James Bourne (1773-1854) was the gospel minister used of God in the gracious awakening that occurred in the first half of the 19th century at Pulverbach in Shropshire. It was Mr Bourne’s custom to conduct family morning readings when he was at home in London. One person who attended these weighty and profitable morning devotions was Watkin Maddy who occupied part of Bourne’s house. It was he that reported the readings that appear in this book.