Letter 18
James Bourne's sermon is a personal account of his experience of God's presence and visitation, and his desire to be guided by God in times of vexation and disappointment.
James Bourne writes a heartfelt letter to his wife, expressing his struggles and anxieties as he leaves London for Kidbrook. He seeks a sign from the Lord to confirm his presence and guidance, finding solace in the Scriptures, particularly in Job 37 and 38. Through his reading, he experiences a deep sense of humility, weakness, and joy as he feels the Lord's love and guidance. Bourne prays for strength to face challenges with grace and a behavior that reflects God's teachings, all while maintaining a heart filled with composure and watchfulness.
Text
[To his Wife.] Kidbrook, Aug. 11, 1821.
My dear Wife,
I was rather low on leaving London (partly owing to nervousness), and anxious to have some token for good before entering Kidbrook. I felt much earnestness, with godly fear, that I might not be found where I had no right to be, and I could not quite satisfy myself, unless I could perceive some access, or the Lord taking some notice of me, some way or other. In reading Job xxxvii. I cannot describe the sensation I felt, cleaving to the Lord with much watchfulness and humiliation, and a great sense of my weakness. I saw some beauty in these words - "Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him that is perfect in knowledge? How thy garments are warm when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?" Yet I did not get all I wanted. But when I carne to these words - "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades?" [Job xxxviii. 31.] I could not help crying, No Lord, I cannot; I wish with all my heart I could but continually keep them while I live on earth! And with much joy the Lord visited me and meekened me under a souse of his love, and I went on quite satisfied that God was with me. I said, Lord, if I am to meet with vexation and disappointments, let thy good Spirit teach me how to bear it, and let it be seen that this is of thee by a discreet behaviour, which is so contrary to my nature. In this frame I put up many petitions, and found my heart filled with such composure and watchfulness as I cannot tell; nor did I forget you.
Yours &c. J. B.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Reading Job xxxvii
- Reading Job xxxviii
- Prayer and petition
- Asking for guidance in bearing vexation and disappointments
- A sense of composure and watchfulness
Key Quotes
“I could not help crying, No Lord, I cannot; I wish with all my heart I could but continually keep them while I live on earth!” — James Bourne
“And with much joy the Lord visited me and meekened me under a souse of his love, and I went on quite satisfied that God was with me.” — James Bourne
Application Points
- We should cultivate a sense of watchfulness and humility in our relationship with God.
- We should acknowledge our weakness and dependence on God, and seek His guidance in times of need.
- We should pray for a sense of composure and watchfulness, and trust in God's visitation and love.