of piety will pass without opposition : but real, vital godliness, will subject us to reproach at this day, as much as ever: " …
496 wordsSECTION 81 James, I. 2—4. [2352.
Painful as this portion is to flesh and blood, none need to fear it, if only they attend to II. The Apostle's directions in relation to it — God graciously appoints to his people this portion, in order to promote their spiritual welfare, and pro- gressively to transform them into the Divine image in righteousness…
447 wordsSECTION 92352.] The Duty Of Patience. 5
meditate nothing but evil? Should that be of any concern to you, when you know who has engaged to overrule it all for good1? I say then with the prophet, " Fear not" any me- naces or preparations, how formidable soever they may appear k; nor complain of any trials, however oppressive they may be at the time ; but …
489 wordsSECTION 106 James, I. 2—4, [2352.
Address — 1. The timid Christian — [" Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be as grass, and forgettest the Lord thy Maker?" O! " fear not the oppres- sor, as if he were able to destroy : for where is the fury of the oppressor*'?" Look at Pharaoh and…
462 wordsSECTION 11The Way To Obtain True Wisdom.
Jam. i. 5, 6. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. WISDOM is necessary for the due discharge of every office of life : but it is more particularly neces- sary for a Christian, on…
349 wordsSECTION 128 James, I. 5, 0. [2353.
endangers his peace of mind, and the welfare of his soul. Again, in the manner of executing what his conscience dictates, he is also at a loss. He may be too bold, or too timid ; too faithful, or too obse- quious. The different dispositions of all with whom he has to do must be consulted, and his conduct be adapt…
392 wordsSECTION 132353.1 The Way To Obtain True Wisdom. 9
variableness, neither shadow of turning6." The Spirit of God, whose office it is to impart it unto men, is called " the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lordf :" and to him are we directed " to open the eyes of our understanding5,…
485 wordsSECTION 1410 James, I. 5, 6. [2353.
desires. Of this he assures us by an express promise : " Let him ask of God ; and it shall be given him." This promise may be relied on, as may many others which he has given us to the same effect" The time, and the manner, and the measure in which it shall be fulfilled, must be left to God : but fulfilled it shal…
463 wordsSECTION 152353.J The Way To Obtain True Wisdom. 11
well know that persons pretend to found their doubts on their own unworthiness : but this is a mere fallacy : for every man is unworthy : and, if unworthiness be such a disqualification as deprives a man of all right to expect the blessing in answer to his prayers, then no man living has any right to expect the bl…
479 wordsSECTION 1612 James, I. 8. [2354.
spiritual things we arc all by nature blind, and need, the learned as well as the unlearned, to have our understandings opened to understand them8. We all "lack wisdom" exceedingly: and to all equally would I address those words of Solomon, " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own unders…
272 wordsSECTION 172354.^] The Double-Minded Man Exposed. 13
Jam. i. 8. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. IT is a generally-acknowledged truth, that the mind constitutes the man. In human friendships, an insincere profession of regard will not stand a severe trial ; but will fail us, when we most need a firm sup- port. In religion too, if the heart be not rig…
483 wordsSECTION 181 1 James, I. 8. [2354.
acted wisely in his endeavours to pacify his brother's wrath, Bending presents by many successive messengers, and dividing his family, so that, if some were slain by Esau, others might escape. These precautions sprang not from any want of faith in God, but from a determination to leave nothing undone on his part w…
491 wordsSECTION 192354.] The Double-Minded Man Exposed. 15
II. To mark his conduct — " He is unstable in all his ways," and is ever liable to be turned from the truth — 1. In his principles — [Not having such clear views of the covenant of grace as to be able to lay hold of it, and confidently to expect all the blessings contained in it, he is ever open to the allurement…
466 wordsSECTION 2016 James, I. 8. [2354.
time how many fair blossoms wither! how many are blown off from the tree by storms and tempests! and how many, through their unbelief, are found rotten at the core! Verily, it is rather the gleanings, than the harvest, that is brought home to reward the toil that has been bestowed upon them ; so many " turn back u…
474 wordsSECTION 21Society.
obedience. We may take up a profession of religion ; but instability will mark our every step. To rely on God uni- formly, and to " follow him fully," are far too high attainments for the natural man. Let me then entreat you to seek of God a new heart, and to pray that he would " renew a right spirit within you." …
323 wordsSECTION 2218 James, I. 9, 10. [2355.
any right to assume consequence to themselves on account of their acquaintance with religion*: but they are exalted in their state and condition, their dispositions and habits, their hopes and prospects. The poor are for the most part regarded in so low and mean a light, that a rich man would be ashamed to acknowl…
476 wordsSECTION 232355.1 Effects Of Religion On Society. 19
their ambition. To provide for their present wants, and to lay up something for a time of sickness, is the utmost that the generality of them aspire to. But what glorious views does religion open to them ! Truly, instead of looking up with admiration to the great and opulent, they rather stand on an eminence, from…
463 wordsSECTION 2420 James, 1. 9, 10. [2355.
to bear any thing from those whom He may use as instruments of his indignation or love. They are willing also that God should deal with them in any way he may see fit; and whether he give or take away, they are ready to bless his holy name. They are brought to a state of mind resembling that of a man subsisting up…
468 wordsSECTION 252355.1 Effects Of Religion On Society. ~1
He has declared, that " it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven :" " with men," he says, " it is altogether impossible.'1'' The Rich Youth perished only because he would not sacrifice his earthly possessions : had he been a poor man, he wo…
470 wordsSECTION 26James, 1. <>, 10. [2;355.
in an hour. Every thing we possess is perishing; and we ourselves also are fading away in the midst of our enjoyments^. Ungodly men do not like to reflect on these things; but the true Christian delights to realize them in his soul : and he well deserves our warmest congratulations, who has learned to esti • mate …
558 wordsSECTION 27The Testimony Of God Respecting His Tempted People.
Jam. i. 12. Blessed is the man that endure th temptation : for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. UNDER the afflictions with which we are visited in this vale of tears, philosophy has suggested many grounds for resignation and submission : but …
273 wordsSECTION 28:-M James, I. 12. [2,350.
declaration from God himself; and shall unfold to yon, I. God's testimony respecting his tempted people — "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation" — This sentiment doubtless, at first sight, appears very paradoxical — [How can it be ? Consider the state of God's tempted people. Consider only the lighter tri…
712 wordsSECTION 29James, I. 12. [2356.
Such then being God's testimony, I proceed to set before you, II. Some instructions arising out of it — There are in our text several instructive hints, which ought not to be overlooked — 1. We should so love the Lord Jesus Christ, as to be willing to suffer for him — [Love, even amongst men, is of little value,…
700 wordsSECTION 302357-] Sin Ti1E Offspring Of Our Own Hearts. 27
" Mai. i. 8. Maker ?" Besides, suppose man to prevail to the extent of his wishes ; what can he do ? He can only reach the body : the sold he- cannot touch. " Fear not man therefore, who can only kill the body, and after that hath no more that he can do ; but fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell: y…
377 wordsSECTION 3128 James, I. 13—15. [2357.
Jam. i. 13 — 15. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man : but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his oivn lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bring eth forth sin : and sin, when it is finished, bring eth…
443 wordsSECTION 322357.] Sin The Offspring Of Our Own Hearts. 29
All sin must be traced to the evil propensities of our own nature — [" A clean thing cannot be brought out of an unclean ;" and therefore no descendant of Adam can be free from sin. We have within us a secret bias to sin ; which, however good our direction appear to be, operates at last to turn us from God. That …
439 wordsSECTION 33James, I. 13—15. [2357.
comply with the suggestions of the evil principle, then the embryo of sin is, if we may so speak, formed within ns ; and nothing remains but. for time and opportunity to bring it forth. This of course must vary with the circumstances under which we are : our wishes may be accomplished, or may prove abortive : but …
404 wordsSECTION 342357.] Sin The Offspring Of Our Own Hearts. 31
same manner sin affects our minds: it indisposes us for com- munion with God ; it unfits us for holy exercises : and, if a person under the guilt and dominion of it were admitted into heaven, he would be unable to participate the blessedness of those around him ; and would rather hide himself under rocks and mount…
436 wordsSECTION 35God The Only Source Of All Good.
him, not only for the sins committed long ago, but for those of daily incursion. Our best act would condemn us, if he did not " bear the iniquity of our holy things." He is our only deliverer from the wrath to come : to Him therefore let us flee continually, and " cleave unto him with full purpose of heart."] Jam…
344 wordsSECTION 362358.3 God The Only Source Of All Good. 33
1. He is the only source of all good — [The sun in the material world may properly be called " the father of lights," because there is no light but what pro- ceeds from him. The moon and stars only reflect the light which they receive from him. Thus is God to the whole creation the only source of light and life. T…
466 wordsSECTION 3734 James, I. 16, 17. [2358.
tempted, is drawn away of his own Inst and enticed;" he adds, " Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning:" Evil is from yourselves, and from yourselves alone : good, and…
516 wordsSECTION 38Regeneration Its Author, Means, And End.
received it : for " without him you could do nothing." If you have attained to any thing more than ordinary, you must say, " He that hath wrought me to the self-same thing is God." Even if you equalled the Apostle Paul in holiness, you must say, " By the grace of God I am what I am ;" and in refer- ence to every i…
341 wordsSECTION 3936 James, I. 18. [2359.
the former sentiment makes God the cause of evil, the latter denies him to be the cause of good. But on this subject also St. James rectifies our views ; assur- ing us, that, as all light proceeds from the sun, so does " every good and perfect gift come down from above, even from God the Father of lights." We may…
442 wordsSECTION 402359.] Of Regeneration. 37
us so great a work, as that of " giving us a new heart, and renewing a right spirit within us." Nor has any man the inclination thus to renew himself. Let us look around, and see what is the state of mankind at large. Are they mourning over their degeneracy and cor- ruption ? Are they panting after holiness ? Are …
502 wordsSECTION 41James, I. 18. [2359.
affliction, and of conversation ; and we will not pre- sume to say that he never employs even dreams or visions for the attainment of his ends : we know assuredly that he has done so in former times ; and therefore he may do so at this time (we confess, however, that we are not partial to any thing arising out of…
399 wordsSECTION 422359.] Of Regeneration. 39
blessed Lord, when praying for his Church, said, " Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth1." Not that the word has this power in itself: for thousands both hear and read it without deriving any benefit from it to their souls. It is " the sword of the Spirit k;" and effects no more than what He who wiel…
448 wordsSECTION 4340 James, I. 18. [2359.
from the remainder of the harvest. Being " a chosen genera- tion, they are to be a peculiar people11," " zealous of good works \" To this " the word of truth" bears testimony in every part. To think that God should " beget" any person by his word and Spirit, and leave him at liberty to be a servant of sin and Sata…
464 wordsSECTION 442360.] The Reward Of Obeying The Gospel. 41
[Sanctification, as you have heard, is that for which both the word and ordinances are to be improved. Examine then yourselves by what you hear, that you may find out every de- fect in your obedience ; and keep in remembrance both the precepts and examples that are set before you, that so you may attain to the hig…
383 wordsSECTION 451 2 James, I. 25. [2300.
Jam. i. 25. Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and coniinueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. A PROFESSION of religion without the practice of it will avail us little. Obvious as this truth is, it needs to be frequently insisted o…
471 wordsSECTION 462360.1 The Reward Of Obeying The Gospel. 43
sacrifice that takes away our sin1. The soul, once purged by the Redeemer's blood, is cleansed for ever111; and, once freed by his almighty grace, is free indeed'1!] This beautiful view of the Gospel will easily ac- count for, II. The regard which the Christian pays to it — A man immured in a dungeon, would not t…
422 wordsSECTION 4744 James, I. 25. [2300.
that his pretensions to faith must be supported by a suitable life and conversation1"; and it is his determination, through grace, to shew forth his faith by his works.] That he does not find it vain to serve God, will appear by considering, III. The reward which he ensures to himself thereby — The world suppose…
404 wordsSECTION 48Self-Deceit Exposed.
meanest of his services shall be forgotten f; but that his weight of glory shall be proportioned to his services g.] Address — 1. The inconsiderate hearers — [It is obvious that many hear the word without receiving any saving benefit. This is owing to their own carelessness and inattention. They are like the way …
673 wordsSECTION 4923(31.1 Self-Deceit Exposed. 47
2. As operating in the soul, it disposes and qualifies us to obey that law — [The Gospel duly received, does not merely convince the judgment, but engages the affections; and at the same time that it gives a new taste, it imparts a vital energy ; whereby we are enabled to " put off the old man, which is corrupt ac…
561 wordsSECTION 5048 James, I. 26. [2361.
and not know, that the most prominent in every sect have been but too ready to condemn each other, and oftentimes with an acrimony which has shewn clearly enough under whose malignant inlluence they were. A little difference of senti- ment about certain doctrines (though not of primary or funda- mental importance)…
479 wordsSECTION 512361.] Self-Deceit Exposed. 49
government of the tongue attend to this. The want of that self-command argues a radical want of the vital principle of love : and the want of that principle vitiates all that we can either do or suffer, and renders it of no value in the sight of God. He has warned us beforehand, that " he will take account even of…
476 wordsSECTION 5250 James, I. 27. [2362.
be ye reconciled to God. Then shall not only your " sins be blotted out as a cloud," but your very love of sin shall be sub- dued and mortified by his Spirit and grace ; so that the foun- tain which has hitherto emitted so much that was impure, shall henceforth flow in endless streams of praise to your redeeming G…
396 wordsSECTION 532362.1 Oi' Pure And Undefiled Religion. 51
Jam. i. 27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. ERRORS of the most fatal kind were early found in the Christian Church. So speedily had vital god- liness decayed, that even in the Apostl…
353 wordsSECTION 5452 James, I. 27. [2362.
He informs us how religion will influence us in reference to, 1. The world at large — [The terms here made use of draw the line with great accuracy. It is not required of us to renounce the world entirely : we are social beings, and have many social duties to perform : and, if we were to abandon society altogethe…
475 wordsSECTION 552362.] Of Pure And Undefiled Religion. 53
This description of religion will probably force from us a tribute of applause : but, instead of bestow- ing on it empty commendations, it will be proper to consider, III. The use we are to make of it — The Apostle doubtless designed that we should regard it, 1. As a criterion whereby to judge of our state — ["…
419 wordsSECTION 5654 James, I. 27. [2362.
saith the Lord Almighty7." Nor is the law respecting sym- pathy at all less forcibly enjoined : " Bear ye one another's burthens, and so fullil the law of Christ2." In a word, I call upon you all to obey these great commands. Remember, it is not to any peculiarities of a sect that we are urging you, but to that wh…
474 wordsSECTION 57Mmccclxiii.
god's distinguished regard for the poor. Jam. ii. 5. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of th e kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him ? IT is a duty incumbent on all ministers to dis- countenance any errors, whether of faith or practice,…
324 wordsSECTION 5856 James, Ii. 5. [2363.
their hearts d. The smallest portion of it is a peculiar gift bestowed on very fe\ve; and one which neither men nor devils ever shall deprive them off. Yet God has not chosen them to enjoy a small portion of it, but " to be rich in it:" he would have them " strong in faith, not staggering at any promise^," but " l…
652 wordsSECTION 5956 James, Ii. 5. [2363.
[God has thus distinguished the poor, in order to stain the pride of man. Men, if they are exalted above their fellow- creatures in wealth or dignity, are ready to conceive that they are as great in the eyes of God as they are in their own eyes. They think themselves (I had almost said) above God himself: they are…
280 wordsSECTION 6058 James, Ii. 5. [2303.
designs to magnify the riches of his own grace. If God bestowed his favours principally on the rich, we should be ready to think, that they had some peculiar claim upon him, and that his attention to them was no more than their due : or perhaps we should rather conclude, that their superior talents enabled them to…
448 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.