Letter 137.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, repentance, and seeking God in order to experience spiritual life and peace, especially in times of difficulty and family struggles.
James Bourne, in a letter to Mrs. Oakley in London, January 1838, shares about the challenges of managing a large family but finds strength in God's sufficiency and the power of prayer. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God in all circumstances, warning against neglecting to call upon Him. Bourne encourages continuous seeking of spiritual life to endure trials and to keep a repentant heart before God, trusting in His kindness and faithfulness.
Text
London, January 1838.
Dear Mrs. Oakley,
I have no doubt you find many difficulties in your way. I have a family of seven children constantly at home, and neither wisdom nor prudence (naturally) to manage them, but I perceive the Lord is all-sufficient, and often clears my way in answer to prayer. I fear what God says about the families that call not upon him, and therefore seek to warn and caution my family in all directions. I have often many fears and much anxiety respecting them, but hitherto the Lord has dealt very kindly with me; and I am sure if you are in the habit of watching, you will be surprised at the various turns which take place in your favour, even when you have feared beyond measure. "Your heart shall live that seek God." Continually seek and pray that spiritual life may be kept up in the soul, for this alone will enable you to bear up under all sorts of crosses. Keep your garments always white [Ecc. ix. 8] - that is, never let sin pass unnoticed, unrepented of, unpurged; make a point to bear this upon your mind, and never cease to carry all your evils before the Lord Jesus Christ, till he take the burden from you and restore peace, and you again perceive that he looks kindly upon you. In six troubles he has appeared, and in seven he will not forsake you; this I know.
Your faithful friend in the Lord, J. B.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Prayer
- The Dangers of Not Seeking God
- The Power of Seeking God
- The Importance of Repentance
- Sin must be acknowledged and repented of
- Purging sin is essential for a clear conscience
Key Quotes
“Your heart shall live that seek God.” — James Bourne
“In six troubles he has appeared, and in seven he will not forsake you; this I know.” — James Bourne
Application Points
- Make prayer a priority in your life, especially when facing difficulties.
- Seek to keep your spiritual life strong by continually seeking God and praying for guidance.
- Recognize the importance of repentance and purging sin in order to maintain a clear conscience.