PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 21 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 271,014 words · 572 reading sections
1302.] Reconciliation With God. 125
aversion. To prevent this, we should strive to make up the matter " while we are in the way with him." Instead of sepa- rating immediately, as is usually the case, and avoiding all means of friendly communication, we should labour to prevent matters from coming to an extremity : and set ourselves in the first inst…
445 wordsSECTION 122126 Matthew, V. 25, 26. [1302.
brother, as at his hands. But since we cannot absolutely affirm that this is the sense of our text, we are contented to call it an accommodated sense ; more especially because, in this latter sense, we con- sider God as the offended party, no less than the Judge who takes cognizance of the offence. Let not this, …
418 wordsSECTION 1231302.] Reconciliation With God. 127
delay, and lose not another moment in imploring mercy at the hands of God.] Reflections-— 1. Of what value in the sight of God is brotherly love ! [If we were to judge by the little regard shewn to it by men, we should account it of no value : but God declares, that whatever we may have, or do, or suffer, if des…
406 wordsSECTION 124Mccciii.
OUR lord's exposition of the seventh commandment. Matt. V. 27, 28. Ye have heard that it was said by [to] them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: hit I say unto you, that whosoever looketh 07i a ivoman to lust after her hath committed adultery loith her already in his heart. THAT the Jews were unacquaint…
352 wordsSECTION 1251303.] Christ On The Seventh Commandment. 129
as " works of the flesh," which equally exclude us from the kingdom of God^ Of course, the law does not condemn that attachment which is cherished in order to an honourable marriage ; but all desires which have not respect to that, it does condemn. We forbear to enlarge upon the subject, wishing rather to commend…
409 wordsSECTION 126130 Matthew, V. 21, 28. [1303.
placency in relation to it. But when it is rightly in- terpreted, it affords to all of us abundant occasion for, 1. Humiliation — [" Who will say, My heart is clean, I am pure from this sin ? " Who, if an adulteress were now to be stoned to death, would take up the first stone to cast at her ? Who must not retire…
482 wordsSECTION 1271303.] Christ On The Seventh Commandment. 131
of conscience, if at any time the progress of evil has been im- peded by them. Whatever have been the means of preserving us from the actual commission of iniquity, the true source of our deliverance is the same : it must ultimately be traced to the providence or grace of God; and all the glory must be given to ou…
425 wordsSECTION 128The Necessity Of Mortifying Every Sin.
Matt. V. 29, 30. If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and ^ cast it from thee : for it is profitable for thee that one of thy " memhers should jjerish, and not that thy ivhole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee th…
364 wordsSECTION 1291304.] Necessity Of Mortifying Every Sin. 133
a tendency to create unhallowed desires ; splendour, to call forth envy and ambition ; and plenty, to pro- mote intemperance. But our Lord sets before us an alternative, either to turn ayvciy from those things which are occasions of evil, or to suffer the displeasure of an angry God in hell. Now this is, 1. An …
431 wordsSECTION 130134 Matthew, V. 29, 30. [1304.
Were there any other alternative allowed us, we should want a sufficient stimulus to exertion : we should be apt to side with the traitor, and, for the sake of present ease or gratification, to neglect our true interests. But, when there is no other choice given us, but either to mortify every sinful propensity, or…
657 wordsSECTION 131134 Matthew, V. 29, 30. [1304.
Let it not be said, We require too much. It is not man, but God, that requires these things : and he has promised that " his grace shall be sufficient for us ;" so that, however the work may exceed all human power, we need not be discou- raged : we are authorized, every one of us, to say with the Apostle, " I can …
301 wordsSECTION 132136 Matthew, V. ^9, 30. [1304.
Moreover, the pain of mortifying sin can never be compared with that tvhich tvill follow from the indulgence of it. Be it so, the mortifying of sin is painful ; but what are the sufferings of hell fire ? Were the pain of self-denial a million times greater than it is, it is but for a moment : whereas the pains of h…
501 wordsSECTION 1331305.] Divorces Forbidden. 137
for the ministry that probes you to the quick, and that consults your benefit rather than your approbation.] 2. Of personal integrity — [Self-love inclines us always to view ourselves more fa- vourably than we ought. If we are conscious of some secret evil, we excuse ourselves as much as possible, in order to dis-…
306 wordsSECTION 134138 Matthew, V. 31, 32. [1305.
Matt. V. 31, 32. It hath been said, Whosoever shall fut away his ivife, let him give her a icriting of divorcement : hut I say unto you, That ivhosoever shall iput aivay his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery : and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, committeth adulte…
467 wordsSECTION 1351305.] Divorces Forbidden. 139
united in wedlock, have an inalienable right in each other, a right that should never be cancelled, but by a violation of the marriage vows''. To this subject our Lord was led by his exposition of the seventh com- mandment. He had shewn, that that commandment was no less violated by an impure look than by the act…
407 wordsSECTION 136140 Matthew, V. 31, 32. [1305.
whole year ; and then in succession to be admitted to the king for one night, and never afterwards to see him, unless called for by name^ Four years had the succession continued, before Esther's turn for admission to him arrived ; and she, pleasing him beyond all the rest, was appointed Queen *^. How incre- dible …
504 wordsSECTION 1371305.] Divorces Forbidden. 141
and he determines, by contributing to her happiness as much as possible, to ensure his own. If any man think that the restriction operates unfavourably on him, let him compare the tumultuous passions of a lawless libertine with the chaste enjoyments of conjugal fidelity : and he will soon see the one is " like the…
424 wordsSECTION 138142 Matthew, V. 33—37. [1306.
unbelieving are thus benefited by the Gospel, how much more are they who feel its influence on all their conduct and con- versation ! They, knowing that the marriage union is indis- soluble, set themselves to fulfil its duties; and in fulfiUing them, are made truly happy. Behold a Christian family con- ducting the…
413 wordsSECTION 139Swearing Forbidden.
Matt. V. 33 — 37. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said hy them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, hut shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths : hut I say unto you, 1306.1 SWEARING FORBIDDEN. 14o Swear not at all ; neither hy heaven; for it is God's throne: nor hy the earth ; for it is his footsto…
420 wordsSECTION 140144 Matthew, V. 33—37. [1306.
To exhibit it in its true light, I shall shew, 1. To what it does not extend — [It does not extend then to oaths taken in a court of judi- cature. This is evident from their being absolutely enjoined on many occasions by God himself =* Moreover, our blessed Lord submitted to be examined upon oath ; and, on being …
472 wordsSECTION 1411306.3 Swearing Forbidden. 145
commandment; which our blessed Lord is here rescuing from the false glosses of the Scribes and Pharisees. They thought that nothing but perjury was a violation of that command- ment : but he informs them that all licjht mention of the name of God, and all irreverent appeals to him, were sinful. Well would it be, i…
445 wordsSECTION 142146 Matthew, V. 33—37. [1306.
this sense many understand them. If we take them in the former sense, it relates to the source of such ex- pressions ; and if in the latter sense, it refers rather to their tendency : since Satan instigates men to swear, in order that he may accomphsh by that means his own malevolent designs. Both senses being equ…
478 wordsSECTION 1431306.3 Swearing Forbidden. 147
name; but I have no wish to please him. Were I in the presence of an earthly monarch, I could take heed to my words, and put a bridle on my tongue ; but, though I know that God both sees and hears me, I regard him no more than if he did not exist. It is true, he declares, that, " if I take his name in vain, he wil…
512 wordsSECTION 144148 Matthew, V. 33—37. [1306.
Lastly, by this Satan aims to destroy the souls of men. What destruction he makes in this nation by means of oaths, none but God can tell. This appears to many to be a little sin; and Satan easily seduces men to the commission of it. But, even if it drew no other sins along with it, it would not be small, nor woul…
488 wordsSECTION 145Retaliation Forbidden.
consider this in your dealings with mankind; for " as the nail sticketh between the jointings of the stones, so doth lying between buying and selling i." Christian servants, remember this when tempted to conceal a fault, or to exculpate yourselves from some blame. Let all, of every class, and every degree, remembe…
358 wordsSECTION 146150 Matthew, V. 38—41. [1307.
The Pharisees admitted of revenge ; and grounded that hcense upon the word of God. The passages which they adduced in confirmation of their senti- ments were strong ; but they did not at all refer to the conduct of individuals towards each other, but of magistrates towards the community at large \ To apply them t…
418 wordsSECTION 1471307.1 Retaliation Forbidden. 151
late with his oppressor, as Christ did*^ ; or insist upon his riglit, as did the Apostle Paul*^; but we are perfectly sure that a readiness to demand our utmost right on every occasion, argues a spirit very different from that which is inculcated in the Gospel of Christ.] 2. A keen resentment of wrongs— [This is …
409 wordsSECTION 148152 Matthew, V. 38—41. [1307.
nothing." I am aware, that it is difficult to bear injuries, when we know them to be altogether unmerited. But to abstain from every thing vindictive was enjoined under the Old Testaments : and much more is it insisted on in the New Testament ^ And the more undeserving we are of the injurious treatment, the more a…
472 wordsSECTION 1491307.] Retaliation Forbidden. 153
conduct™. Nor would the exercise of forgiveness be so diffi- cult, if only we considered how much greater injury people do to themselves, than they can possibly do to us. Do what they will, they can never injure us, except in mere external things : our souls are beyond their reach : but, whilst they endeavour to i…
434 wordsSECTION 150Liberality Enjoined.
[There would then be no scope for the exercise of these difficult graces, since no injuries would be committed upon earth O that God would hasten that blessed time !] Matt. V. 42. Give to him that asketh thee ; and from him that tvould borrow of thee, turn not thou aivay. TO render good for evil is a duty of indis…
321 wordsSECTION 1511308.1 Liberality Enjoined. 155
with them and desire to relieve them, as any one member of our body would feel towards any other that had sustained an injury. We should " look, not on our own things only, but every one also on the things of others ;" '* bearing their bur- thens," and being as ready to participate their sorrows as their joys. The…
475 wordsSECTION 152156 Matthew, V. 42. [1308.
reducing themselves to a level with the lowest, that all might be supplied with " food convenient for them^" Another instance we have, in the churches of Macedonia, who, " in a trial of great affliction, and in the midst of deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of liberality;" exerting themselves, " not only acco…
418 wordsSECTION 1531308.3 Liberality Enjoined. 157
[All persons have it not in their power to do good to the same extent : nor can all who have the same income, devote the same proportion of it to the poor : for a man who has a family, cannot possibly have so much to spare, as he who has none but himself to maintain : nor can it be reasonably ex- pected, that one,…
504 wordsSECTION 154158 Matthew, V. 42. [1308.
where we may well be absolved from either giving or lending, unless indeed just to supply the necessities of the moment; I mean, where a person's circumstances are so involved, that all we can do for him would be only as a drop in the ocean. There, if by public contributions we can aid him, well: but, if not, to i…
463 wordsSECTION 155Love To Enemies Enjoined.
and self-denial,- till they have executed their engagements, and fulfilled their word.] 2. To those who impart it — [It sometimes happens, that even in the generous mind a niggardly thought will arise, and a backwardness to exercise the benevolence that is called for. Against such thoughts God has very strongly c…
423 wordsSECTION 156Igo Matthew, V. 43—48. [1309.
degenerate state, can perform. Indeed, though many traces of the law still remain upon the heart, and are discoverable by the light of reason, there are depths in it which unaided reason could never have fathomed, and a breadth and length which it could never have explored. Amongst the precepts which we consider …
398 wordsSECTION 1571309.3 Love To Enemies Enjoined. 161
,- In opposition to such erroneous notions, our Lord enjoined, in the most authoritative manner, the love of enemies — [He takes for granted, that his faithful disciples would be " hated, reviled, and persecuted :" and under all the evil treat- ment which they may receive, he commands them to return kind zvords f…
411 wordsSECTION 158162 Matthew, V. 43—48. [1309.
of them are bowing down to stocks and stones: and almost all, even of those who acknowledge the one true God, are yet denying him daily, and shewing their enmity to him by wicked works. But how does he requite them? Does he avail himself of his power to deprive them of every comfort, and to punish them all accordi…
469 wordsSECTION 1591309.] Love To Enemies Enjoined. 163
That we may have a more complete view of this duty, let us inquire into, III. The extent to which it is to be performed — The law of God is at once the 7'ule and measure of our duty — [The law is a perfect transcript of the mind and will of God. It was originally written upon the heart of man : and man's perfect…
408 wordsSECTION 160164 Matthew, V. 47. [1310.
there is in us yet daily and hourly to transgress it. Who does not find, that, when injured and insulted, his heart is ready to rise against his adversary in a way of retaliation and invective ? Who does not feel, that, without the divine assistance, he can no more maintain the exalted spirit here spoken of, than h…
286 wordsSECTION 1611310.] Christians Do More Than Others. 165
Matt. V. 47. What do ye more than others ? OUR Lord is here rescuing the law from the false glosses with which the Scribes and Pharisees had obscured it. It is quite a mistake to imagine that he extended the law beyond its original meaning. The law was perfect, being a perfect transcript of God's mind and will. H…
532 wordsSECTION 162166 Matthew, V. 47. [1310.
shewing to God more gratitude than others, and hibouring to serve him with every faculty both of body and soul ?] 2. We have greater assistances from him than others — [Every man has, more or less, what may be called the common influences of the Spirit. For there is no man who has not occasionally felt some compu…
472 wordsSECTION 1631310.] Christians Do More Than Others. 1G7
which are God's '." He considers himself as called to die unto the world," yea, to be " crucified unto it, and to have it cruci- fied unto him, by the cross of Christ*^." He acknowledges that *' his affections are to be set, not upon things below, but on things above ^ :" and that he has nothing to do in this world…
480 wordsSECTION 164168 Matthew, V. 47. [1310.
their infidelity, much more does woe attach to that man who commits the offences, and casts a stumbhng-block in the way of others, to the destruction of their souls as well as of his own'i. In proportion therefore as any deviation from the path of duty in us may prove injurious to God's honour and the interests of …
471 wordsSECTION 1651310. J Christians Do More Than Others. 169
one concern of my life from day to day is, how shall I save my soul ? " What shall it profit me if I gain the whole world, and lose my own soul?" Now, my dear brethren, is this your state ? are you thus concerned about your souls? and does your conscience bear witness, that, whilst others are occupied chiefly abou…
507 wordsSECTION 166170 Matthew, V. 47. [1310.
3, For the benefit of mankind ? [To this there is a special respect in my text. The Pha- risees maintained, that we were at liberty to hate our enemies : but our Lord said, " If you love your friends only, what do ye more than others?" The loving of enemies is an attainment far above the reach of the world at larg…
500 wordsSECTION 1671311.1 Directions Respecting Alms-Deeds. 171
[Before that plea can be of any avail, you must inquire whether others are as holy as they ought to be : for if they be not, your equality with them can be no ground of satisfaction in the prospect of the future judgment. What consolation will it be to those who shall experience the wrath of God in hell, that they…
278 wordsSECTION 168172 Matthew, Vi. 1—4. [1311.
Matt. vi. 1 — 4. Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them : otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. V…
512 wordsSECTION 1691311.] Directions Respecting Alms-Deeds. 173
2. It is an evil most carefully to be avoided — [The bestowing of alms, like every thing else, must be judged of by the motive from which it springs : when done in order to acquire a character for benevolence and liberality, it is pride ; when with a view to the obtaining of influence, it is ambition. It is then o…
484 wordsSECTION 170174 Matthew, Vi. 1—4. [1311.
Having told us what to avoid, our Lord proceeds to inform us, II. What we should observe and do — We should, to the utmost of our power, affect secresy — [Doubtless there are occasions whereon we are called to dispense charity in a more pubhc manner, and when the con- cealment of our name would have an injurious…
459 wordsSECTION 1711311. J Directions Respecting Alms-Deeds. 175
but at the motive and principle from which we give it t and even " a cup of cold water given with a single eye to his glory, shall in no wise lose its reward." Even a desire which we were not able to carry into effect shall be accepted of him, just as David's was, who desired to build a house for the Lord: " Thou …
430 wordsSECTION 172Directions Respecting Prayer.
Matt. vi. 5 — 8. And when thou pray est, thou shalt not he as the hypocrites are : for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may he seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, ivhen thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and vohen thou has…
365 wordsSECTION 1731312.] Directions Respecting Prayer. 177
as players on a stage ^. Even their private devotions were made subservient to their main design ; and were ostentatiously displayed in places of public concourse. They pretended to have so much reverence for God, that they would not defer their accustomed services even for a few minutes, but would perform them in…
466 wordsSECTION 174178 Matthew, Vi. 5—8. [1312.
we should regard ; and from him only should we seek " a recompence of reward."] At the same time it becomes us to be equally on our guard, II. Against superstition — Superstitious services are scarcely less common than those which are hypocritical — [The Heathen imagined that their gods were to be moved by long…
435 wordsSECTION 1751312. J Directions Respecting Prayer. 179
state, rather by the number and length of their services, than by the spirituality of their minds in them : and it tvould he loell if some who minister in holy things, and who multiply their services beyond what their strength will endure, would attend to this hint.] But we should have more correct notions of the …
813 wordsSECTION 1761312. J Directions Respecting Prayer. 179
3. Against unbelief in prayer — [It is our duty not only to pray, but to pray in faith. We are to draw nigh to God as " a Father," and as " our " Father. It is our privilege to " have access to him with boldness and with confidence by faith in the Lord Jesus." We " should lift up holy hands to him, without doubtin…
348 wordsSECTION 177182 Matthew, Vl 9. [1313.
HALLOWING GOd's NAME. Matt. vi. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye : Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed he thy name. IT is of the utmost importance to every human being, to know how he shall approach his God with acceptance. Hence some even of the heathen philo- sophers endeavoured to instruct their dis…
774 wordsSECTION 178182 Matthew, Vl 9. [1313.
Such are the feelings which should be blended in our hearts, whenever we draw nigh to a throne of grace. We should go to God as our Father ; but, remembering that " he is in hea- ven and we upon earth, we should address him in words select and few'."] Let us now turn our attention to, II. The address — In this p…
250 wordsSECTION 179184 Matthew, Vi. 9. [1313.
God, his Father, and "his eternal great reward;" what would be the first effusions of his soul ? Would he not burst forth into praises and adorations, and even labour for words whereby to express his love and gratitude towards him ? Thus it was with David on many occasions'^; and thus it will be with all who truly…
705 wordsSECTION 180186 Matthew, Vi. 10. [1314.
THE lord's prayer. Matt. vi. 10. Thy kingdom come. Thy will he done in earth, as it is in heaven. HIGHLY as the Lord's Prayer is esteemed amongst us, and frequently as it is used, there is scarcely any part of Scripture less considered : we are contented with repeating the words, without ever attending to its tr…
685 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.