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  LETTER 26
  by James Bourne
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and spiritual
vigilance in maintaining a strong spiritual life and avoiding worldly
distractions.

Topics: "Spiritual Warfare", "Personal Prayer"
Scripture References: Psalm 62:8, Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 6:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 4:7

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DESCRIPTION
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James Bourne emphasizes the importance of continuous prayer as a
powerful tool in seeking God's help and protection, especially in times
of spiritual warfare. He warns against becoming complacent or neglecting
personal prayer, as it directly impacts spiritual strength. Bourne urges
vigilance against worldly influences and encourages a deep reliance on
God for wisdom and guidance to avoid falling into temptation. He advises
to heed the inner voice of conscience, obey God's Word, and maintain a
humble and childlike faith in Christ to prosper in the midst of
challenges and trials.

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CONTENT
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[To M. B.] Aylesbury, July 1828.

Dear Cousin,

I see great beauty in the constant exercise of prayer - " CONTINUING
INSTANT IN PRAYER." perceive its prevalency, and that God does indeed
hear us when we cry earnestly at the approach of an enemy. Communion
with God is a check against levity, and a maul upon the old man of sin,
on every occasion; we see what is going on within, watching every
emotion of the heart, and are led to bring all our miseries to the
"Fountain opened," and are made spiritually-minded, which "is life and
Peace." With David we say, "I hate vain thoughts, but thy law do I
love."

You are now in an enemy's country, and I hope you will keep a double
watch. Let me intreat you not to get into distaste with your closet; as
secret prayer ebbs and flows, so will you find your spiritual strength
ebb and flow. Delilah is a fair speaker, but will certainly betray us,
if we be found sleeping in her lap. The lock will be cut off; and then,
like Sampson, we may shake ourselves, but to our sorrow it will cost
much time and labour before the lock be grown again. Only the Lord can
preserve your spirit, and give you divine wisdom and discretion, that
you may not prove a sport to the Philistines. The world is very
congenial to our old man; and the professing world is a sort of plaster
to the carnal mind, and often hushes a benumbed conscience to sleep; but
be sure to listen to every little dictate within, and brow-beat it not.
Be sure you do as this inward monitor bids, and beg to be like a little
child at the foot of Christ. As I told you in my last, Enter not into
contention; "Keep the door of thy lips;" and let the word of God dwell
richly in you; so shall you prosper.

Yours &c. J. B.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/james-bourne/letter-26/
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