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  LETTER 13
  by James Bourne
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and
discernment in navigating spiritual experiences and influences.

Topics: "Faith And Doubt", "Gods Guidance"
Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, James 1:5, 1 Peter 5:10

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DESCRIPTION
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James Bourne expresses his concerns in a letter to his cousin,
highlighting the challenges of facing criticism and misunderstanding
from others regarding his faith and spiritual experiences. He
acknowledges the importance of relying on God's grace in Christ Jesus to
stand firm in the midst of deception and to overcome his own
limitations. Bourne emphasizes the need to trust in God's guidance and
wisdom, even when faced with opposition and accusations of narrow-
mindedness.

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CONTENT
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[To M. B.] London, 1819.

Dear Cousin,

I have many anxious fears about you, when I consider the reasoning of
these people. All genuine experience is called impulse and natural,
feeling; all faith without doubt, upon the written word, is called the
true confidence; and all those sweet visitations and lifts by the way -
all secret hints to keep me out of mischief - all spiritual counsel and
direction to keep me from the paths of the destroyer, are called a
narrow, bigoted spirit; and this being backed with that scripture -
"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged" - seems right. I can only come
off clear with this scripture-- "As deceivers, and yet true." Here, I
trust, by the grace of God in Christ Jesus, I shall he able to stand
till the day of judgment, and then all deception will be at an end; yet
through grace I am made to feel my own blindness and helplessness.

Yours &c. J. B.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/james-bourne/letter-13/
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