PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 20 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 248,754 words · 519 reading sections
2452.1 Mutual In-Dwelling Of God And His People. 465
0 Gal. v. 6. p 2 Tim. ii. 10. 1 John iii. 21. He that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we Jcnoiv that he abidethin us, by the Spirit which he hath given vs. THERE is, in the Epistles of St. John, a most remarkable simplicity, insomuch that he seems to speak truths level with the…
641 wordsSECTION 422466 1 John, Iii. 24. [2452.
us all that the Lord Jesus has purchased for us. We, on the other hand, in the exercise of faith and love, ascend, as it were, to heaven, and deposit all our cares in the very bosom of our God : so that it is " not so much tee that live, as Christ that liveth in usa;" " our life being hid with Christ in God," and …
473 wordsSECTION 4232452.1 Mutual In-Dwelling Of God And His People. 467
unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my words : and my Father will love him ; and we will come unto him, and make our abode with himh."] 2. By the very works which that Holy Spirit produces in us — [David prayed, " Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me\" And St. James says, " T…
468 wordsSECTION 424168 1 John, Iii. 24. [2452.
of ice, capable of breaking, by concussion, the largest ship. As well might children deny what their fathers have known by experience, as ignorant and ungodly men denounce as visionary what truly converted characters know to be true. To those, then, who with ignorant incredulity ask, Can such things be? I would an…
452 wordsSECTION 4252453.] God An Effectual Help. 469
know that I have no part or lot in this matter : and " the very spirit that is within me testifies that I have not God abiding in me." But, my brethren, judge not yourselves too hardly. Do not suppose, that, because there are imperfections in your obedience, it is therefore not sincere; or that because the Spirit …
295 wordsSECTION 426470 1 John, Iv. 4. [2453.
1 John iv. 4. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. CONSIDERING the opposition made to Chris- tianity in the apostolic age, it is surprising that it gained so speedy, so extensive, and so permanent a footing in the world. That its establishment was effected through miracles, there is no doub…
531 wordsSECTION 4272453.]] God An Effectual Help. 471
who comes upon him, and overcomes him, and takes from him his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils '." He rescued millions from the dominion of that wicked one, and preserved them from the assaults of their cruel adversary. And " greater He still is," than that wicked fiend, and all his adherents. H…
661 wordsSECTION 4282453.] God An Effectual Help. 478
He is greater also to uphold, than Satan is to cast down. — The efforts which Satan made to intimidate the Apostle Paul were such as appeared sufficient to daunt the strongest mind : but observe how God enabled his servant to triumph in every assault: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed: we are perp…
653 wordsSECTION 42917 1 1 .John, Iv. 6. [2454.
[This also it is easy to answer : " Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." " They were of God," and relied altogether upon him : and therefore they overcame. Do ye the same ; and the victory shall be yours also. Never '» ver. 1 —…
287 wordsSECTION 4301M54. J Spirit Of Truth, And Spirit Of Error. 475
1 John iv. 6. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. IN matters of eternal moment, every man must think for himself. We should take nothing upon trust ; but bring to the test of Scripture the doctrines we hear, and the persons who profess to instruct us in the mind of God. This may appear pr…
728 wordsSECTION 4311M54. J Spirit Of Truth, And Spirit Of Error. 475
On the other hand, let the world be brought as a test to one who is blinded by " a spirit of error ;" and how manifest will be the delusion under which he is labouring ! He cannot see that the world is so vain or so mistaken as enthusiasts imagine : there is nothing so evil in its ways : its pursuits are highly ra…
309 wordsSECTION 4322454.] Spirit Of Truth, And Spirit Of Error. 477
from him, then is it with all readiness and humility to be complied with, nor will a thought be suffered to rise against it. This is " the honest and good heart," which our blessed Lord commends as the proper soil wherein to sow the seed of life, and as the principle which we must cultivate with all possible care.…
737 wordsSECTION 4332455.] Love Of God In Giving His Son For Us. 479
Let me further impress this subject on your minds, by adding, 1. A word of caution — [The persons who most need to have this subject brought home to their own hearts, are the most backward to bestow a thought upon it ; so blinded are they by the very evil against which they ought to guard. But I would affectionat…
464 wordsSECTION 434480 1 John, Iv. 9, 10. [2155.
1 John iv. 9, 10. In this was manifested the love of God toward, us, because that God sent his only-begotten Soti into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the ■propitiation for our sins. OF all the endearing characters that …
512 wordsSECTION 4352455.] Love Of God In Giving His Son For Us. 481
when they fell! He never entertained a thought of restoring them*: but, when man fell, then, as if he himself could not be happy without us, he concerted with his eternal Son to deliver us, and to save us with an everlasting salvation0.] 2. That he should send his only-begotten Son into the world to effect this ! …
479 wordsSECTION 436Vol. Xx. I I
l.v: 1 JOHN, TV. 9, 10. [2455. " in this God commendeth his love to us;" and to that pious reflection of his, " He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things6?" These passages abundantly prove, that, as the gift of Christ to us was the fr…
436 wordsSECTION 4372455.] Love Of God In Giving His Son For Us. 483
we receive from God be the cause or ground of his conferring it upon us ? The text, it is true, speaks of God's sending his Son into the world to die for us : and it may be thought, that no one would ascribe that gift to any merit of his own. We grant it : but, if men do not ascribe to their own merits the gift of…
521 wordsSECTION 438484 1 John, Iv. 9, 10. [2455.
is any great sin in this. Let us then transfer our thoughts to the fallen angels, and contemplate them as acting in this man- ner. They have sinned, as we have : and are as incapable of restoring themselves to the Divine favour, as we are : Let us then suppose God to say, ' I will send my only-begotten Son into th…
477 wordsSECTION 4392456.] Christ The Saviour Of The World. 485
Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha*?" Yes, on whom- soever that curse may fall, we must all acknowlege the justice of it; and in the day of judgment, when it shall be yet more awfully denounced on the enemies of Christ, there will not be a saint or angel in the universe who will not add his Amen to it. O let u…
298 wordsSECTION 4401 John, Iv. Ii. [245(>.
1 John iv. 14. We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. WERE it announced to us, in a time of war, that the enemies of our country were vanquished, that those who had menaced us with utter destruction were all taken captive, and that we might henceforth enjoy an hon…
440 wordsSECTION 4412456. J Christ The Saviour Of The Would. 487
proofs of his Godhead : they saw him transfigured on Mount Tabor, his face shining brighter than the meridian sun, and his garments all illumined by the radiant effulgence of his Deity ; and they heard the Father's voice from heaven attest- ing him to be his only, his beloved Son\ This vision was vouchsafed to the…
680 wordsSECTION 4422456. J Christ The Saviour Of The World. 489
The fact being proved, we proceed to shew, II. For what end we bear our testimony respecting it— To set forth Christ as the Saviour of the world was the one labour of all the Apostles. The same also is our blessed employment ; and we make that our constant theme, or, at least, the sum and sub- stance of our disc…
680 wordsSECTION 443The Distinctive Character Of A Christian.
God by him" O compel us not to complain, as he did, " We testify of that we have seen, and ye receive not our wit- ness3 !" but let us behold you inquiring after him, till ye can say with the Samaritan converts, "we have seen ('heard') him ourselves, and believe that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the w…
316 wordsSECTION 4442457.] Distinctive Character Of A Christian. 491
which incessantly engage the admiration of angels, are scarcely considered by men as worthy of the slightest attention. Some there are however who know how to appre- ciate this truth. Whilst it is overlooked by the wise of this world, it is known, believed, and loved, by every true Christian, whatever be his cond…
701 wordsSECTION 4452457.] Distinctive Character Of A Christian. 493
2. With love and gratitude — [Men in general speak of the great mystery of redemp- tion as a common thing ; and will repeat the Creed, or the truths contained in it, with as much indifference, as if the Gospel were nothing but "a cunningly-devised fable." We might live with them for years, and never once hear them…
607 wordsSECTION 446God Is Love.
are ye ; for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto you ;" but " God hath shined into your hearts to give it unto you." Be thankful for this distinguishing mercy: and seek to " grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." St. Paul, after preaching the Gospel twenty years, " accoun…
370 wordsSECTION 4472458.] God Js Love. 495
[It is love, concerting measures for the communicating of his own nature and blessedness to creatures that should be formed for this very end. It was for this end that he created myriads of holy angels in heaven. It was for this end that he formed the earth; and placed upon it beings endowed with faculties capable…
462 wordsSECTION 448!«)(•» 1 John, Iv. 16. [2458.
It" these provisions have failed in producing the blessedness for which they were designed, that, as we shall see presently, makes no difference in the design of God, or in the real character of all the Divine perfections. They all had one object in view, and all were exercised for one end; and all, if justly view…
436 wordsSECTION 4492458.] God Is Love. 497
our souls, sends the Holy Spirit also, to apply that redemption to us : so that here is a concurrence of all the Three Persons of the Godhead in this labour of love ; each occupying a part in this mysterious work ; and contributing, according to their respective offices, to effect this great salvation. Say, brethre…
395 wordsSECTION 450Vol. Xx. K K
I!»,s 1 JOHN, IV. 1(3. [2458, [We have already said, that his law was a transcript of his mind and will ; and that its proper use was, to shew to all the intelligent creation, how God was to be served, and their own happiness secured. We have also already shewn, that the sanctions which were added to this law had …
508 wordsSECTION 4512458. J God Is Love. 499
that time, be crying out for the domination and government of equal laws ? I say then, that, as the law of God was made equally for all, and all may receive equal benefit from it, all ought to regard it as the fruit of love ; and to honour it in their hearts, as " holy, and just, and good." It is possible that be…
526 wordsSECTION 452500 1 John, Iv. 10. [2158.
and God himself (I speak it with reverence) would cease to be an object worthy of our esteem. But these things, I say, cannot be ; and therefore cannot be, because " God is love."] Let us then learn, from this exalted subject, 1. What should be the disposition of our minds towards God — [Is he love ; and that too…
846 wordsSECTION 453502 1 John, Iv. 16, 17. [245U
f Eph. v. 1. the Greek, s 1 John hi. 14, 15. h ver. 16, 17. 1 John iv. 16, 17. He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment : because as he is, so are we in this world. THAT " God is love," is a truth that can admit of …
758 wordsSECTION 454501 1 John, Iv. 10, 17. [2459.
In respect of complacency, however, God's love is personal and partial. It is not possible that a holy God should find delight in unholy creatures : for, he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity," without the utmost abhorrence. " He is angry with the wicked every day :" and, though he would still have compassio…
669 wordsSECTION 455501 1 John, Iv. 10, 17. [2459.
To encourage this godlike disposition, I proceed to shew, II. The blessedness of him in whom this resemblance is found — 1 2 Cor. vi. ll—l(i. k Gal. vi. 10. ■ Ps. xvi. ;}. 2459.^ believer's resemblance to god in love. 505 This is set forth by the Apostle in very exalted terms. But it must first be remembered, th…
514 wordsSECTION 456506 1 John, Iv. 16, 17. [2459.
day of annual expiation, the high-priest entered into his im- mediate presence, and beheld his glory : thither the prayers of all his people were addressed : there were all their sacri- fices accepted : and from thence were all his answers given. Behold, then, under this image, the exalted privilege of the believi…
664 wordsSECTION 457506 1 John, Iv. 16, 17. [2459.
In reflecting on this subject, we cannot but see, 1. What enemies to themselves they are, who indulge unhallowed tempers! [I will not say, they are enemies to God, whose law they violate; or to their fellow-creatures, whose peace they disturb: but I will say, they are enemies to themselves ; for they actually dri…
343 wordsSECTION 458508 1 John, Iv. 18. [2460.
tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain*." I must therefore warn all, but religious professors in particular, that " what they sow, they shall reap : he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption ; and he alone who soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everl…
298 wordsSECTION 4592460.] Influence And Importance Of Love. 509
1 John iv. 18. There is no fear in love ; but perfect love casteth out fear : because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. THE essence of all true religion is love — love to God, working by love to man. Both tables of the law are fulfilled in this : and to bring us to such a state of mi…
545 wordsSECTION 460510 1 John, Iv. 18. [2460.
but this is only whilst they can shake off reflection. No man can think of God and of eternity without many fears and mis- givings : and the very efforts which men use to dissipate all serious thought, clearly shew, that they do not dare to think, and that God is to them an object of dread, and not of love.] But "…
509 wordsSECTION 4612460.1 Influence And Importance Of Love. 511
should be labouring daily to increase more and more ; having more of a Spirit of love ; and more of that " Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."] Of its precise measure we may judge, by the remains of fear abiding in us — [Examine with what feelings you contemplate God : ex- amine what it is that chi…
493 wordsSECTION 462512 1 John, Iv. 18. [2100.
But is it fear that I wish to excite in your minds? Cer- tainly not, except as a preparatory work. I wish your religion to begin with fear : but God forbid that it should end there. No : it must be carried on by love, if ever it shall terminate in joy. Yet, till we are made sensible of our lost condition as sinner…
518 wordsSECTION 463Mmcccclxi.
god's love the source of ours. 1 John iv. 19. We love Him, because He first loved us. THERE is, as there ought to be, a great and visi- ble difference between the Lord's people and others. But no one of them has any ground for glorying in himself: for, to every one of them may that question be applied, " Who made…
388 wordsSECTION 464514 1 John, Iv. 19. [2461.
Father : but our blessed Lord said to them, " If God were your Father, ye would love me." So I say to you, " If God have loved you, you must of necessity have been brought to love him."] 2. A decisive proof of his love to us — [Suppose now a different character to be manifesting from day to day his love to God, a…
477 wordsSECTION 4652462.] The Commandments Not Grievous. 515
to assurance, yea, and to " a full assurance." On the other hand, if we are far from God in secret, and harbouring any lust in our bosom, our fear ought to preponderate, and to be within us a friendly and faithful monitor. Yet, again I say, that whether we " rejoice or tremble," extremes must be avoided : for we n…
392 wordsSECTION 466516 1 John, V. 3. [2402.
1 John v. 3. His commandments are not grievous. IT is a painful office which I have to discharge at this time. I must vindicate religion from an aspersion too generally cast upon it ; and stand up in justifica- tion of Almighty God himself against the accusation l l 2 of being a hard Master. The Apostle evidently…
443 wordsSECTION 4672462.] The Commandments Not Grievous. 517
[To man in Paradise the commands of God were easy, because his whole soul was in unison with them: but to fallen man they are not easy, even after he is renewed by grace. St. Paul justly says, " The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh ; and these are contrary the one to the other : s…
461 wordsSECTION 46851S 1 John, V. 3. [2462.
feeble man, who, at most, " can only kill the body, and after that has no move that he can do?" Were there no recom- mence beyond the grave, we could not justly complain of this command : but what shall we say, when we reflect on the crowns and kingdoms which every victorious servant of the Lord shall have awarded…
479 wordsSECTION 4692463. J Overcoming The World. 519
the law of God written on it by his Holy Spirit, I will pledge myself that you will find obedience to be as food to the hungry, health to the sick, and life to the dead. Nor was there ever a human being turned effectually from sin to holiness, but he found religion's " ways to be ways of pleasantness and peace."] …
345 wordsSECTION 470520 1 John, V. 4, 5. [2463.
1 John v. 4, 5. Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God ? CHRISTIANITY is a warfare : every follower of Christ is by profession a soldier. The enemies…
517 wordsSECTION 4712463.] Overcoming The Would. 521
it will endeavour to check the Christian's progress ; and some- times by the most envenomed hostility and bitter persecution. But the regenerate person braves all the world's hostility, and will be deterred by nothing from following the path of duty. If the whole creation were to rise up against him, he would say, …
494 wordsSECTION 472522 1 John, V. 4, 5. [2463.
The Christian, to his latest hour, is no stronger in himself than others. He is, from first to last, like a new-born infant in its mother's arms. But, as we have already seen, he believes in Christ ; and, through the faith which is thus formed in his soul, he is en- abled to maintain his conflicts even to the end …
465 wordsSECTION 4732463.J Overcoming The World. 523
But the Christian soldier has armour provided for him, even armour of an heavenly temper; and through that he is enabled to sustain the unequal combat0, and to triumph over all his enemies?. Thus does he " fight the good fight of faith* ;" and thus is he made " more than conqueror, through Him that loved himr."] …
482 wordsSECTION 474• -I 1 John, V. 4,5. [2463.
" it is by the cross of Christ alone that the world is crucified unto them, and they unto the world1."] On the other hand, What truly regenerate man does not effect it ? [Every one that is born of God does effect it. Whatever be his age or condition in life, it makes no difference ; whether he be a king on his th…
469 wordsSECTION 4752464.] Justification And Sanctification. 525
nominal Christian is of this world : and the real Christian is not of this world, nor has any desire to be of it : for he knows, that even " to desire its friendship, is to be an avowed enemy of GodV] 2. A rule, whereby to regulate our conduct — [" We must be dead unto the world," even as our Lord himself was. An…
324 wordsSECTION 476Justification And Sanctification By Christ.
1 John v. 6. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. THERE are in the Scriptures, and especially in the history of our blessed Lord, many circumstances recorded, which appear to h…
448 wordsSECTION 4772464.] Justification And Sanctification. 527
I. The truth here specified — In this event there was a deep stupendous mystery, inasmuch as it declared, in a very striking way, the great ends of our Saviour's death. Take the Apostle's assertion, 1. As simply declared — [Our Lord "Jesus Christ came by water and blood." He came as " a teacher sent from God," t…
462 wordsSECTION 478528 1 John, V. 6. [24 (M.
The blood and water were then sprinkled seven times upon the leper, and the living bird, being dipped in the blood and water, was let loose into the open field, and the leper was pronounced clean1'. This was intended to shew how man should be cleansed from sin. The Lord Jesus Christ should shed his blood as an ato…
411 wordsSECTION 4792464.] Justification And Sanct Ification. 529
testimony to the truth asserted in our text : " There are three that bear record on earth ; the Spirit, and the water, and the blood : and these three agree in one :" they agree in attesting that the Lord Jesus " Christ came by water and blood ; not by water only, but by water and blood." How can we be sufficientl…
502 wordsSECTION 480530 1 John, V. (>. [2464.
every age this doctrine has been, and to the end of the world it shall be, " preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven0."] Address — 1. Be careful to receive these truths into your hearts — [It cannot be that, when so much care has been taken to reveal them to us, we should be at liberty to neglect them…
450 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.