Letter 15
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and salvation, and the privilege of casting our care on Him.
James Bourne emphasizes the importance of turning away from evil ways and nature, surrendering to God's mercy, and seeking help directly from the Lord rather than relying on human means. He shares his personal struggles with anxieties and cares, highlighting the power of earnest prayer and patient waiting for God's salvation. Bourne expresses the joy and relief of experiencing God's tender mercy, assurance, and providence in times of trouble, emphasizing the peace found in casting all cares upon the Lord.
Text
[To M. B.] 7 Somerset Street, London, Jan. 1820.
Dear Cousin,
If God is pleased to make you sick of your evil ways in every sense, and of your evil nature too, you will so sicken and die to the world, that neither the kindness of friends, nor the hypocrisy of false professors, will be able to keep you from crying for mercy. I know you must have many difficulties to encounter, and find nobody to counsel you. This is hard; but, however hard it may appear, I really think we are too apt to go to human means (if near at hand), and by that are kept longer in misery; whilst, if human means are withheld, we MUST go to the fountain-head, where alone all real and efficacious help is to be had. This has been much my case in the beginning of my profession; and I find it much the same now.
I have had many anxious cares and feelings about my new abode, and have been dreadfully afraid of entangling myself in expenses too great for me. I have had many sleepless nights, crying earnestly to God to undertake for me; and on Monday last, I was so ill in body, and so burdened with care, that I knew not how to exist. I had long cried to God to relieve me, but found no sensible help. There is a quietly hoping and patiently waiting for the salvation of God. My desires after him were intense. I wanted his approbation, and an assurance that he would bring; me through life, and give me an expected end; and in my new house, just before bedtime, when alone, the Lord was pleased to shine into my heart in the sweetest possible manner. It was attended with such godly repentance, godly sorrow, and self-abhorrence, as I shall never be aide to describe, Christ assuring my heart of his tender mercy to me, and that I was walking in the steps of his providence, and that my happiness and privilege were to cast my care upon him, for it was not in my power to manage matters, but God would in infinite condescension undertake for me both spiritually and temporally.
O what happiness to be in such hands! Troubles we must have, but a sweet hope of mercy at last sweetens all; and if you attain to a comfortable assurance of your interest in Christ, it will be more to you than all outward earthly comfort whatever. My wife joins in kind regards.
Yours &c. J. B.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Sickness of Evil Ways
- The Power of Quietly Hoping and Patiently Waiting
- The Privilege of Casting Care on God
- The Limitations of Human Power
- The Infinite Condescension of God
Key Quotes
“I have had many anxious cares and feelings about my new abode, and have been dreadfully afraid of entangling myself in expenses too great for me.” — James Bourne
“Christ assuring my heart of his tender mercy to me, and that I was walking in the steps of his providence, and that my happiness and privilege were to cast my care upon him, for it was not in my power to manage matters, but God would in infinite condescension undertake for me both spiritually and temporally.” — James Bourne
Application Points
- We must be willing to let go of our human means and trust in God's help to overcome our struggles.
- Casting our care on God is a privilege that brings us peace and comfort in times of anxiety.
- Trusting in God's tender mercy and salvation is the key to a sweet hope of mercy and a deep sense of peace.