PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 20 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 248,754 words · 519 reading sections
The Law Of Liberty.
Jam. ii. 12. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. THE law of works contained in the Ten Com- mandments is continued in force under the Gospel dispensation, as a rule of life. This appears from the frequent reference which is made to it in the New Testament in this particular…
321 wordsSECTION 6260 James, Ii. 12. [2364.
"so to speak, and so to act, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." Now in these words we see, I. The true character of the Gospel — It is a law, and has all the force of a law, and must be obeyed on pain of God's heavy displeasure ; but it is " a law of liberty :" and this it is, 1. As freeing men…
440 wordsSECTION 632364.] The Law Of Liberty. 61
tree, lives by virtue derived from the tree, and is enabled from that time to bring forth its appropriate fruits. Our Lord in this view says, " I am the vine ; ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit : for without me, or separate from me, ye can do nothing k." I…
476 wordsSECTION 6462 James, Ii. 12. [2364.
this law is not restricted to overt acts: our whole spirit must accord with it, and he moulded hy it. If we notice the par- ticular conduct which the Apostle reproves, we shall find, that it was not such as would have brought down censure from tin- world at large : it would rather have been commended as a respect …
477 wordsSECTION 652364.H The Law Of Liberty. 63
world, and sin, and Satan ; and we come to break their chains, and to set them at liberty. Our blessed Lord proclaimed this as the great object of his mission, " to preach deliverance to the captives, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the LordV There are now, as there were in the Jewish state, many who love t…
517 wordsSECTION 6664 James, Ii. 21, [2365.
3. The wisdom of all who profess to have em- braced it — [Doubtless it is your privilege to be rejoicing in God your Saviour, and in the freeness and fulness of his salvation But you must also keep in view the future judgment, and be acting continually with a reference to it. There is no dispensation given to you…
252 wordsSECTION 672365. J Justification By Works Explained. 65
Jam. ii. 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. CERTAINLY, of all the questions that can occupy the human mind, the first and greatest is, " How shall man be just before Goda?" On this subject men have differed from each other as far as the east is from the west. To this diff…
484 wordsSECTION 68Go James, Ii. 24. [2365.
[Having reproved the partiality before-mentioned, he shews, that it is alike contrary both to the law and to the Gospel: to the law, the very essence of which is love; (which if any person habitually violates, he violates the whole lawf;) and to the Gospel, which inspires its votaries with a more liberal spirit-, …
519 wordsSECTION 692365.] Justification By Works Explained. 67
hardest command that was ever given to mortal man, even to slay, and to reduce to ashes upon the altar, that very son, to whom the promises were made, and through whom alone they could ever be accomplished : so that his works evinced the truth and sincerity of his faith ; and proved indisputably, that he was accep…
469 wordsSECTION 70James, Ii. 21, [2365.
they use, and of the conclusions at which they arrive. St. James's argument we have seen. Let us now attend to, II. The conclusion drawn from it — This must accord with the argument on which it is founded. If we make the premises refer to one thing, and the conclusion to another, or, if we make the conclusion hr…
439 wordsSECTION 712365. J Justification By Works Explained. 69
2. That faith, of whatever kind it be, is of no value, any farther than it is attested by works — [If faith in the first instance apprehends Christ as a Sa- viour from guilt and condemnation, it does not rest there : it lays hold on him for sanctification, as well as for righteousness31 ; and would account him not…
479 wordsSECTION 7270 James, Ii. 21, [2365.
is justified by works, because by them he is proved righteous: and God in justifying him, whether on the one ground, or the other, approves himself both " a just God and a Saviour." We may render this matter somewhat more clear by means of a familiar illustration. A scion must be engrafted into a stock in order th…
487 wordsSECTION 732366.1 The Best Of Men But Weak And Frail. 71
died in vain e." The true way of salvation is this : go to Christ as a sinner : and seek salvation altogether through his atoning sacrifice, and his obedience unto death. But, when you have believed in him, be careful to " maintain good works," yea, and to " excel in" good works f. Then will Christ be honoured in …
375 wordsSECTION 7472 James, Iii. 2. [2306.
Jam. iii. 2. In many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. THAT persons instructed in divine truth should be anxious to instruct others is well : but to rush uncalled into the ostensible office of the ministry, is by no means expedi…
433 wordsSECTION 752366.1 The Best Of Men But Weak And Frail. 73
really evil, though the Apostles themselves thought it to be good : and therefore they brought on themselves a just rebuke. In Peter's requiring the Gentiles to submit to the Jewish law, there was downright " dissimulation ;" such as betrayed Bar- nabas also into the very same fault. Here was weakness ; here was t…
425 wordsSECTION 7674 James, Iii. 6. [2367.
Methinks, if Job abhorred himself, and the Prophet Isaiah complained, " Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips, and dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips," a leper in the midst of a leprous population ; no humiliation can be too deep for us. Let us walk softly then, every one of us, in the re- membranc…
364 wordsSECTION 772367.] The Evils Of The Tongue. 75
Jam. iii. 6. The tongue is afire, a world of iniquity : so is the tongue among our members, that it defdetli the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature ; and it is set on fire of hell. AMONGST the most important of all subjects must be reckoned the government of the tongue. The consideration of it i…
431 wordsSECTION 7876 James, Iii. (>. [2367.
II. Its effects — 1. These are defiling — [Sin, as soon as ever it is conceived in the heart, defiles the soul : but when it is uttered by the lips, " it defileth the whole body." Utterance gives solidity and permanency to that which before existed in idea, and might have passed away : and, inasmuch as the tongue…
397 wordsSECTION 792367.] The Evils Of The Tongue. 77
an angel of light1. Does it encourage any bad design? It is the devil himself who speaks by itm. In every sin that it commits, it is actuated by " the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in all the children of disobe- dience"." Its whole " wisdom is earthly, sensual, devilish0." It comes fr…
409 wordsSECTION 80Influence Of Wisdom Upon The Conduct.
inflict a wound which we can never heal. On this account we should " set a watch before the door of our lipsx." Nor is this a matter of expediency merely, but of necessity ; for God has warned us that we shall give account of every idle word, and that by our words we shall be justified, and by our words we shall b…
366 wordsSECTION 812368.] Influence Of Wisdom On The Conduct. 79
and endued with knowledge among you ? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." In these words we see, I. The proper character of Christians — When we say that the Christian is " a wise man, and endued with knowledge," we seem to be guilty of great arrogance ; since it is a noto…
392 wordsSECTION 82So James, Iii. 13. [236*.
is in their hearts while they liveg." But of the Lord's people, how ignorant soever they may be of other matters, it may be said, as on this very ground it was said of the Jews of old, " Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people11."] 2. As instructed by God himself — [This also is peculiar to th…
501 wordsSECTION 8323(38.] Influence Of Wisdom On The Conduct. 8L
Christ;" and consequently can form a correct judgment both of our own state and theirs*. Thus, whilst all others are " perishing for lack of knowledge"," they have " that unction of the Holy One whereby they know all things*," and are become truly wise, being made " wise unto salvation through faith in Christ *."]…
427 wordsSECTION 8482 James, Iii. 13. [23G8.
again ; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed him- self to him that judge th righteously1." This is the state which God approves. The outward act is comparatively of little value in his sight ; since that may abound even where the inward principle is most corrupt: but when he sees " the hidden man of the…
484 wordsSECTION 852368. J Influence Of Wisdom On The Conduct. 83
this better mould, have much to be thankful for. But let not any one mistake this natural gentleness for grace. The meek- ness of which my text speaks, is " a fruit of the Spirit15," and is always associated with true wisdom. It springs from a sense of our own unworthiness, and of the obligations which we owe to C…
503 wordsSECTION 86The Nature Of True Religion.
Jam. iii. 17. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. RELIGION, like a tree, must be judged of by its fruits. That which savours of pride, earthliness, or sensuality, is not of God. Its …
303 wordsSECTION 8723G9.] The Nature Of True Religion. 85
2. Benevolent in our conduct — [Compassion and diligence are inseparable attributes of true religion. The real Christian is not, like the barren fig- tree, covered with the leaves of an outward profession, but destitute of fruit. He labours to abound in every good word and work, and to benefit to the utmost the bo…
357 wordsSECTION 88Friendship Of The World Is Enmity With God.
3. What need have we to wait continually upon our God in prayer ! [This wisdom is " from above," and can be derived from God alone; and how can we obtain it of him, but in the exer- cise of prayer? Let us then ask it of him, who lias promised to impart it " liberally, and without upbraiding0."] c Jam. i. .r>. Ja…
296 wordsSECTION 892370.] Enmity With God. 87
I. What we are to understand by the friendship of the world — [The " world " must be understood in its largest sense, as comprehending not only the people, but also the pleasures, riches, and honours of the world3. To draw the precise limits of that which is here called " the friendship" of the world, is not so e…
451 wordsSECTION 9088 James, Iv. 4, [2370.
at the thought of being found enemies to him, who, as omni- scient, sees; as holy, hates; as just, condemns; and, as almighty, will punish, such daring impiety.] III. The state of those who cultivate it — [Nothing can be more express than the declaration of the text : they are " enemies of God." Whether they inten…
448 wordsSECTION 91Repentance Urged.3
2. The friends of God— [It is a great mercy to be " delivered from the love of this present world." But we may mistake our experience with respect to this. Age, sickness, poverty, disappointment, and other trials may render us apparently indifferent to the world, while yet, under other circumstances, our old attac…
346 wordsSECTION 9290 James, Iv. 8—10. [2371.
the spirit of it. Not that a becoming reverence for this season lias altogether ceased. On the contrary, a discourse which was not pertinent to the occasion would very generally be deemed unseasonable and indecorous : so that I have at least your prejudices and your expectations in my favour, whilst I propose to …
418 wordsSECTION 932371.1 Repentance Urged. 91
the supplication is well uttered, he will answer ; and whilst they are yet speaking, he will hearp." No language can ex- press the depth of the condescension which he will manifest to the poor suppliant, or the riches of that grace which he will impart to the believing penitent. Pardon, peace, holiness, glory, are…
463 wordsSECTION 9492 James, Iv. 8—10. [2371.
Sec, then, that ye be " Israelites indeed, in whom is no allowed guile0." Then, whether it be " under the fig-tree," or in any place whatever, God will behold you with complacency; and not only listen to your prayers, but exceed in his answers your largest petitions or desires'1.] 2. A deep contrition for all your…
475 wordsSECTION 952372.] The Folly Of Undue Security. 93
and repentance too of the very kind that is here required. I pray you therefore, brethren, not to rest satisfied with a few faint acknowledgments of your guilt ; but to abase yourselves before God, even as holy Job did, in dust and ashes ] 2. There may possibly be others, also, who doubt its efficacy — [You may p…
309 wordsSECTION 96The Folly Of Undue Security.
Jam. iv. 13, 14. Go to now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain : whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life ? It is even a vapour, that appear eth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. RELIGION ha…
502 wordsSECTION 972372. J The Folly Of Undue Security. 95
same unqualified hopes and expectations : from youth to man- hood, and from manhood to old age, we still continue to speak of future events as depending on ourselves, rather than on God ; and seldom, if ever, have any direct reference in our minds to the superintending and all-directing providence of God. In- deed…
432 wordsSECTION 9896 James, Iv. 13, 1 1. [ >M2.
future joys, or resting too confidently in joys possessed, when for aught that we know, the decree may have already gone forth, "This year," this month, this very day, " shall thou die*?"] Let us learn from this subject, 1. To have a direct reference to God in all thingsb — [God will govern all things, whether w…
377 wordsSECTION 99Sins Of Omission Considered.
Jam. iv. 17. To him that knoiveth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. THERE is not any thing of which men are more convinced, than the shortness and uncertainty of life : yet in the habit of their minds they live as if they were certain of many months and years to come. They form their plans and proje…
329 wordsSECTION 1009S James, Iv. 17. [2373.
asleep, and say to yourselves, " I shall have peace, notwith- standing 1 walk after the imagination of my own evil heart1'?" The very heathen were charged with guilt, because, " when from the works of creation they knew God, they glorified him not as Godc:" depend upon it, therefore, that your neglect of known and…
504 wordsSECTION 1012373.] Sins Of Omission Considered. 99
Lord, I will not hearken unto it 1 ?" Our blessed Lord has told us what he will say to such persons in the last day : " Bring hither those that were mine enemies, who would not that I should reign over them, and slay them before me." " Those who knew not their Lord's will," and sinned through ignorance, are charge…
452 wordsSECTION 102100 James, Tv. 17. [2373.
these duties as it ought to have been ? Then we are sinners, " sinners before the Lord exceedingly " :" and, if we turn not to God in newness of life, we shall speedily become monuments of his wrath and fiery indignation.] 2. The folly of seeking salvation by any righteous- ness of our own — [I will not only gran…
455 wordsSECTION 103Patient Perseverance Urged.
defects, in order to their being remedied : and if only a doubt were suggested, he would endeavour to ascertain how far there was any foundation for it. He would say, I am about to commit my life and property to this vessel, and I must not stay till I am got into the midst of the ocean before I search into her sta…
396 wordsSECTION 104[02 James, V. 7,8. [2874.
epistles which were addressed to Christians only, he contented himself with merely sending to them " greeting8." There were indeed many truly pious persons who were suffering for the truth's sake ; and these he sought to comfort and encourage. The foregoing part of this chapter seems addressed to the former ; the…
342 wordsSECTION 1052374.] Patient Perseverance Urged. 103
Nor let it be thought that the persecutions of the present day are so very light. It is no easy thing for flesh and blood to withstand the hatred, and contempt, and ridicule to which he will be assuredly exposed, if he set himself in earnest to serve the Lord. The fear of these consequences is abundantly sufficien…
460 wordsSECTION 106101 James, V. 7,8. [2374.
This Apostle seems particularly to affect easy and familiar illustrations. The whole epistle abounds with them. He compares certain hearers of the word to persons beholding themselves in a glass, and then forgetting what manner of persons they were. Those who have a dead and unproductive faith he compares to pers…
402 wordsSECTION 1072374.] Patient Perseverance Urged. 105
themselves. Behold them in secret : they read the Scriptures with diligence: they pray over them with earnestness: they set themselves to mortify their evil propensities, and to fulfil their duties both to God and man. Observe them at all times, and you will see, that they are in earnest for heaven. When you go in…
479 wordsSECTION 108106 James, V. 7, 8. [2374.
that the work must be done, and he engages in it in a humble dependence on his God : and he looks to the future judgment, as the period when all his labours shall be compensated, and his hopes fulfilled. Now, 1 would ask, would every one that sees you, know you by these marks? The husbandman, with- out intending t…
510 wordsSECTION 109Nearness Of Judgment.
years together, then I will be content that you shall buoy up yourselves with the hopes of heaven, though you never use any means to obtain it. But if you have no doubt about that man's folly, then see in it a just picture of your own. Behold then, I declare to all of you, that the means must be used in order to t…
378 wordsSECTION 110108 James, V. 9. [2375.
that we who are a/ire, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God : and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we who are alive, and remain, shall be cau…
388 wordsSECTION 1112375.] Nearness Of Judgment. 109
" award tribulation to those who trouble you ; but to you, who are troubled, restf." Let us consider, I. The truth that is here suggested — To enter into the full meaning of this awful truth, we must distinctly notice its two leading parts : 1. Death is at hand, to carry us before our Judge — [This is an undoubt…
437 wordsSECTION 112110 James, V. 0. [2375.
accompanied to her soul, that she went home and said, "Come, see a man who has told me all that ever I did8." Now this omniscient Judge is at the door, ready to pass sentence on us, the very instant we are brought before him : and, if our eyes were opened, as those of Elisha's servant were11, we might see the thro…
816 wordsSECTION 113112 James, V. 11. [2376.
4. To improve for your good every summons which is sent to those around us — [You see in the circumstances now before you a striking illustration of our textp And does not this event k Ezek. xxxiii. 13, 18. J Amos. iii. 2. m Gal. vi. 7, 8. n Luke xvi. 15. ° 1 Cor. iv. 5. p Here the particular circumstances of the…
302 wordsSECTION 114The Patience Of Job.
Jam. v. 11. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord ; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. ONE of the most singular ideas that can be sug- gested to a carnal mind, is that which occurs in the words immediately preceding the text ; " We count them happy that endure." …
709 wordsSECTION 115The Patience Of Job.
Thus " in all this he never once charged God foolishly, or sinned in the least respect1." It is true that, after this, we find him " cursing the clay of his birth," and uttering some unwarranted expressions against God: nor would it become us either to conceal, or to exte- nuate, his guilt in these respects. Our b…
324 wordsSECTION 1162370.] The Patience Of Job. 11
Nor is this a small consolation to the people of God, whom Satan is ever ready to accuse and harass. When he would persuade them that they are hypocrites, they may recollect, that " he was a liar from the beginning." When he, through Divine permission, assaults them either in body or mind, they may look back to th…
463 wordsSECTION 11711G James, V. 11. [2370.
How much his eternal happiness was affected by it, it is impossible for us to say : but sure we arc that his affliction was the means of greatly augmenting it. In this view, affliction was better to him than heaven itself would have been : for, if he had been removed to heaven at once, his state, though glorious, …
436 wordsSECTION 1182376.1 The Patience Of Job. 117
care of a refiner c, and the solicitude of a parent3: and when he sees that his rod has produced its desired effect, he is glad to return to us in the endearments of love, and to confirm our confidence in him by the sweetest tokens of reconciliation and acceptance6.] 2. In multiplying afflictions — [When our trou…
425 wordsSECTION 119The Efficacy Of Fervent Prayer.
[Jacob thought all his trials were against him ; when, in factj they were designed for the good of himself and of all his family1. And we know not but that the events we so deeply bewail, are indispensably necessary to our salvation. We have reason to think that, if we saw the end as God does, we, instead of regar…
350 wordsSECTION 1202377.] The Efficacy Of Fervent Prayer. 119
the essential means in all ages of saving the immortal soul. Again ; Because the saints are encouraged to " confess their faults one to another," with a view to the augmenting of their mutual sympathy, and the directing of them in their mutual intercessions b, these deceivers have required the laity to confess t…
371 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.