PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Horae Homileticae — Volume 21 of 21
Simeon, Charles, 1759-1836 · 271,014 words · 572 reading sections
1357.1 Jonah A Type Of Christ. 387
We may observe from this subject, 1. How certainly is Christ the true Messiah! [Tlie Ninevites knew for certain the divine mission of Jonah, by means of his miraculous deliverance from the fish's belly. How evidently then is " Christ declared to be the Son of God with power by his resurrection from the dead' !" Le…
421 wordsSECTION 362The Relapsed Demoniac.
Matt. xii. 43 — 45. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from ivhence I came out ; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other sp…
403 wordsSECTION 3631358.] The Relapsed Demoniac. 389
But he often loses his dominion through the preach- ing of the Gospel — [Paul was commissioned to turn men from the power of Satan unto God^: and the weapon whereby he rescued them from his dominion was the Gospel *^. The same divine energy also attends it, when used by us^ Though conversions are more rare than i…
369 wordsSECTION 364390 Mattpiew, Xii. 43—45. [1358.
stiW furnished for his reception^ Wherever this is the case, he will surely, however expelled for a season, return ere long with increased power.] On his return to them their state will be worse than ever — [The Holy Spirit will be grieved, provoked, quenched'; and when once men are " beguiled from the simplicity…
397 wordsSECTION 365Mccclix.
Christ's regard to his obedient followers. Matt. xii. 46 — 50. While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand ivithout, desiring to speak ivith thee. But he ansivered and said unto h…
385 wordsSECTION 366392 Matthew, Xii. 46—50. [1359.
forth his hand" towards them, made use of the extraordinary language of our text : — in considering which, we shall shew, I. In what light our Lord regarded his obedient followers — We are sure, that, in asking, " Who is my mother or my brethren," he did not intend to act towards them with any disrespect : he on…
661 wordsSECTION 367394- Matthew, Xii. 46—50. [1359.
II. The inferences to be deduced from it — And here we cannot but observe, that if Christ so highly regards his obedient followers, then should we, 1. Honour them — [The light of the godly has ever been so offensive to the lovers of darkness, that all possible methods have been used to veil its lustre, if not to …
731 wordsSECTION 368394- Matthew, Xii. 46—50. [1359.
s 1 Thess. iv. 3. >^ 1 Tlicss. v. IG— -18. 1359.1 Christ's regard to his followers. 395 your practice, nothing, without these : in his family " there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, bar- barian, Scythian, bond nor free : but Christ, that is, the image of Christ upon your soul, is all and…
504 wordsSECTION 369396 Matthew, Xiii. 13—15. [1360.
Lord's people : " Do good unto all men," says the Apostle, " but especially unto them that are of the household of faith" Let us suppose for one moment that amongst a multitude of persons in distress we spied the Virgin Mary herself; can we doubt whom we should select as the first object of our atten- tion ? Or is…
306 wordsSECTION 3701360.^ The Use And Intent Of Parables. 397
Matt. xiii. 13 — 15. Therefore speak I to them in parables : because they seeing, see not; and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, ivhich saith. By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand ; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. For…
522 wordsSECTION 371398 Matthew, Xiii. 13— 15. [1360.
It was this state of their minds that induced him to adopt the plan of teaching them by parables — [The people shut their eyes against plain truths; and therefore our Lord taught them in an obscure way. But here arises a question; was the people's blindness a reason for our Lord's teaching them by parables? or, wa…
501 wordsSECTION 3721360. J The Use And Intent Of Parables. 399
(by this cautious method of instructing them) convert and save their souls. Thus there was in this way of teaching, something favour- able, and something judicial. The people set themselves against the truth ; therefore our Lord withheld his plainer instructions from them : but he did so, not with a view to incre…
396 wordsSECTION 373400 Matthew, Xiil 13—15. [1360.
gradually to the light, lest they should be overpowered by too hasty a transition to the full radiance of Gospel truth. He told even his own disciples, that he had many things to say unto them ; but was constrained to withhold them for the pre- sent, because of their incapacity to receive them' : he thought at pro…
412 wordsSECTION 374The Sower.
be considered as having prejudices which may be increased by indiscretion, or undermined by a prudent exhibition of the GospeL St. Paul, though as far as any man from a want of zeal, was peculiarly attentive to this duty' ; and has left us instructions respecting it for the regulation of our own con- duct'". The e…
365 wordsSECTION 37540^ Matthew, Xitl 18. [1361.
business or pleasure. Thus, though they hear the word, they scarcely give it any attention, or attend merely to the style of composition and manner of delivery. No wonder then that they obtain no solid views of divine truth,] They lose it without regret — [" Satan" is more concerned with them than they are at all…
415 wordsSECTION 3761361.] The Sower. 403
III. The thorny-ground hearers — These are a class who more nearly resemble that of true Christians ; but though their profession is more specious, their end is not more happy. They maintain a religious character to the end — [They do not disregard the word like the way-side hearers, or cast away their profession…
389 wordsSECTION 377404 Matthew, Xiti. 18. [1361.
They improve it with dihgence — [They are careful to " bring forth the fruits" of righteous- ness. " Not" that all of them accomplish their wishes "in an equal degree." Splendid talents, extensive influence, or fa- vourable occasions may enable some to distinguish themselves from others. On the other hand, poverty…
471 wordsSECTION 378Leaven Hid In Meal.
Matt. xiii. 33. Another parable spake he unto them ; The king- dom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the ivhole loas leavened. AS our Lord was not weary of multiplying his parables, so neither should we be of considering them. There is indeed an inexhaustible…
411 wordsSECTION 379406 Matthew, Xiii. 33. [1362.
smaller moment; but in the fundamental points all are agreed, and, when upon their knees before God, have the most perfect resemblance to each other. Being joined to the Lord they are one spirit with him, and with each other ^. The same spirit pervades both the Head and all the members. Hence all true Christians o…
450 wordsSECTION 3801362.1 Leaven Hid In Meal. 407
are thoroughly renewed by it ; not indeed perfectly as to the degree, but universally in all their members and all their faculties. Their members are made instruments of righteous- ness', and their faculties are filled with light and holiness. The man is made altogether " a new creature; old things are passed away…
484 wordsSECTION 381The Tares.
abundantly manifest. It is incumbent therefore on every one to ask himself, What reason have I to think that this " kingdom of God is within me^?" What change has it wrought, what assimilating and transforming efficacy has it discovered ? There is, it is true, a leaven in the heart of natural men ; but it is eithe…
344 wordsSECTION 3821363.] The Tares. 409
I. In their present growth — The Church, hke a field in which different grains are sown, contains persons of very different characters — [Jesus sows much "good seed" in this wretched world: whatever use he makes of his ministers, the glory is his alone. But " Satan" is indefatigable in " sov,'ing bad seed" in the …
376 wordsSECTION 383410 Matthew, Xiii. 8G. [1363.
be made partners in misery. Alas ! what groups of profane persons, formalists, and hypocrites, will then be bound together! May " our souls never be gathered with these ;" but be "bound up in the bundle of life with the Lord our God^!" The "wheat" are "the righteous," who are renewed in the spirit of their minds :…
397 wordsSECTION 3841364.] The Hidden Tueasure. 411
splendour shall burst forth as from behind a cloud™. They delighted to enjoy God ; they shall now see him face to face. They longed to glorify God ; they shall now have every faculty employed in his service for evermore.] The most suitable improvement is suggested by our Lord himself" — 1. Let the profane ''hear"…
381 wordsSECTION 385412 Matthew, Xiii. 44. [1364.
Matt. xiii. 44. The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in afield ; the which, when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and huyeth that field. THE Gospel,, as viewed in various lights, admits of various representations. It is generally set forth as small in…
447 wordsSECTION 3861364,] The Hidden Treasure. 413
acknowledgment' — The " field " indeed, wherein the treasure is hid, is open and accessible to alP ; but we shall perish for lack of it, unless God do for us as he did for Hagar^ We must all adopt the prayer of David™ — ] Its intrinsic worth, joined with the difficulty of finding it, must render the acquisition de…
450 wordsSECTION 387The Pearl Of Great Price.
Application — [The field, which contains this treasure, is nigh at hand. The owner invites all to go and seek the treasure : he promises that all who seek in earnest shall find it''; yea, moreover, that all who find, shall retain it^. Let those then'wAo have never found it, begin to seek. But let them adopt that p…
350 wordsSECTION 3881365.1 The Pearl Of Great Price. 4'15
grace established in the world ; and it may be com- pared to a pearl as enriching. Some pearls are of very great value, and would be an ample fortune to a person who had nothing else. The Gospel kingdom also is of inestimable value to us. In this world — [It unfolds to our view the deepest mysteries, and gives a …
367 wordsSECTION 389416 Matthew, Xiii. 45, 46. [1365.
[It finds men altogether " alienated from the life of God," and bearing the character of Satan's children^ : but it renews them in all their faculties, and restores them to the very image of their God '. This eifect is ascribed to it by S t. Paul himself™ — How just then is that expression of the Psalmist"^ — ! And…
408 wordsSECTION 390The Net.
Questions — 1. What is the daily object of our pursuit ? [Are we seeking knowledge, wealth, pleasure, honour, &;c. or the establishment of this kingdom in our hearts ? Let us fear lest we never should obtain this invaluable pearl ; and let us follow the direction of our blessed Lord^ — ] 2. What have we parted wi…
358 wordsSECTION 391418 Matthew, Xiii. 47—50. [1366.
called to instruct fishermen ; to whose more imme- diate use he adapted the parable before us. In order to elucidate the text we observe that, I. A great variety of persons are gathered by the Gospel into the visible Church — The Gospel is preached promiscuously to all — [When a net is cast into the sea, the fish…
400 wordsSECTION 3921366.] The Net. 419
[God makes use of men to collect persons into the visible Church; but he will employ "angels" as his agents to "se- parate the bad from the good." Nor will they, when acting under the direction of the Most High, be liable to the smallest error. They will see with one glance of their eye, who have been justified in…
453 wordsSECTION 393The Householder.
l;30 MATTHEW, XIII. 52. [1367. yet shall never enter into the kingdom of heaven. Let all then judge themselves by the marks exhibited in the Holy Scrip- tures. Let them inquire whether, if the separation were at this instant to be made, they should be found amongst the good or the bad, among those that are truly a…
378 wordsSECTION 3941367.] The Householder. 421
A steward, or hDuseholder, has the charge of pro- viding for the family. He considers not only what is wanting at the present moment, but what will be wanted on future occasions ; and he preserves for future use the productions of foreign climes, or of successive seasons. Thus every pious minister la- bours to pr…
379 wordsSECTION 395422 Matthew, Xiii. 52. [1367.
the great truths of the Gospel, he endeavours continually to diversify them in his statements, and to give them an air of novelty in his illustration of them.] 2. He administers to each his proper portion — [To those whose growth in grace enables them to digest strong meat, he explains the deep mysteries of religi…
402 wordsSECTION 396Christ Walking On The Sea.
Matt. xiv. 26, 27. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were trotibled, saying, It is a spirit ; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, say- ing, Be of good cheer ; it is I ; he not afraid. THE Christian's duties are often difficult and self- denying. Nevertheless he mus…
757 wordsSECTION 3971368.1 Christ Walking On The Sea. 425
'' Besides, he li;id just refused to be made a kinjr. ® Job ix. 8. f ver. 33. with Mark vi. 52. s Job i. VI, 19. These fears however were amply compensated by, III. The condescension he manifested — He instantly dispelled their fears in the kindest and most condescending manner — [He at first appeared as though h…
451 wordsSECTION 398Peter Saved When Sinking In The Sea.
Matt. xiv. 30, 31. But token he saw the ivind boisterous, he was afraid; and begiiming to sink, he cried, saijing, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, ivhere- fore didst thou doubt ? MEN'S constitutional propensities are apt to b…
377 wordsSECTION 3991369.J Peter Saved When Sinking In The Sea. 427
and not be burned!" But their folly will sooner or later be manifest, even as Peter's was. As then our Lord cautions us against worldly-mindedness by the example of Lot's wife, so would I caution all of you, my brethren, against self-confidence by the sad example of Peter. On another occasion, Peter sinned yet far…
468 wordsSECTION 400428 Matthew, Xiv. 30, 31. [1369.
[" Lord, save me!" cried Peter in his extremity: and tlie hand of Jesus, stretched out, saved him instantly from his peril. And where shall we find, in all the sacred records, one instance of any person calling upon the Lord in vain ? The troubles of David were on many occasions exceeding heavy; yet did the prayer…
454 wordsSECTION 401Formal Worshippers, Hypocrites.
them that every thing, even to the falling of a sparrov^, is under the direction of the first Great Cause, who alone is worthy to be regarded with either fear or love. At the same time let your confidence in God be humble, without ostentation before men, and without unhallowed boldness before God. Then may you exp…
339 wordsSECTION 402430 Matthew, Xv. 7—9. [1370.
form? The very habit of persons in the pubHc assembly shews, for the most part, that their souls are not engaged, and that the decent performance of an acknowledged duty is all that the worshippers have in view. Hear the confessions : Do they resemble those of the poor publican ? Do they indicate any thing of real…
707 wordsSECTION 403432 Matthew, Xv. 7—9. [1370.
2. In their aims — [These persons would have it supposed that they aim at advancing the honour of their God. But, in fact, there is nothing further from their thoughts than this. Many seek only to maintain a good character before men : and those who are less actuated by worldly applause, yet think of nothing but …
581 wordsSECTION 404The Daughter Of The Canaanitess Dispossessed.
Matt. XV. 28. Jesus answered and said unto her, 0 woman, great is thy faith : be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. RETIREMENT is necessary for all; especially for those who minister in holy things; but on certain occasions it must be sacrificed to the pressing cal…
350 wordsSECTION 405434 Matthew, Xv. 28. [1371.
2. Her humility — [Nothing could express more unfeigned humility than her demeanour did on this occasion. She addressed our Lord in terms of most profound respect, and prostrated herself before him with the deepest reverence : and, when he, by insinuation at least, compared her to a dog, she, instead of deeming i…
436 wordsSECTION 4061371.] Daughter Of The Canaanitess Dispossessed. 435
might have been interpreted as reproachful and injurious. Now persons in bitter anguish of mind are peculiarly suscep- tible of neglect, and much more of insult, especially from those of whom they had entertained a high opinion, and from whom they had expected a very different treatment. But, instead of being irri…
414 wordsSECTION 407436 Matthew, Xv. 28. [1371.
And how has he shewn to us, that there may be great faith even where we suppose there is little, or perhaps none at all ; and that when we account no terms too humiliating whereby to express our vileness, he approves and even admires the graces that we exercise ! With this condescension in his manner of shewing me…
454 wordsSECTION 408Great Multitudes Healed.
Matt. XV. 30j 31. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet ; and he healed them: insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind t…
373 wordsSECTION 409438 Matthew, Xv. 30, 31. [1372.
unless that the dread of interrupthig the discourses of their Lord should awe them into silence. The lame and viaimed (many of whom perhaps had not only their strength renewed, but their limbs, that had suffered amputation^, perfectly re- stored) how would they exult and leap for joy, clapping their hands in ecsta…
433 wordsSECTION 4101372.] Great Multitudes Healed. 439
that of those whom he relieved. His would be tempered with pity for their spiritual maladies, of which, alas ! they had but little sense ; and his praises would be mixed with prayers, that they might flock around him to obtain those richer benefits, of which their present cures were but imperfect emblems.] Not to …
409 wordsSECTION 411440 . Matthew, Xvi. 6. [1373.
that he is " able to save us to the very uttermost ;" and that " he vv^ill cast out none who come unto him."] 3. Let us glorify God with and /or all the faculties we possess — [Our bodily and mental powers are rich mercies from the hand of God, and should be exerted continually in promoting his glory. But, if our…
278 wordsSECTION 4121373.] Against Formality And Indifference. 441
Matt. xvi. 6. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. EVERY object around us is capable of affording us much important instruction. Our blessed Lord took occasion from all the common affairs of life, and all the things that presented themselves to his v…
498 wordsSECTION 413442 Matthew, Xvi. 6. [1373.
just regard to the Holy Scriptures. Whatever was contrary to their preconceived opinions, they ridiculed as enthusiasm'. Their lives, as might be expected, were in perfect consistency with their sentiments : they lived, almost as much as the heathen themselves, " without God in the world." Behold in them, as in a …
414 wordsSECTION 4141373.] Against Formality And Indifference. 44S
Surely, if all our natural propensities lead to one or other of the evils against which we are cautioned, it becomes us to be on our guard against them : nor can any expressions be too strong to warn us of our danger™.] 2. Because of the fatal tendency of the evils them- selves— [The nature of " leaven" is to fer…
420 wordsSECTION 415444 Matthew, Xvi. 6. [1373.
useful to suggest some other hints for the carrying into effect the caution in the text. 1. Get your souls deeply impressed with the prin- ciples of the Gospel — [The Gospel is " the rod of God's strength," wherewith he has wrought the most stupendous miracles ; and it is that which he dehghts to make effectual t…
602 wordsSECTION 416446 Matthew, Xvi. 15—19. [1374.
Peter's confession of christ rewarded. Matt. xvi. 15 — 19. He saith unto them, But lohom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter ansivered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jnd Jesus answered and said unto him. Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona : for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,…
742 wordsSECTION 417446 Matthew, Xvi. 15—19. [1374.
2. His divine mission — [" Thou art the Christ^," the very person promised from the foundation of the world. Thou art " the Seed of the woman, that is to bruise the serpent's head;" "the Seed of Abraham, in whom all nations are to be blessed;" " the Shi- loh that was to come, before that the sceptre should finally…
339 wordsSECTION 418448 Matthew, Xvi. 15—19. [1374.
[The prejudices of men were so strong in favour of a tem- poral Messiah, that no man could overcome them, lanless he were enabled by the special assistance of God himself. And though the miracles of our Lord appeared to justify his pre- tensions to that office, yet his low condition in life, and the universal reje…
660 wordsSECTION 419448 Matthew, Xvi. 15—19. [1374.
[Christ had before given to Peter the name of " Cephas," which in the Syriac language is of the same import with " Peter" in the Greek: they both mean, " a Rock™." ' Now,' says our Lord, ' thou hast acknowledged me to be the Christ ; and I acknowledge thee to be justly and deservedly named " Peter:" nay, in refere…
273 wordsSECTION 420450 Matthew, Xvi. 15—19. [1374.
destroy my Church, they shall never prevail, either against the Church itself, or against any individual that is founded on the truth which thou hast uttered? The work is mine; " / will build it :" but the foundation shall be that which is now laid by thee : and as long as thy name shall be known in the world, tho…
737 wordsSource & rights
Public domain historical edition (1832-33); scan/OCR from Internet Archive.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.