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  LETTER 30
  by James Bourne
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Summary: James Bourne emphasizes the transformative power of affliction
and the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God through
faith and humility.

Topics: "Spiritual Comfort", "Godly Separation"
Scripture References: Psalm 27:5, Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 5:10, 2 Corinthians 12:9, James 4:8, 1 Peter 5:7

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DESCRIPTION
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James Bourne shares about finding comfort in tokens of God's goodness
amidst daily crosses and tribulations, leading to a deeper closeness to
God and a separation from the world. He reflects on the reality of
walking with God despite being defiled by sin, emphasizing the mystery
of such a relationship. Bourne highlights the importance of drawing near
to God with a good conscience, seeking grace for steadfastness, and
accepting God's righteous ways. He encourages seeking refuge in God to
escape the impending storm and shares his heartfelt desire for the
salvation of others, acknowledging the challenges and sufferings faced
for the sake of Christ.

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CONTENT
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[To M. B.] Batsford, Aug, 12, 1828.

Dear Cousin,

I had some comfortable tokens for good the night before I left home, and
found I was at peace with God; nor was I without them on my journey,
though oftentimes exceedingly mournful, bowed down under a daily cross.
My happiness is that these things do not leave me without hope, but lead
me more earnestly to keep close to God, and to see that the way is kept
alien. I daily see more and more, that it is through much tribulation I
must enter the kingdom, and this shuts my mouth against self-pity or
repining. When such a spirit shows itself, then my sins appear and the
desert due to them; but godly fear steps in and justifies God, and I am
silent. It is good, very good, for me, that I have been afflicted, for
it makes me to consider, both in adversity and prosperity; it separates
me from the world and the spirit of it. The word of God is precious and
faith increases, so as to believe more both the promises and the
threatenings. The Lord is pleased to instruct me with a strong hand, and
does not suffer me to go far astray; but I am soon fetched back by the
noise of a tempest, and often return with bitter weeping and
lamentation. I think if he were to turn his back upon me, I should very
soon sink into despair.

How much I see of the reality of religion! Far beyond my utmost power to
describe. For a creature, defiled with sin in every way, to walk with
God in peace and equity, is a mystery the world cannot get hold of.

Here I must transcribe what I read with all my heart, and felt most
sweetly this morning, in Romaine's Walk of Faith - "May I ever have
grace to draw near to my reconciled Father with a good conscience. Yea,
Lord, it is my heart's desire. I would walk with thee day by day in
perfect peace. O deny me not the request of my lips! Glory be to thy
free love, that through Jesus I am suffered to have access into thy
presence, and am commanded to come with boldness into the holiest of
all."

Let the blood of sprinkling be applied effectually and continually; a
sense of this will produce steadfastness in our walk, lightening the
daily cross, and giving a hearty acceptance of all God's righteous
dispensations. I perceive the flesh strives hard for the mastery, but
the mighty power is such as to bring down every lofty imagination. May
you and I wisely take counsel, that we may escape the storm that
threatens the whole world. "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the
dust" (that is, be very low) "for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of
his majesty." For the day of the Lord is at hand, and we shall all find
his word to be true [Isa. ii. 10-22].

Pray give my christian love to Mr. and Mrs. Nunn. My heart's desire and
prayer is that they may be saved. I perceive the battle to be hard, and
am often reminded of these words, "I will show him how great things he
must suffer for my Name's sake." I sometimes have much encouragement in
believing the first clause and the last, but tremble exceedingly at the
whole.

Yours &c. J. B.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/james-bourne/letter-30/
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