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  LETTER 81
  by James Bourne
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord
and finding hope in Him, even in the midst of darkness and distress.

Topics: "Faith And Trust", "Gods Sovereignty"
Scripture References: Genesis 15:12

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DESCRIPTION
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James Bourne encourages his dear friend to trust in the Lord's ways,
even in times of darkness and distress, emphasizing the importance of
surrendering to God's will. He reminds them of the example of Abraham
and the pastor's own journey of ministry through difficulties and
darkness, where the Lord stood by him. Bourne urges his friend to seek
God diligently, promising that those who fear the Lord will be prevalent
with God and will find light in darkness, experiencing the graciousness
and righteousness of the Lord.

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CONTENT
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[To the Rev. B. G.] London, 8 June 1835.

My dear Friend, I received your tidings, and wish to add, the Lord's
ways are in the deep, and it is our mercy in all things to look well to
the words of our Lord, "Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done." I
hope you will be able to remain at your post to comfort the few poor
remaining sheep that have thus been driven. I am not at all surprised at
the darkness and distress that this circumstance has brought upon you
both; and though it has been coming upon you as gradually as it well
could, yet I have no doubt it has brought much sin to remembrance. I
would call to your mind that a horror of great darkness fell upon
Abraham, very little before the Lord renewed his covenant with him. I
well remember our friend and pastor, when he first exercised the
ministry; it was under the most distressing difficulties and darkness,
with great bondage and contraction of spirit; and yet to the confusion
of all his enemies, the Lord stood by him, and brought him through with
a high hand; and through many groaning petitions, the misgiving fears
and dismay that often overpowered him, were sanctified to the humbling
of his soul, and the seeking of still further testimonies of his being
sent of God.

I am sure you will have the prayers of all here that understand "the
affliction of Joseph," and know what spiritual baptism means. "Blessed
is the man that feareth the Lord;" he shall be prevalent with God. To
him that thus walks uprightly, shall arise "light in darkness;" he shall
know that the Lord is gracious, and righteous altogether. "Surely he
shall not be moved for ever," notwithstanding that the waves roar, and
all things threaten destruction. Therefore be not afraid of evil
tidings; trust in the Lord, and your horn shall be exalted with honour.
[Psalm cxii.]

Let your spiritual labour be manifest now in seeking God night and day,
and never cease until the is pleased to enlighten your darkness, and
compose your distracted fluctuating mind.

From your unworthy servant in the Lord, J. B.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/james-bourne/letter-81/
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