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James Bourne
James Bourne (February 8, 1781 – January 15, 1860) was an English preacher and Primitive Methodist leader whose calling from God helped establish a vibrant evangelical movement across the early 19th century. Born at Ford Hayes, Bucknall, Staffordshire, England, to Joseph Bourne, a farmer, and Ellen Steele, he was the youngest of eight children in a modest rural family. His formal education was limited to local schooling, but his spiritual awakening came in 1799 at age 18 when he joined the Methodist society at Ridgeway near Tunstall, embracing a faith that propelled him into ministry without formal theological training. Bourne’s calling from God unfolded alongside his brother Hugh, beginning with open-air preaching and support for the 1807 Mow Cop camp meetings, defying Methodist Conference bans to spread revivalist zeal. Ordained informally within the Primitive Methodist Connexion he co-founded in 1811–1812, he preached tirelessly, traveling miles—such as 20 miles to Tean in 1808 to form a society—and served as a local preacher in the first Primitive Methodist circuit at Tunstall. His sermons called for personal salvation and practical faith, notably supporting the construction of the first chapel at Tunstall and later managing the Connexion’s printing press at Bemersley Farm from 1821 as book steward. Married to Sarah Rowley in 1807, with whom he had five children, he faced business reverses in later years but attended the 1857 Jubilee Camp Meeting at Mow Cop in frail health, passing away at age 78 at Bemersley, Staffordshire, buried with Hugh at Englesea Brook.
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James Bourne writes a heartfelt letter to a friend, expressing gratitude for the difficulties in life that have deepened faith and reliance on God. Through reading Genesis 28, he finds comfort in God's unchangeable power, love, mercy, and faithfulness, desiring to climb the ladder of spiritual growth with the help of the Holy Spirit. Bourne reflects on the significance of facing trials, likening them to fruitful furnaces and emphasizing the importance of humility and reverence before God's holiness. He concludes with a prayer for his friend's protection and spiritual journey, invoking the God of Jacob to defend and guide.
Letter 42
[To a Friend.] 1831. Dear Friend, I cannot help writing to tell you, that though am surrounded with difficulties, yet I would not have my path other than just what it is; only that my unbelief might for ever depart. In reading that ever to be remembered chapter, Gen. xxviii., I have had such a sweet sense of the unchangeableness of God's power, love, mercy, and faithfulness, as I never felt before. How sweetly could I, by the help of God's most Holy Spirit, climb up to the very top of that ladder! Stones have been my pillow some time; and, instead of envying, I learn to pity such as have downy pillows. There is no place so fruitful as the furnace; no way so safe as to take first the lowest step of the ladder. Precious 15th verse! ["Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."] My heart is too full to explain anything; but I find that every dreadful place into which the Lord brings me proves eventually none other than "the gate of heaven." When destruction is threatened on all hands, then the Lord says, "Lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh" [Luke xxi. 28]. I know not how to debase myself enough! With what holy reverence and godly fear I draw near Not with slavish fear, but at a loss how to crouch low enough, or to honour his holy Name enough, for noticing one so unholy. Sin is hateful, and I cannot forgive myself; yet mercy is so sweet, that I cannot but adore his love. Precious, precious word! It has been more to me than life itself. Head the chapter, and see if it will not fit you as well as me; and may the Name of the God of Jacob defend you. This is the sincere prayer of your unworthy friend, J. B.
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James Bourne (February 8, 1781 – January 15, 1860) was an English preacher and Primitive Methodist leader whose calling from God helped establish a vibrant evangelical movement across the early 19th century. Born at Ford Hayes, Bucknall, Staffordshire, England, to Joseph Bourne, a farmer, and Ellen Steele, he was the youngest of eight children in a modest rural family. His formal education was limited to local schooling, but his spiritual awakening came in 1799 at age 18 when he joined the Methodist society at Ridgeway near Tunstall, embracing a faith that propelled him into ministry without formal theological training. Bourne’s calling from God unfolded alongside his brother Hugh, beginning with open-air preaching and support for the 1807 Mow Cop camp meetings, defying Methodist Conference bans to spread revivalist zeal. Ordained informally within the Primitive Methodist Connexion he co-founded in 1811–1812, he preached tirelessly, traveling miles—such as 20 miles to Tean in 1808 to form a society—and served as a local preacher in the first Primitive Methodist circuit at Tunstall. His sermons called for personal salvation and practical faith, notably supporting the construction of the first chapel at Tunstall and later managing the Connexion’s printing press at Bemersley Farm from 1821 as book steward. Married to Sarah Rowley in 1807, with whom he had five children, he faced business reverses in later years but attended the 1857 Jubilee Camp Meeting at Mow Cop in frail health, passing away at age 78 at Bemersley, Staffordshire, buried with Hugh at Englesea Brook.