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  LETTER 29
  by James Bourne
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Summary: Even in the midst of struggles and despair, we can find comfort
and peace in God's love and power.

Topics: "Trials And Tribulations", "Faith And Comfort"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:105, Romans 8:37, Philippians 4:6, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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James Bourne shares his personal struggles and experiences of feeling
broken-hearted and desperate for God's help, despite knowing His
goodness. He reflects on his lack of patience, murmuring thoughts, and
discontent, but finds comfort in the reminder that believers are 'MORE
THAN CONQUERORS' through Christ's love. Bourne emphasizes the importance
of clinging to God's Word for instruction and finding joy in communion
with Him, even amidst trials and uncertainties.

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CONTENT
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[To M. B.] Wiston Park, July 1828.

Dear Cousin,

Since I wrote last I have again been greatly exercised, insomuch as
almost to lose my sleep - being quite broken-hearted, and despairing of
the help of God, although I have lately experienced so much of his
goodness. I feel greatly ashamed to write it, but it is too true. I
said, Let me not displease thee by corning so often with my troubles,
nor grieve thee with my continual complaints. In this I found some
compunction, and was satisfied I did not offend nor displease the Lord
by so doing, but that he did attend to my cry. This morning, in my
employer's carriage, I was meditating on my want of patience, my
murmuring thoughts, and discontented feelings, and all such like misery;
and I could not help saying to myself, Lord, by thy holy fear, and the
Spirit helping my infirmities, I would not give place one moment to
these things; and these words were sweetly and powerfully whispered in
my ears, "MORE THAN CONQUERORS, through him that hath loved us." This
broke my heart; I could not help weeping, though in so public a place,
and knew not how or where to hide my face. Here I saw the inhabitants of
the world less than a drop of a bucket, and myself safe in Christ Jesus;
the cross and the crown closely bound together; tribulation in the
world, but peace in him. The world is mad; I should be worse, if not
thus violently plucked as a brand from the burning. Mine is a painful
path just now, but surrounded with mercies and blessings - no frowns
from a gracious God in Christ; many sorrows and much grief, but such
indescribable tenderness and pity as passes all conception. If I had not
found it so, I must have sunk into despair.

I would by all means entreat you to cleave to God; let his word be your
rich treasure, and by that he will instruct and entertain you. How sweet
it is to have communion with God, and for his word to look at you, with
helps and smiles, in every direction!

What the Lord is about to do with me I know not. I desire at all times
to remember the word - Nevertheless. Let me pray for what I may, I would
wish, "Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done."

Yours &c. J. B.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/james-bourne/letter-29/
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