Letter 152.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of communion with God through Christ and the sweet teaching of the Spirit, highlighting the source and effects of these waters of life.
James Bourne emphasizes the unparalleled joy of communion with God through Christ and the enlightening guidance of the Holy Spirit, likening it to the life-giving waters that flow from the smitten Rock. He reflects on the cleansing power of the Lamb's sacrifice, the removal of sin and worldly influences, and the empowerment to cast all burdens on the Lord. Bourne also delves into the importance of spiritual purification, repentance, and sanctification, drawing parallels to the anointing of holy oil and spices in the Old Testament as symbols of God's presence and approval.
Text
[To Mr, Yeomans.] Pulverbach, 2 September 1833.
What, my dear Friend, can be compared with communion with God through Christ, and the sweet teaching of the Spirit, that Holy Anointing which shall teach us all things? We know that this "is truth, and is no lie." All these waters of life come from the smitten Rock. "Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed" [Psalm lxxviii. 20]. O how sweet these words have been to me this day! How precious this makes the Lamb that was slain! It washes away sin, am removes the spirit of the world, and enlarges, expands, and comforts the contracted heart, and gives even me power to cast my troubles upon the Lord as a very present help, and fits me for all that he sends me to do. O how descriptive are these waters gushing out, of a soul sinking in self-despair, and surprised with the sudden visit of this heavenly Friend! How his comfort overflows, and how low it lays the soul in the dust.
I was again made sensible of this while setting forth the necessity of washing the hands and the feet, that we die not. [Exodus xxx. 17-21.] Nothing is more defiling, confusing and darkening, than unwashed sins and unpurged guilt. What a withering it brings to the soul; and what death ensues! also felt much sweetness in God's charge respecting the compound of bitter and sweet spices, to be made an holy ointment with oil, and the confection for an holy perfume [Ex. xxx. 22-38]. Here I saw the necessity of sanctified affliction working godly fear, holy repentance unto life, submission, humiliation, and attention to what the Apostle says to his son Timothy - "that thy profiting may appear to all." The table and all the furniture of it were to be anointed with that holy oil, to set forth that all the appointments and ordinances of God must (if profitable) have the anointing of the Holy Ghost, denoting the sweet refreshing approbation and presence of God. I was greatly comforted with a sweet assurance of a portion in this. May the Lord make you and your family joint partakers of these heavenly benefits.
Yours &e. J. B.
Sermon Outline
- Communion with God through Christ
- The source of these waters of life
- The effects of these waters
- The importance of washing the hands and feet
- The anointing of the Holy Ghost
- The sweet refreshing approbation and presence of God
- The importance of the Holy Ghost in our lives
- The heart is expanded and comforted
Key Quotes
“Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed [Psalm lxxviii. 20].” — James Bourne
“O how sweet these words have been to me this day!” — James Bourne
“May the Lord make you and your family joint partakers of these heavenly benefits.” — James Bourne
Application Points
- We must seek to wash away our sins and purify our hearts through sanctified affliction and the anointing of the Holy Ghost.
- The Holy Ghost is essential in our lives, denoting the sweet refreshing approbation and presence of God.
- We must submit to God's charge and ordinances, allowing them to be anointed with the Holy Ghost for our profit.