PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 21 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 271,014 words · 572 reading sections
320 Matthew, X. 16. [1343.
except we find it concerning the law of his God." With this view, therefore, we should avoid all needless singularities ; we should cultivate a meek and courteous spirit ; we should be especially attentive to all the duties of our calling, and should labour to " please all men for their good, to edification." In s…
446 wordsSECTION 302Enduring Unto The End.
4. Look up to God for daily supplies of wisdom and grace — [It is by the grace of God alone that we can do any good thing. If we attempt any thing in our own strength, we shall fail. But God has promised, " if any man lack wisdom or grace, and ask it ol him, he will give him liberally and without up- braiding^." …
336 wordsSECTION 303322 Matthew, X. 22. [1344.
successful issue of their labours Many trials, also, they would meet with from ivithout, insomuch that " their own dearest friends would become their bitterest enemies." No other thing that could be done by them would give such gene- ral and inveterate offence as their adherence to him. They might become infidel, …
446 wordsSECTION 3041344.1 Enduring Unto The End. 323
heaven, and make us acquainted with the place, the company, the employment ? Suffice it, however, to know, that the felicity of all the glorified saints shall be accorded to those who are conquerors in this glorious warfare^ ] And w^ill not that abundantly compensate for all that we can ever do or suffer for Chris…
470 wordsSECTION 305324 Matthew, X. 22. [1344.
the wilderness, departed from our Lord " only for a season." At the close of our Saviour's life, that wicked adversary made his assaults more powerfully than ever. And so he may do with you. You may have a long intermission of trials, both within and without : but you never know what a single day may bring forth. …
474 wordsSECTION 306The Doctrine Of A Particular Providence.
Matt. X. 30. The very hairs of your head are all numbered, NONE are so ignorant amongst us as not to ac- knowledge the existence of a Supreme Being ; but the extent of his agency, and the interest which he takes in the affairs of men, are by no means duly appre- ciated We may judge however of this from the words …
373 wordsSECTION 307S26 Matthew, X. 30. [1345.
inhabitants of the earth." All creatures are alike subject to his control, rational and irrational, animate and inanimate. The angels in heaven, and men on earth, and devils in hell, all do his will'* -The sun, moon, and stars move or stand at his command'' The elements exert or suspend their accustomed operations…
731 wordsSECTION 308328 Matthew, X. 32—39. [1346.
TO stand up in the place of Jehovah, and to declare his word to men, is so awful and arduous an office, that the greatest of all the Apostles was constrained to say, "Who is sufficient for these things?" But, if it be so arduous under any, even the most favourable, circum- stances, what must it be when we are call…
722 wordsSECTION 309328 Matthew, X. 32—39. [1346.
Now, if this rule, as carried into execution thus, appear exceptionable to any of you, hear it, IL Vindicated — It may be complained of perhaps, 1. As unnecessary — [Christianity, it may be said, is a religion of love, and is intended to produce nothing but harmony upon earth. Is not this the description given o…
728 wordsSECTION 310328 Matthew, X. 32—39. [1346.
But this objection has no real weight, as our Lord plainly shews us : " He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me : and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." Let any man judge in this…
592 wordsSECTION 311332 Matthew, X. 32—39. [1346.
be made in the assured prospect of eternal happiness and glory ? Know, then, that this is the alternative set before you. You may not, indeed, be actually called to lay down your life for Christ ; but you must be ready to do so at any moment, and in any manner that you may be called to do it : and if these terms a…
737 wordsSECTION 312334 Matthew, Xi. 4—6. [1347.
5. Look up to God for strength to do his will — [In the passage which our blessed Lord has quoted in our text, the Prophet teaches us to make this improvement of it. " The son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother ; the daughter-in-law against her mother- in-law : a man's enemies are t…
656 wordsSECTION 313334 Matthew, Xi. 4—6. [1347.
such things ; and consequently they were unexceptionable tes- timonies from God himself tliat he was the true Messiah. With the disciples of John these miracles must have had peculiar weight ; for John, whom they regarded as their master, had wrought no miracle^; whereas the miracles which they had just seen were …
330 wordsSECTION 314336 Matthew, Xl 4—6. [1347.
This evidence also still exists, not merely as an historical fact, but as a matter of daily experience and observation : for it is universally true, wherever the Gospel is preached, that the poor are the people to whom the word is sent, and that they chiefly, though not exclusively, are benefited by it*^.] But fai…
651 wordsSECTION 315336 Matthew, Xl 4—6. [1347.
3. The self-denying nature of his precepts — [The very first condition imposed on his disciples was, to " deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, and follow him." He shewed them by his own example what a superiority to every thing in this world he required, and told them plainly that they must be no more o…
275 wordsSECTION 316338 Matthew, Xi. 4—0. [1347.
But that faith which is the gift of God will triumph over all : hence, III. The commendation given it, when duly exer- cised— To have the mind brought to a cordial acquiescence in ail that is spoken of the Lord Jesus, is indeed a great victory ; and blessed is that man who has attained it: for that acquiescence …
696 wordsSECTION 317340 Matthew, Xl 11, 12. [1348.
2. Those who profess indeed to receive him, but are inwardly offended at hhn — [It is to no purpose to receive his word in theory, whilst we practically deny its influence on our hearts. He himself says, " Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say ? " Do not judge yourselves, therefore, by your …
424 wordsSECTION 318Mcccxlviii.
Christ's commendation of john. Matt. xi. 11, 12. Verily I say inito you, Among them that are horn of ivomen there hath not risen a greater tha7i John the Baptist : notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven si…
603 wordsSECTION 319342 Matthew, Xl 11, 12. [1348.
King of his Church and people In this they are as superior to John, as John was to the least enlightened of all the ancient prophets.] 2. A richer experience of his love — [They can tell, not merely what he is to do, but what he has done : yea, they can say, " He has loved me, and given himself for me." They have…
728 wordsSECTION 320344 Matthew, Xl 28. [1349.
Address — 1. The ignorant Christian — [Wherein are you superior to John and all the prophets ? Truly you are less than heathens, because of your neglect of your superior advantages Remember that God will " take vengeance on them that know him not, and that obey not his Gospel."] 2. The formal Christian — [You v…
269 wordsSECTION 3211349.1 The Heavy-Laden Invited To Christ. 345
Matt, xi. 28. Co7ne unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy- laden, and I tvill give you rest. IT is thought by many, that the Gospel is a mere system of notions, which may be received without benefit, or rejected without loss. But it is rather proposed to us as a remedy for all the miseries, which sin has bro…
607 wordsSECTION 322346 Matthew, Xl 28. [1349.
their condition must be, if they be left to themselves. Even after they have attained peace through the blood and righteous- ness of the Lord Jesus, so that they no longer tremble for fear of condemnation, they groan more than ever under the burthen of their indwelling corruptions, saying, " O wretched man that I …
462 wordsSECTION 3231349.^ The Heavy-Laden Invited To Christ. 347
above all that ye can ask or think :" " open youi' mouths wide, and I will fill them." Come moreover in love. Be not like persons driven to me through mere necessity, and influenced by nothing but a dread of condemnation ; but contemplate my character, meditate on my kindness, strive to comprehend the heights and …
458 wordsSECTION 324348 Matthew, Xl 28. [1349.
And can any thing be more precious to a heavy- laden soul ? [The term used in the text imports far more than an ex- emption from labour and trouble : it implies also that refresh- ment which a great and seasonable relief administers. And how sweet is that peace which he imparts to a believing peni- tent ! it is a…
439 wordsSECTION 3251350.] Christ A Meek And Lowly Teacher. 349
We must " sow in tears, if ever we would reap in joy :" we must be heavy-laden with a sense of sin, if ever we would experience the rest which Christ will give*^.] 2. To those who are seeking rest — [It is indeed a mercy to have an awakened conscience : but you must now guard with earnest and equal care against s…
339 wordsSECTION 326350 Matthew, Xl 29. [1350.
Matt. xi. 29. Lear?i of me ,- for I am meek and lowly in heart : and ye shall find rest unto your souls. EVERY office which Christ sustains in the economy of redemption, is replete with encouragement to sinful man. His sufficiency as our great High-Priest to make atonement for us, and his power as our King to sub-…
444 wordsSECTION 3271350.1 Christ A Meek And Lowly Teacher. 351
than it purifies the heart and renews the life. Whatever we find, to be the mind and will of God, that we must do without hesitation, and without reserve. As the reasonings of men are to be disregarded when opposed to the declarations of God, so are the maxims of men to be set at nought, when by adopting them we s…
434 wordsSECTION 328352 Matthew, Xi. 29. [1350.
of the spiritual nature of his kingdom. He was constrained sometimes to complain of them in this very view ; " Are ye also yet without understanding^?" Nevertheless he continued to teach them, till he had initiated them fully into all the myste- ries of his kingdom. And thus will he do to the most ignorant of men …
421 wordsSECTION 3291350. J Chkist A Meek And Lowly Teacher. 353
of understanding \ an assurance of faith'", and an assurance of hope": of all these, the men of this world have no idea: they are ready to speak of such things as marks of daring presump- tion. But the disciple of Christ has an inward witness of the truths he has learned" ; and knows perfectly that they are not a …
455 wordsSECTION 330Christ Greater Than The Temple.
*' Such is the heritage of the servants of the Lord;" and such is the rest that Christ will impart to all who learn of him.] Address— [Are there any amongst us that are prosecuting human learning with avidity ? O remember, that the knowledge of Christ infinitely transcends all other knowledge^, and will bring wit…
363 wordsSECTION 3311351. J Christ Greater Than The Temple. 355
through a corn-field, on the Sabbath-day ; and they, being hungry, phicked some ears of corn, and rubbed them in their hands, and ate the corn. This the law of Moses expressly authorized them to do*^ ; and therefore the act could not be condemned. But the law prohibited all kinds of labour on the Sabbath-day ; an…
363 wordsSECTION 332356 Matthew, Xii. 6. [1351.
candid disposition ; as the Samaritan woman % and the man who had been born bhnd''. Yet, on proper occasions, he was not backward to assert his supe- riority to all the sons of men. Jonas was a prophet; and Solomon a king ; but he was, in every view, greater than either the one or the other of them'. And, of all …
666 wordsSECTION 333358 Matthew, Xii. 6. [1351.
But further: the temple had the Shechinah, the bright cloud, the symbol of the Deity, constantly residing in it — [This was doubtless its highest glory. (I speak of the former temple, previous to the Babylonish captivity ; and not of the latter, in which many of its principal ornaments were wanting.) But in the L…
975 wordsSECTION 334360 Matthew, Xii. 6. [1351.
This, then, must be a principle deeply fixed in our minds, That the authority of Christ is to rule us under all circum- stances ; and that nothing under heaven is to be suffered to in- terfere with it. Men who cast off his yoke will indeed clamour against us, and express their indignation against us for not comply…
641 wordsSECTION 3351352.1 Compassion Of Christ Towards The Weak, Sgi
what he is, even " the Mighty God, and the Prince of Peace." We know too what he can do : and that all which was done, under the law by God, in his temple, he can and will do in the midst of us. To us he will give his answers of peace ; yea, " he will give grace and glory: and withhold no good thing fi'om us " in …
304 wordsSECTION 336362 Matthew, Xii. 18—21. [1352.
Matt. xii. 18 — 21. Behold, my servant ivhom I have chosen; my beloved in ivhom my soul is well pleased : I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive nor cry ; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax…
437 wordsSECTION 3371352.] Compassion Of Christ Towards The Weak. 363
[The terms here used seem to be proverbial. The former metaphor is taken from reeds, which were used as musical instruments by shepherds, and which, when bruised, could no longer emit any melodious sound. The smoking flax aUudes to the wick of a lamp which, when the flame is extinct, pro- duces an offensive smell.…
399 wordsSECTION 338The Blind And Dumb D.Emoniac Healed.
Application—^ 1. The text is addressed to all the sinners of the Gentiles — [How gracious is God in thus inviting sinners to " be- hold" his Son! And Jioio powerful the recomviendaUon that is thus enforced hy the example of God, himself! But can any thing be a stronger reproof to those, who, instead of choosing …
341 wordsSECTION 3391353.] Blind And Dumb Demoniac Healed. 365
and I in him^" It should seem that, for the further- ance of this end, Satan was permitted to exercise greater power over the bodies of men, than was ever exercised by him either before or since : that so the divine mission of Jesus might be the more signally marked by his conquests over Satan. In discoursing on …
415 wordsSECTION 340366 Matthew, Xii. 22, 23. [1353.
their view of the matter, Satan would be subverting his own kingdom: but, as they could not conceive he would do that, it was clear, that the kingdom of God must be come unto them*^. Thus did our Lord by this miracle establish his claim to the Messiahship, and give ample ground for all the people to re- ceive him …
435 wordsSECTION 3411353.1 Blind And Dumb Demoniac Healed. 367
occupies our tongues rather than this, insomuch that amongst our friends and relatives it seems, as it were, to be banished by general consent. Still less do we speak for God. We see him dishonoured on every side ; but we dare not advocate his cause. If our own father or friend were so insulted, we should find som…
488 wordsSECTION 3423G8 Matthew, Xii. 30. [1354.
shews them to be blind as to all practical perception of their duty, their interest, and their happiness ? Alas ! we need not go far to find such as these ; for on every side of us we see persons living for themselves, and not for God ; for time, and not for eternity. I ask not then respecting your worldly pos- se…
422 wordsSECTION 3431354.] Necessity Of Adherence To Christ. 369
Matt. xii. 30. He that is not zvith me, is against me ; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. TO inculcate a devotedness of heart to God, and to insist upon it as indispensably necessary to salva- tion, is generally deemed harsh and uncharitable : and certainly, if it were not required in Scripture…
433 wordsSECTION 344370 Matthew, Xii. 30. [1354.
to ascertain their meaning is, to consider the occasions on which they were spoken. When our Lord uttered the words of our text, he had been arguing against those who imputed his miracles to a confede- racy with Satan ; and had shewn, that as the whole aim of his life was to destroy the influence of Satan over men…
445 wordsSECTION 3451354.1 Necessity Of Adherence To Chkist. 371
authority within us. Not one of these is to be spared, though it should be dear as a right eye, or apparently necessary as a right hand. They are indeed exceedingly numerous, and have " strong holds" which are almost impregnable. They are also mustered and led on by a subtle adversary, " the prince of the power of…
497 wordsSECTION 346372 Matthew, Xii. 30. [1354.
mistake, as though religion required us to hate any of our fellow- creatures; we must love their 2Je7'sons, but hate their ways. This line of conduct is prescribed to all the followers of Christ: whilst they " glory in the cross of Christ," they must " by means of that cross be crucified unto the world, and the wor…
489 wordsSECTION 347The Sin Against The Holy Ghost.
2. The necessity of abounding in it more and more — [We have observed, that men cannot continue stationary in the divine life : we must either advance or decline. Now it is not at our first conversion only that the words of our text are applicable to us, but at every period of our lives. The longer we have profess…
383 wordsSECTION 348374 Ma.Tthew, Xii. 31. [1355.
affectionately cautioned them against indulging so base a spirit ; assuring them, that all which they had said and done against Imn might be forgiven; but that if they should persist in this conduct towards the Holy Spirit also, and reject his testimony, they would cut themselves off from all possibility of obtain…
464 wordsSECTION 3491355.1 The Sin Against The Holy Ghost. 375
Why this sin in particular is excepted from the general offers of ardon, it is also of great importance to understand — [It is plainly declared to be unpardonable. But is not the mercy of God sufficiently extensive to cover this ? Yes, doubtless ; for it is infinite, as all his perfections are. Is there not then …
446 wordsSECTION 350376 ..,, Matthew, Xii. 31. [1355.
see that every species of enormity has been pardoned. What horrible uncleanness had the Corinthians been guilty of! yet they were washed, justified, and sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God^. Murders have in some instances been, not only committed, but multiplied : yet Manasseh, w…
659 wordsSECTION 351376 ..,, Matthew, Xii. 31. [1355.
It must however be remembered, that these declarations suppose that we repent and believe the Gospel ; for, without repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus, no sin whatever can be pardoned.] Before we close, it will be proper to add, 1. A word of admonition — [We hope and trust that there are not any in this day, …
312 wordsSECTION 352Idle Words To Be Accounted For.
Matt. xii. S6, 37. / say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment : for hy thy tvords thou shalt he justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condem7ied. THERE is not any plainer or more acknowledged truth, in relation to natural things, than that …
342 wordsSECTION 3531356.1 Idle Words To Be Accounted For. 379
innocent communications in social and domestic life. The former of these enervate the force of the declara- tion altogether : the latter make it an occasion of continual distress to their own souls. Let us first endeavour to ascertain what is meant by the expression, ** every idle word" — [I think we must confine…
450 wordsSECTION 354380 Matthew, Xii. 36, 37, [1356.
evil in the heart, must be regarded as coming under the com- prehensive expression of my text. Whatever is the offspring of pride, or envy, or malice, or vanity, or folly, or indifference to religion, in short, ivhatever betrays a want of a religious principle within us, must be denominated " idle." I think this i…
467 wordsSECTION 355135G.] Idle Words To Be Accounted For. 381
was made by our blessed Lord sufficiently shews of what vast importance it is. It was intended to ope- rate forcibly on our minds : and it may well serve to direct us, 1. In the choice of our friends — [We are particularly cautioned by Solomon " not to make any friendship with an angry man, lest we learn his ways…
484 wordsSECTION 356382 Matthew, Xii. 36, 37. [1356.
It is not necessary that you should eat salt by handfuls, if I may use so homely an expression, or that you should be always talking of religion : but your speech should at all times be sea- soned with salt; and your intercourse, even about the most common things, should be such as to shew that religion is the one…
464 wordsSECTION 357Jonah A Type Of Christ.
2. Those who have endeavoured to improve their speech for the good of others — [This declaration of God is as consolatory to you, as it is alarming to the careless and ungodly world. Never have 3^ou endeavoured to speak for God, but God has listened to it with pleased attention, and recorded it in the book of his …
401 wordsSECTION 358384 Matthew, Xii. 39—41. [1357.
Satan. Yet the Jews still demanded of him a sign, and, to satisfy their incredulity, he must give them " a sign from heaven V It is to persons of this description that our Lord replies in the words before us ; telling them, that no different kind of sign should be given them, till his resurrection ; and, that the …
428 wordsSECTION 3591357.] Jonah A Type Of Christ. 385
2. His successful preaching consequent upon it — [The effect of Jonah's preaching stands perhaps unrivalled from the foundation of the world. The large and populous city instantly received the word, and, though Gentiles by na- ture, began to call upon Jehovah ; so that, from the king upon his throne to the very me…
394 wordsSECTION 360386 Matthew, Xii. 39—41. [1357.
[Jonah executed the prophetic office among the ten tribes'^; but we know nothing of his spirit, except from the book which bears his name. And here we see, that he did not enter on his office without great reluctance, fleeing from God, in order to avoid an embassy, which he was afraid would be attended with person…
479 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.