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  LETTER 178.
  by James Bourne
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the unfathomable goodness and
faithfulness of God towards His people, and how we can experience this
faithfulness in our lives by fearing Him and trusting in His Word.

Topics: "Gods Faithfulness", "Repentance Mercy"
Scripture References: Psalm 103:11

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DESCRIPTION
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James Bourne, in a letter to Mrs. J., reflects on God's unfathomable
faithfulness to His people, emphasizing the goodness and provision He
grants to those who fear Him. Bourne acknowledges the convicting work of
the Holy Spirit in revealing hidden sins and the need for genuine
repentance and reliance on God's mercy. He shares his personal
experience of finding humility and redemption in God's grace, expressing
a desire for others to also encounter the transformative power of God's
love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

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CONTENT
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Hertford, 6 March 1840.

Dear Mrs. J.

I am of necessity at a distance from you, yet I often lay to heart your
case, and am greatly encouraged by it. God's faithfulness to his people
is unfathomable; "his ways past finding out." O how great is his
goodness towards them that fear him "There is no want to them that fear
him." How true and faithful to his word he is! Though he speaks with
ever so low a whisper upon our spirits, yet we have ever found him so;
and it is one of our greatest mercies, that our unbelief does not make
his word without effect. He shows his people "the power of his works;"
that they are "verity and judgment;" that they "stand fast for ever and
ever, and are done in truth and uprightness." "His praise endureth for
ever " [Psalm cxi].

I have found many changes here; especially in the night when no eye
sees. Then it is the Lord walks up and down in my conscience, and shows
me many things that cover my face with shame. O how low and little this
makes me, and drives out that wretched legal spirit that would have
something to present. So far from patching new upon old, I am forced to
hasten my escape from the storm, and take a very short cut. Indeed there
seems no room nor time for anything, but, "God be merciful to me a
sinner;" and here I find no rebuke, but something seems to say, Keep
here; and you will sooner or later perceive that instead of rebukes, the
best robe, the ring, and the fatted calf, shall be set before you. And
surely I find it so, and have often found it, since I came here; nor am
I without the sweetness of these things upon my spirit while I write;
blessed be his holy Name. I cordially desire, if I could, to communicate
a portion of this heavenly flame to your heart, and pray that the live
coal may never go out sensibly, till death is swallowed up in
everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pray remember me in your prayers, and give my kind regards to your
sisters. I remain your companion in tribulation, abounding in hope.

J. B.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/james-bourne/letter-178/
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