Letter 186.
God is working with your soul, and you must respond with humility and repentance to make peace with Him.
James Bourne delivers a heartfelt message to W. B., emphasizing that God is actively working in his soul and urging him to pray for discernment to respond to God's reproof. Bourne advises W. B. to humbly acknowledge his guilt before the compassionate Savior, who calls sinners to repentance. He warns that God will not release W. B. until all conflicts are resolved, urging him to grasp onto Christ's strength for reconciliation. Bourne encourages W. B. to seek earnestly, reminding him that God's judgments are deep but there is always a way out for those who tremble before Him.
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Fittleworth, 23 July 1810,
Dear W. B.
I am not able to find out your secret thoughts, but of this be assured, God is doing business with your soul; and you had need to pray for a watchful spirit, that you may know what to answer when he reproves. I would advise you only to make use of one word in your answer, namely, Guilty; and see what a compassionate Saviour will say; also remember that Jesus came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." It appears that the Lord will not let you go, till all your quarrels are made up. If you escape with these unsettled, woe be to you; for he has taken you in hand, and you cannot get out of his hand. Take hold of Christ's strength, that you may make peace with him; and you will find that though he debates with you, he will stay his rough wind in the day of his east wind; and this is the way your iniquity shall be purged [Isaiah xxvii. 5-9]. Do not idle your time away in listlessness, but give the Lord no rest; and be assured you are in no trifling case; the judgments of God are a great deep; but for all who tremble there is always a way out. May the Lord comfort and encourage you to be much in earnest.
Your affectionate friend, J. B.
Sermon Outline
- God is working with your soul
- You need a watchful spirit to know God's reproof
- Use the word 'Guilty' in response to God's reproof
Key Quotes
“God is doing business with your soul.” — James Bourne
“Take hold of Christ's strength, that you may make peace with him;” — James Bourne
Application Points
- Pray for a watchful spirit to know God's reproof and respond with humility.
- Take hold of Christ's strength to make peace with God and seek His forgiveness.
- Give the Lord no rest and be earnest in your pursuit of Him.