Letter 193.
James Bourne's sermon underscores the necessity of genuine grace and faithfulness in the pursuit of a relationship with Christ amidst struggles with sin and fear.
James Bourne emphasizes the importance of experiencing a true work of grace in the heart, urging believers to be faithful and seek a deep relationship with God to avoid any misunderstandings in the end. He shares his own journey of wrestling with secret sins and fears, ultimately finding comfort and salvation in Jesus Christ. Bourne highlights the transformative power of God's Word in revealing hope and bringing peace to troubled hearts, encouraging listeners to focus on eternal, unseen realities rather than temporary despair. He concludes with a prayer for comfort in affliction and a clear interest in Christ, emphasizing the benefits for both this life and eternity.
Text
Fittleworth, 8 August 1840.
Dear W. B.
I must write to inform you that I feel the importance of a true work of grace upon the heart to be such, that it becomes us all to be faithful to the uttermost, that there may be no mistake at last. I have been, and still am, so interested on your behalf, that l would gladly have you comforted and instructed in such things as accompany salvation. I believe those secret cogitations and fears which you find, lead you to cast a wistful eye to the Lord, with some such words as these, O that I knew where I might find him! How shall I stand death and judgment without him? These are the trembling thoughts I had when I first began to think about religion; they were amongst the first breathings of the Spirit that led me to cry mightily to Jesus Christ. I had no rest in secret; but I knew of none like me, nor ever heard of any who had been like me. My secret sins lay so heavily upon me, that I thought none who were taught of God were such sinners as I. But now I find that none else but those to whom God discovers these evils, know anything aright.
It is under this dreadful discovery we are made to fear and tremble; and then comes in the Word of God, which is "like apples of gold in pictures of silver" - "To this man will I look" (and to none else), "even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word" [Isaiah lxvi. 2]. This is a look of mercy and salvation; and in this sweet revelation of hope, you will find many things to soften your fears and raise your drooping spirits. For the Lord always gives his people something they like better than the things he takes away. He never takes away their natural life, till he shows them their spiritual and eternal life, the sight of which overtops all created things and makes them finally glad of the exchange. I often say it, and I desire you exceedingly to exercise your mind in this one thing, and beg of the Lord to help you, - "Look not at the things which are seen" (for their sight works despair), "but at the things which are not seen" (that is, not seen with the natural eye). For those eternal things are discovered to be all beauty to the spiritual understanding, and will be suitable to your condition, be it what it may. [2 Cor. iv. 18.] It will be seen, in your thus looking, that the Lord makes crooked places straight, and rough places smooth, and reconciles everything in the Spirit which is irreconcilable to the flesh; and patience at length will have her perfect work.
May the Lord comfort you abundantly in your present affliction, and cause you to be much in earnest to have a clear interest in Christ, for this will be profitable for this life as well as for eternal life. So prays continually
Your affectionate friend, J. B.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of a true work of grace
- Faithfulness to the uttermost
- Avoiding mistakes in salvation
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II
- The role of secret fears and cogitations
- Longing for a relationship with the Lord
- The impact of these thoughts on spiritual awakening
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III
- The heaviness of secret sins
- God's revelation of evils
- Understanding true knowledge of sin
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IV
- The comfort of God's Word
- The look of mercy and salvation
- Raising drooping spirits through hope
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V
- The exchange of natural life for spiritual life
- The beauty of eternal things
- The importance of spiritual understanding
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VI
- God's ability to reconcile the irreconcilable
- The perfect work of patience
- Earning a clear interest in Christ
Key Quotes
“The Lord always gives his people something they like better than the things he takes away.” — James Bourne
“Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” — James Bourne
“Patience at length will have her perfect work.” — James Bourne
Application Points
- Seek a true work of grace in your heart to ensure your salvation is secure.
- Focus on God's promises and eternal truths to overcome fears and doubts.
- Cultivate patience and trust in God's plan during times of affliction.