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Title:ThePracticeofthePresenceofGod

Author:BrotherLawrence

PostingDate:August21,2012[EBook#5657]ReleaseDate:May,2004

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKPRACTICEOFPRESENCEOFGOD***

Copyright(C)2002byLightheart.

BrotherLawrence'sTHEPRACTICEOFTHEPRESENCEOFGOD2002EditioneditedbyLightheartatPracticeGodsPresence.com

Includes:Editor'sPrefaceConversationsandLetters

Editor'sPreface

BrotherLawrencewasbornNicholasHermanaround1610inHerimenil,Lorraine,aDuchyofFrance.HisbirthrecordsweredestroyedinafireathisparishchurchduringtheThirtyYearsWar,awarinwhichhefoughtasayoungsoldier.Itwasalsothewarinwhichhesustainedanearfatalinjurytohissciaticnerve.Theinjurylefthimquitecrippledandinchronicpainfortherestofhislife.

Thedetailsofhisearlylifearefewandsketchy.However,weknowhewaseducatedbothathomeandbyhisparishpriestwhosefirstnamewasLawrenceandwhowasgreatlyadmiredbytheyoungNicolas.Hewaswellreadand,fromanearlyage,drawntoaspirituallifeoffaithandloveforGod.

Wealsoknowthatintheyearsbetweentheabruptendofhisdutiesasasoldierandhisentryintomonasticlife,hespentaperiodoftimeinthewildernesslivinglikeoneoftheearlydesertfathers.Also,priortoenteringthemonastery,andperhapsaspreparation,hespenttimeasacivilservant.Inhischaracteristic,selfdeprecatingway,hementionsthathewasa"footmanwhowasclumsyandbrokeeverything".

Atmid-lifeheenteredanewlyestablishedmonasteryinPariswherehebecamethecookforthecommunitywhichgrewtooveronehundredmembers.Afterfifteenyears,hisdutieswereshiftedtothesandalrepairshopbut,eventhen,heoftenreturnedtothebusykitchentohelpout.

Intimesastroubledastoday,BrotherLawrence,discovered,thenfollowed,apureanduncomplicatedwaytowalkcontinuallyinGod'spresence.Forsomefortyyears,helivedandwalkedwithOurFatherathisside.Yet,throughhisownwords,welearnthatBrotherLawrence'sfirsttenyearswerefullofseveretrialsandchallenges.

Agentlemanofjoyfulspirit,BrotherLawrenceshunnedattentionandthelimelight,knowingthatoutsidedistraction"spoilsall".Itwasnotuntilafterhisdeaththatafewofhisletterswerecollected.JosephdeBeaufort,representativeandcounseltothelocalarchbishop,firstpublishedthelettersinasmallpamphlet.Thefollowingyear,inasecondpublicationwhichhetitled,'ThePracticeofthePresenceofGod',deBeaufortincluded,asintroductorymaterial,

thecontentoffourconversationshehadwithBrotherLawrence.

Inthissmallbook,throughlettersandconversations,BrotherLawrencesimplyandbeautifullyexplainshowtocontinuallywalkwithGod-notfromtheheadbutfromtheheart.BrotherLawrenceleftthegiftofawayoflifeavailabletoanyonewhoseekstoknowGod'speaceandpresence;thatanyone,regardlessofageorcircumstance,canpractice-anywhere,anytime.BrotherLawrencealsoleftthegiftofadirectapproachtolivinginGod'spresencethatisaspracticaltodayasitwasthreehundredyearsago.

BrotherLawrencediedin1691,havingpracticedGod'spresenceforoverfortyyears.HisquietdeathwasmuchlikehismonasticlifewhereeachdayandeachhourwasanewbeginningandafreshcommitmenttoloveGodwithallhisheart.

EditedbyLightheartatPracticeGodsPresence.comOctober2002

CONVERSATIONS

Introduction:AtthetimeofdeBeaufort'sinterviews,BrotherLawrencewasinhislatefifties.JosephdeBeaufortlatercommentedthatthecrippledbrother,whowastheninchargeoftheupkeepofoveronehundredpairsofsandals,was"roughinappearancebutgentleingrace".

FirstConversation:ThefirsttimeIsawBrotherLawrencewasuponthe3rdofAugust,1666.HetoldmethatGodhaddonehimasingularfavorinhisconversionattheageofeighteen.Duringthatwinter,uponseeingatreestrippedofitsleavesandconsideringthatwithinalittletimetheleaveswouldberenewedandafterthattheflowersandfruitappear,BrotherLawrencereceivedahighviewoftheProvidenceandPowerofGodwhichhasneversincebeeneffacedfromhissoul.ThisviewhadperfectlysethimloosefromtheworldandkindledinhimsuchaloveforGod,thathecouldnottellwhetherithadincreasedinthefortyyearsthathehadlivedsince.

BrotherLawrencesaidhehadbeenfootmantoM.Fieubert,thetreasurer,andthathewasagreatawkwardfellowwhobrokeeverything.Hefinallydecidedtoenteramonasterythinkingthathewouldtherebemadetosmartforhisawkwardnessandthefaultshewouldcommit,andsohewouldsacrificehislifewithitspleasurestoGod.ButBrotherLawrencesaidthatGodhadsurprisedhim

becausehemetwithnothingbutsatisfactioninthatstate.

BrotherLawrencerelatedthatweshouldestablishourselvesinasenseofGod'sPresencebycontinuallyconversingwithHim.ItwasashamefulthingtoquitHisconversationtothinkoftriflesandfooleries.WeshouldfeedandnourishoursoulswithhighnotionsofGodwhichwouldyieldusgreatjoyinbeingdevotedtoHim.

Hesaidweoughttoquickenandenlivenourfaith.Itwaslamentablewehadsolittle.Insteadoftakingfaithfortheruleoftheirconduct,menamusedthemselveswithtrivialdevotionswhichchangeddaily.Hesaidthatfaithwassufficienttobringustoahighdegreeofperfection.WeoughttogiveourselvesuptoGodwithregardbothtothingstemporalandspiritualandseekoursatisfactiononlyinthefulfillingofHiswill.WhetherGodledusbysufferingorbyconsolationallwouldbeequaltoasoultrulyresigned.

HesaidweneedfidelityinthosedisruptionsintheebbandflowofprayerwhenGodtriesourlovetoHim.Thiswasthetimeforacompleteactofresignation,whereofoneactalonecouldgreatlypromoteourspiritualadvancement.

Hesaidthatasfarasthemiseriesandsinsheheardofdailyintheworld,hewassofarfromwonderingatthem,that,onthecontrary,hewassurprisedtherewerenotmoreconsideringthemalicesinnerswerecapableof.Forhispart,heprayedforthem.ButknowingthatGodcouldremedythemischieftheydidwhenHepleased,hegavehimselfnofurthertrouble.

BrotherLawrencesaidtoarriveatsuchresignationasGodrequires,weshouldcarefullywatchoverallthepassionsthatmingleinspiritualaswellastemporalthings.GodwouldgivelightconcerningthosepassionstothosewhotrulydesiretoserveHim.

AttheendofthisfirstconversationBrotherLawrencesaidthatifmypurposeforthevisitwastosincerelydiscusshowtoserveGod,ImightcometohimasoftenasIpleasedandwithoutanyfearofbeingtroublesome.Ifthiswasnotthecase,thenIoughtvisithimnomore.

SecondConversation:BrotherLawrencetoldmehehadalwaysbeengovernedbylovewithoutselfishviews.SinceheresolvedtomaketheloveofGodtheendofallhisactions,hehadfoundreasonstobewellsatisfiedwithhismethod.HewaspleasedwhenhecouldtakeupastrawfromthegroundfortheloveofGod,

seekingHimonly,andnothingelse,notevenHisgifts.

Hesaidhehadbeenlongtroubledinmindfromacertainbeliefthatheshouldbedamned.Allthemenintheworldcouldnothavepersuadedhimtothecontrary.Thistroubleofmindhadlastedfouryearsduringwhichtimehehadsufferedmuch.

Finallyhereasoned:IdidnotengageinareligiouslifebutfortheloveofGod.IhaveendeavoredtoactonlyforHim.Whateverbecomesofme,whetherIbelostorsaved,IwillalwayscontinuetoactpurelyfortheloveofGod.IshallhavethisgoodatleastthattilldeathIshallhavedoneallthatisinmetoloveHim.FromthattimeonBrotherLawrencelivedhislifeinperfectlibertyandcontinualjoy.HeplacedhissinsbetweenhimselfandGodtotellHimthathedidnotdeserveHisfavorsyetGodstillcontinuedtobestowtheminabundance.

BrotherLawrencesaidthatinordertoformahabitofconversingwithGodcontinuallyandreferringallwedotoHim,wemustatfirstapplytoHimwithsomediligence.Then,afteralittlecare,wewouldfindHisloveinwardlyexciteustoitwithoutanydifficulty.

HeexpectedafterthepleasantdaysGodhadgivenhim,hewouldhavehisturnofpainandsuffering.Yethewasnotuneasyaboutit.Knowingthat,sincehecoulddonothingofhimself,Godwouldnotfailtogivehimthestrengthtobearthem.

Whenanoccasionofpracticingsomevirtuewasoffered,headdressedhimselftoGodsaying,"Lord,IcannotdothisunlessThouenablestme".Andthenhereceivedstrengthmorethansufficient.Whenhehadfailedinhisduty,heonlyconfessedhisfaultsayingtoGod,"Ishallneverdootherwise,ifYouleavemetomyself.ItisYouwhomusthindermyfallingandmendwhatisamiss."Then,afterthis,hegavehimselfnofurtheruneasinessaboutit.

BrotherLawrencesaidweoughttoactwithGodinthegreatestsimplicity,speakingtoHimfranklyandplainly,andimploringHisassistanceinouraffairsjustastheyhappen.Godneverfailedtograntit,asBrotherLawrencehadoftenexperienced.

HesaidhehadbeenlatelysentintoBurgundytobuytheprovisionofwineforthecommunity.Thiswasaveryunwelcometaskforhimbecausehehadnoturnforbusinessandbecausehewaslameandcouldnotgoabouttheboatbutby

rollinghimselfoverthecasks.Yethegavehimselfnouneasinessaboutit,noraboutthepurchaseofthewine.HesaidtoGod,itwasHisbusinesshewasabout,andthatheafterwardsfounditverywellperformed.HementionedthatithadturnedoutthesamewaytheyearbeforewhenhewassenttoAuvergne.

So,likewise,inhisbusinessinthekitchen(towhichhehadnaturallyagreataversion),havingaccustomedhimselftodoeverythingtherefortheloveofGodandaskingforHisgracetodohisworkwell,hehadfoundeverythingeasyduringthefifteenyearsthathehadbeenemployedthere.Hewasverypleasedwiththeposthewasnowin.Yethewasasreadytoquitthatastheformer,sincehetriedtopleaseGodbydoinglittlethingsfortheloveofHiminanyworkhedid.Withhimthesettimesofprayerwerenotdifferentfromothertimes.Heretiredtoprayaccordingtothedirectionsofhissuperior,buthedidnotneedsuchretirementnoraskforitbecausehisgreatestbusinessdidnotdiverthimfromGod.

SinceheknewhisobligationtoloveGodinallthings,andasheendeavoredtodoso,hehadnoneedofadirectortoadvisehim,buthegreatlyneededaconfessortoabsolvehim.Hesaidhewasverysensibleofhisfaultsbutnotdiscouragedbythem.HeconfessedthemtoGodandmadenoexcuses.Then,hepeaceablyresumedhisusualpracticeofloveandadoration.

Inhistroubleofmind,BrotherLawrencehadconsultednoone.KnowingonlybythelightoffaiththatGodwaspresent,hecontentedhimselfwithdirectingallhisactionstoHim.HedideverythingwithadesiretopleaseHimandletwhatwouldcomeofit.

Hesaidthatuselessthoughtsspoilall-thatthemischiefbeganthere.WeoughttorejectthemassoonasweperceivedtheirimpertinenceandreturntoourcommunionwithGod.Inthebeginninghehadoftenpassedhistimeappointedforprayerinrejectingwanderingthoughtsandfallingrightbackintothem.Hecouldneverregulatehisdevotionbycertainmethodsassomedo.Nevertheless,atfirsthehadmeditatedforsometime,butafterwardsthatwentoffinamannerthathecouldgivenoaccountof.BrotherLawrenceemphasizedthatallbodilymortificationsandotherexercisesareuselessunlesstheyservetoarriveattheunionwithGodbylove.Hehadwellconsideredthis.HefoundthattheshortestwaytogostraighttoGodwasbyacontinualexerciseofloveanddoingallthingsforHissake.

Henotedthattherewasagreatdifferencebetweentheactsoftheintellectandthoseofthewill.Actsoftheintellectwerecomparativelyoflittlevalue.Actsofthewillwereallimportant.OuronlybusinesswastoloveanddelightourselvesinGod.Allpossiblekindsofmortification,iftheywerevoidoftheloveofGod,couldnoteffaceasinglesin.Instead,weought,withoutanxiety,toexpectthepardonofoursinsfromthebloodofJesusChristonlyendeavoringtoloveHimwithallourhearts.AndhenotedthatGodseemedtohavegrantedthegreatestfavorstothegreatestsinnersasmoresignalmonumentsofHismercy.

BrotherLawrencesaidthegreatestpainsorpleasuresofthisworldwerenottobecomparedwithwhathehadexperiencedofbothkindsinaspiritualstate.Asaresulthefearednothing,desiringonlyonethingofGod-thathemightnotoffendHim.Hesaidhecarriednoguilt."WhenIfailinmyduty,Ireadilyacknowledgeit,saying,Iamusedtodoso.IshallneverdootherwiseifIamlefttomyself.IfIfailnot,thenIgiveGodthanksacknowledgingthatitcomesfromHim."

ThirdConversation:BrotherLawrencetoldmethatthefoundationofthespirituallifeinhimhadbeenahighnotionandesteemofGodinfaith.WhenhehadoncewellestablishedhisfaithhehadnoothercarebuttorejecteveryotherthoughtsohemightperformallhisactionsfortheloveofGod.HesaidwhensometimeshehadnotthoughtofGodforagoodwhilehedidnotdisquiethimselfforit.HavingacknowledgedhiswretchednesstoGod,hesimplyreturnedtoHimwithsomuchthegreatertrustinHim.

HesaidthetrustweputinGodhonorsHimmuchanddrawsdowngreatgraces.Also,thatitwasimpossiblenotonlythatGodshoulddeceivebutthatHeshouldlongletasoulsufferwhichisperfectlyresignedtoHimandresolvedtoendureeverythingforHissake.

BrotherLawrenceoftenexperiencedthereadysuccorsofDivineGrace.Andbecauseofhisexperienceofgrace,whenhehadbusinesstodo,hedidnotthinkofitbeforehand.Whenitwastimetodoit,hefoundinGod,asinaclearmirror,allthatwasfitforhimtodo.WhenoutwardbusinessdivertedhimalittlefromthethoughtofGodafreshremembrancecomingfromGodinvestedhissoulandsoinflamedandtransportedhimthatitwasdifficultforhimtocontainhimself.HesaidhewasmoreunitedtoGodinhisoutwardemploymentsthanwhenheleftthemfordevotioninretirement.

BrotherLawrencesaidthattheworstthatcouldhappentohimwastolosethatsenseofGodwhichhehadenjoyedsolong.YetthegoodnessofGodassuredhimHewouldnotforsakehimutterlyandthatHewouldgivehimstrengthtobearwhateverevilHepermittedtohappentohim.BrotherLawrence,therefore,saidhefearednothing.Hehadnooccasiontoconsultwithanybodyabouthisstate.Inthepast,whenhehadattemptedtodoit,hehadalwayscomeawaymoreperplexed.SinceBrotherLawrencewasreadytolaydownhislifefortheloveofGod,hehadnoapprehensionofdanger.

HesaidthatperfectresignationtoGodwasasurewaytoheaven,awayinwhichwehavealwayssufficientlightforourconduct.Inthebeginningofthespirituallifeweoughttobefaithfulindoingourdutyanddenyingourselvesandthen,afteratime,unspeakablepleasuresfollowed.IndifficultiesweneedonlyhaverecoursetoJesusChristandbegHisgracewithwhicheverythingbecameeasy.

BrotherLawrencesaidthatmanydonotadvanceintheChristianprogressbecausetheystickinpenancesandparticularexerciseswhiletheyneglecttheloveofGodwhichistheend.Thisappearedplainlybytheirworksandwasthereasonwhyweseesolittlesolidvirtue.HesaidthereneededneitherartnorscienceforgoingtoGod,butonlyaheartresolutelydeterminedtoapplyitselftonothingbutHimandtoloveHimonly.

FourthConversation:BrotherLawrencespokewithgreatopennessofheartconcerninghismannerofgoingtoGodwhereofsomepartisrelatedalready.HetoldmethatallconsistsinoneheartyrenunciationofeverythingwhichwearesensibledoesnotleadtoGod.WemightaccustomourselvestoacontinualconversationwithHimwithfreedomandinsimplicity.WeneedonlytorecognizeGodintimatelypresentwithusandaddressourselvestoHimeverymoment.WeneedtobegHisassistanceforknowingHiswillinthingsdoubtfulandforrightlyperformingthosewhichweplainlyseeHerequiresofus,offeringthemtoHimbeforewedothem,andgivingHimthankswhenwehavecompletedthem.

InourconversationwithGodweshouldalsoengageinpraising,adoring,andlovingHimincessantlyforHisinfinitegoodnessandperfection.Withoutbeingdiscouragedonaccountofoursins,weshouldprayforHisgracewithaperfectconfidence,asrelyingupontheinfinitemeritsofourLord.BrotherLawrencesaidthatGodneverfailedofferingusHisgraceateachaction.Itneverfailed

exceptwhenBrotherLawrence'sthoughtshadwanderedfromasenseofGod'sPresence,orheforgottoaskHisassistance.HesaidthatGodalwaysgaveuslightinourdoubts,whenwehadnootherdesignbuttopleaseHim.

Oursanctificationdidnotdependuponchangingourworks.Instead,itdependedondoingthatforGod'ssakewhichwecommonlydoforourown.Hethoughtitwaslamentabletoseehowmanypeoplemistookthemeansfortheend,addictingthemselvestocertainworkswhichtheyperformedveryimperfectlybyreasonoftheirhumanorselfishregards.ThemostexcellentmethodhehadfoundforgoingtoGodwasthatofdoingourcommonbusinesswithoutanyviewofpleasingmenbutpurelyfortheloveofGod.

BrotherLawrencefeltitwasagreatdelusiontothinkthatthetimesofprayeroughttodifferfromothertimes.WeareasstrictlyobligedtoadheretoGodbyactioninthetimeofaction,asbyprayerinitsseason.HisownprayerwasnothingelsebutasenseofthepresenceofGod,hissoulbeingatthattimeinsensibletoeverythingbutDivineLove.Whentheappointedtimesofprayerwerepast,hefoundnodifference,becausehestillcontinuedwithGod,praisingandblessingHimwithallhismight.Thushepassedhislifeincontinualjoy.YethehopedthatGodwouldgivehimsomewhattosufferwhenhegrewstronger.

BrotherLawrencesaidweought,onceandforall,heartilyputourwholetrustinGod,andmakeatotalsurrenderofourselvestoHim,securethatHewouldnotdeceiveus.WeoughtnotwearyofdoinglittlethingsfortheloveofGod,whoregardsnotthegreatnessofthework,butthelovewithwhichitisperformed.Weshouldnotwonderif,inthebeginning,weoftenfailedinourendeavors,butthatatlastweshouldgainahabitwhichwillnaturallyproduceitsactsinuswithoutourcareandtoourexceedinggreatdelight.

Thewholesubstanceofreligionwasfaith,hope,andcharity.InthepracticeofthesewebecomeunitedtothewillofGod.Everythingelseisindifferentandtobeusedasameansthatwemayarriveatourendandthenbeswallowedupbyfaithandcharity.Allthingsarepossibletohimwhobelieves.Theyarelessdifficulttohimwhohopes.Theyaremoreeasytohimwholoves,andstillmoreeasytohimwhoperseveresinthepracticeofthesethreevirtues.Theendweoughttoproposetoourselvesistobecome,inthislife,themostperfectworshippersofGodwecanpossiblybe,andaswehopetobethroughalleternity.

Wemust,fromtimetotime,honestlyconsiderandthoroughlyexamineourselves.Wewill,then,realizethatweareworthyofgreatcontempt.BrotherLawrencenotedthatwhenwedirectlyconfrontourselvesinthismanner,wewillunderstandwhywearesubjecttoallkindsofmiseryandproblems.Wewillrealizewhywearesubjecttochangesandfluctuationsinourhealth,mentaloutlook,anddispositions.Andwewill,indeed,recognizethatwedeserveallthepainandlaborsGodsendstohumbleus.

Afterthis,weshouldnotwonderthattroubles,temptations,oppositions,andcontradictionshappentousfrommen.Weought,onthecontrary,tosubmitourselvestothemandbearthemaslongasGodpleasesasthingshighlyadvantageoustous.Thegreaterperfectionasoulaspiresafter,themoredependentitisuponDivineGrace.

Beingquestionedbyoneofhisowncommunity(towhomhewasobligedtoopenhimself)bywhatmeanshehadattainedsuchanhabitualsenseofGod,BrotherLawrencetoldhimthat,sincehisfirstcomingtothemonastery,hehadconsideredGodastheendofallhisthoughtsanddesires,asthemarktowhichtheyshouldtend,andinwhichtheyshouldterminate.

HenotedthatinthebeginningofhisnovitiatehespentthehoursappointedforprivateprayerinthinkingofGodsoastoconvincehismindandimpressdeeplyuponhishearttheDivineexistence.Hedidthisbydevoutsentimentsandsubmissiontothelightsoffaith,ratherthanbystudiedreasoningsandelaboratemeditations.BythisshortandsuremethodheexercisedhimselfintheknowledgeandloveofGod,resolvingtousehisutmostendeavortoliveinacontinualsenseofHisPresence,and,ifpossible,nevertoforgetHimmore.

Whenhehadthus,inprayer,filledhismindwithgreatsentimentsofthatInfiniteBeing,hewenttohisworkappointedinthekitchen(forhewasthencookforthecommunity).Therehavingfirstconsideredseverallythethingshisofficerequired,andwhenandhoweachthingwastobedone,hespentalltheintervalsofhistime,bothbeforeandafterhiswork,inprayer.

Whenhebeganhisbusiness,hesaidtoGodwithafilialtrustinHim,"OmyGod,sinceThouartwithme,andImustnow,inobediencetoThycommands,applymymindtotheseoutwardthings,IbeseechTheetograntmethegracetocontinueinThyPresence;andtothisenddoThouprospermewithThyassistance.Receiveallmyworks,andpossessallmyaffections."Ashe

proceededinhiswork,hecontinuedhisfamiliarconversationwithhisMaker,imploringHisgrace,andofferingtoHimallhisactions.

Whenhehadfinished,heexaminedhimselfhowhehaddischargedhisduty.Ifhefoundwell,hereturnedthankstoGod.Ifotherwise,heaskedpardonand,withoutbeingdiscouraged,hesethismindrightagain.HethencontinuedhisexerciseofthepresenceofGodasifhehadneverdeviatedfromit."Thus,"saidhe,"byrisingaftermyfalls,andbyfrequentlyrenewedactsoffaithandlove,IamcometoastatewhereinitwouldbeasdifficultformenottothinkofGodasitwasatfirsttoaccustommyselftoit."

AsBrotherLawrencehadfoundsuchanadvantageinwalkinginthepresenceofGod,itwasnaturalforhimtorecommenditearnestlytoothers.Morestrikingly,hisexamplewasastrongerinducementthananyargumentshecouldpropose.Hisverycountenancewasedifyingwithsuchasweetandcalmdevotionappearingthathecouldnotbutaffectthebeholders.

Itwasobserved,thatinthegreatesthurryofbusinessinthekitchen,hestillpreservedhisrecollectionandheavenly-mindedness.Hewasneverhastynorloitering,butdideachthinginitsseasonwithanevenuninterruptedcomposureandtranquillityofspirit."Thetimeofbusiness,"saidhe,"doesnotwithmedifferfromthetimeofprayer.Inthenoiseandclutterofmykitchen,whileseveralpersonsareatthesametimecallingfordifferentthings,IpossessGodinasgreattranquillityasifIwereuponmykneesattheBlessedSupper."

Letters

Introduction:BrotherLawrence'slettersaretheveryheartandsoulofwhatistitled'ThePracticeofthePresenceofGod'.Alloftheseletterswerewrittenduringthelasttenyearsofhislife.Manyofthemweretolong-timefriends,aCarmelitesisterandasisteratanearbyconvent.Oneorbothofthesefriendswerefromhisnativevillage,perhapsrelatives.

Thefirstletterwasprobablywrittentotheprioressofoneoftheseconvents.ThesecondletterwaswrittentoBrotherLawrence'sownspiritualadviser.NotethatthefourthletteriswritteninthethirdpersonwhereBrotherLawrencedescribeshisownexperience.ThelettersfollowthetraditionofsubstitutingM—forspecificnames.

FirstLetter:YousoearnestlydesirethatIdescribethemethodbywhichIarrived

atthathabitualsenseofGod'spresence,whichourmercifulLordhasbeenpleasedtograntme.Iamcomplyingwithyourrequestwithmyrequestthatyoushowmylettertonoone.IfIknewthatyouwouldletitbeseen,allthedesireIhaveforyourspiritualprogresswouldnotbeenoughtomakemecomply.

TheaccountIcangiveyouis:HavingfoundinmanybooksdifferentmethodsofgoingtoGodanddiverspracticesofthespirituallife,IthoughtthiswouldserverathertopuzzlemethanfacilitatewhatIsoughtafter,whichwasnothingbuthowtobecomewhollyGod's.ThismademeresolvetogivetheallfortheAll.AfterhavinggivenmyselfwhollytoGod,tomakeallthesatisfactionIcouldformysins,Irenounced,fortheloveofHim,everythingthatwasnotHe,andIbegantoliveasiftherewasnonebutHeandIintheworld.

SometimesIconsideredmyselfbeforeHimasapoorcriminalatthefeetofhisjudge.AtothertimesIbeheldHiminmyheartasmyFather,asmyGod.IworshippedHimtheoftenestIcould,keepingmymindinHisholypresenceandrecallingitasoftenasIfounditwanderedfromHim.Imadethismybusiness,notonlyattheappointedtimesofprayerbutallthetime;everyhour,everyminute,evenintheheightofmywork,IdrovefrommymindeverythingthatinterruptedmythoughtsofGod.

Ifoundnosmallpaininthisexercise.YetIcontinuedit,notwithstandingallthedifficultiesthatoccurred.AndItriednottotroubleordisquietmyselfwhenmymindwandered.SuchhasbeenmycommonpracticeeversinceIenteredreligiouslife.ThoughIhavedoneitveryimperfectly,Ihavefoundgreatadvantagesbyit.These,Iwellknow,aretobeimputedtothemercyandgoodnessofGodbecausewecandonothingwithoutHim;andIstilllessthanany.

WhenwearefaithfultokeepourselvesinHisholypresence,andsetHimalwaysbeforeus,thishindersouroffendingHim,anddoinganythingthatmaydispleaseHim.Italsobegetsinusaholyfreedom,and,ifImaysospeak,afamiliaritywithGod,where,whenweask,Hesuppliesthegracesweneed.Overtime,byoftenrepeatingtheseacts,theybecomehabitual,andthepresenceofGodbecomesquitenaturaltous.

PleasegiveHimthankswithme,forHisgreatgoodnesstowardsme,whichIcanneversufficientlyexpress,andforthemanyfavorsHehasdonetosomiserableasinnerasIam.MayallthingspraiseHim.Amen.

SecondLetter:Notfindingmymanneroflifedescribedinbooks,althoughIhavenoproblemwiththat,yet,forreassurance,Iwouldappreciateyourthoughtsaboutit.

Inconversationsomedaysagoadevoutpersontoldmethespirituallifewasalifeofgrace,whichbeginswithservilefear,whichisincreasedbyhopeofeternallife,andwhichisconsummatedbypurelove;thateachofthesestateshaditsdifferentsteps,bywhichonearrivesatlastatthatblessedconsummation.

Ihavenotfollowedthesemethodsatall.Onthecontrary,Iinstinctivelyfelttheywoulddiscourageme.Instead,atmyentranceintoreligiouslife,ItookaresolutiontogivemyselfuptoGodasthebestsatisfactionIcouldmakeformysinsand,fortheloveofHim,torenounceallbesides.

Forthefirstyears,Icommonlyemployedmyselfduringthetimesetapartfordevotionwiththoughtsofdeath,judgment,hell,heaven,andmysins.ThusIcontinuedsomeyearsapplyingmymindcarefullytherestoftheday,andeveninthemidstofmywork,tothepresenceofGod,whomIconsideredalwaysaswithme,oftenasinmyheart.

AtlengthIbegantodothesamethingduringmysettimeofprayer,whichgavemejoyandconsolation.ThispracticeproducedinmesohighanesteemforGodthatfaithalonewasenoughtoassureme.

Suchwasmybeginning.YetImusttellyouthatforthefirsttenyearsIsufferedagreatdeal.DuringthistimeIfelloften,androseagainpresently.Itseemedtomethatallcreatures,reason,andGodHimselfwereagainstmeandfaithaloneforme.

TheapprehensionthatIwasnotdevotedtoGodasIwishedtobe,mypastsinsalwayspresenttomymind,andthegreatunmeritedfavorswhichGoddidme,werethesourceofmysufferingsandfeelingsofunworthiness.IwassometimestroubledwiththoughtsthattobelieveIhadreceivedsuchfavorswasaneffectofmyimagination,whichpretendedtobesosoonwhereothersarrivedwithgreatdifficulty.AtothertimesIbelievedthatitwasawillfuldelusionandthattherereallywasnohopeforme.

Finally,Iconsideredtheprospectofspendingtherestofmydaysinthesetroubles.IdiscoveredthisdidnotdiminishthetrustIhadinGodatall.Infact,itonlyservedtoincreasemyfaith.Itthenseemedthat,allatonce,Ifoundmyself

changed.Mysoul,which,untilthattimewasintrouble,feltaprofoundinwardpeace,asifshewereinhercenterandplaceofrest.

EversincethattimeIwalkbeforeGodsimply,infaith,withhumility,andwithlove.IapplymyselfdiligentlytodonothingandthinknothingwhichmaydispleaseHim.IhopethatwhenIhavedonewhatIcan,HewilldowithmewhatHepleases.

Asforwhatpassesinmeatpresent,Icannotexpressit.IhavenopainordifficultyaboutmystatebecauseIhavenowillbutthatofGod.IendeavortoaccomplishHiswillinallthings.AndIamsoresignedthatIwouldnottakeupastrawfromthegroundagainstHisorderorfromanymotivebutthatofpureloveforHim.

Ihaveceasedallformsofdevotionandsetprayersexceptthosetowhichmystaterequires.ImakeitmyprioritytopersevereinHisholypresence,whereinImaintainasimpleattentionandafondregardforGod,whichImaycallanactualpresenceofGod.Or,toputitanotherway,itisanhabitual,silent,andprivateconversationofthesoulwithGod.Thisgivesmemuchjoyandcontentment.Inshort,Iamsure,beyondalldoubt,thatmysoulhasbeenwithGodabovethesepastthirtyyears.IpassovermanythingsthatImaynotbetedioustoyou.

Yet,IthinkitisappropriatetotellyouhowIperceivemyselfbeforeGod,whomIbeholdasmyKing.Iconsidermyselfasthemostwretchedofmen.Iamfulloffaults,flaws,andweaknesses,andhavecommittedallsortsofcrimesagainsthisKing.TouchedwithasensibleregretIconfessallmywickednesstoHim.IaskHisforgiveness.IabandonmyselfinHishandsthatHemaydowhatHepleaseswithme.

MyKingisfullofmercyandgoodness.Farfromchastisingme,Heembracesmewithlove.HemakesmeeatatHistable.HeservesmewithHisownhandsandgivesmethekeytoHistreasures.HeconversesanddelightsHimselfwithmeincessantly,inathousandandathousandways.AndHetreatsmeinallrespectsasHisfavorite.InthiswayIconsidermyselfcontinuallyinHisholypresence.

Mymostusualmethodisthissimpleattention,anaffectionateregardforGodtowhomIfindmyselfoftenattachedwithgreatersweetnessanddelightthanthat

ofaninfantatthemother'sbreast.Tochooseanexpression,IwouldcallthisstatethebosomofGod,fortheinexpressiblesweetnesswhichItasteandexperiencethere.If,atanytime,mythoughtswanderfromitfromnecessityorinfirmity,IampresentlyrecalledbyinwardemotionssocharminganddeliciousthatIcannotfindwordstodescribethem.Pleasereflectonmygreatwretchedness,ofwhichyouarefullyinformed,ratherthanonthegreatfavorsGoddoesoneasunworthyandungratefulasIam.

Asformysethoursofprayer,theyaresimplyacontinuationofthesameexercise.SometimesIconsidermyselfasastonebeforeacarver,whereofHeistomakeastatue.PresentingmyselfthusbeforeGod,IdesireHimtomakeHisperfectimageinmysoulandrendermeentirelylikeHimself.Atothertimes,whenIapplymyselftoprayer,Ifeelallmyspiritliftedupwithoutanycareoreffortonmypart.ThisoftencontinuesasifitwassuspendedyetfirmlyfixedinGodlikeacenterorplaceofrest.

Iknowthatsomechargethisstatewithinactivity,delusion,andself-love.Iconfessthatitisaholyinactivity.Anditwouldbeahappyself-loveifthesoul,inthatstate,werecapableofit.Butwhilethesoulisinthisrepose,shecannotbedisturbedbythekindsofthingstowhichshewasformerlyaccustomed.Thethingsthatthesoulusedtodependonwouldnowhinderratherthanassisther.

Yet,IcannotseehowthiscouldbecalledimaginationordelusionbecausethesoulwhichenjoysGodinthiswaywantsnothingbutHim.Ifthisisdelusion,thenonlyGodcanremedyit.LetHimdowhatHepleaseswithme.IdesireonlyHimandtobewhollydevotedtoHim.

PleasesendmeyouropinionasIgreatlyvalueandhaveasingularesteemforyourreverence,andamyours.

ThirdLetter:WehaveaGodwhoisinfinitelygraciousandknowsallourwants.IalwaysthoughtthatHewouldreduceyoutoextremity.HewillcomeinHisowntime,andwhenyouleastexpectit.HopeinHimmorethanever.ThankHimwithmeforthefavorsHedoesyou,particularlyforthefortitudeandpatiencewhichHegivesyouinyourafflictions.ItisaplainmarkofthecareHetakesofyou.ComfortyourselfwithHim,andgivethanksforall.

IadmirealsothefortitudeandbraveryofM—.Godhasgivenhimagooddispositionandagoodwill;butheisstillalittleworldlyandsomewhat

immature.IhopetheafflictionGodhassenthimwillhelphimdosomereflectionandinnersearchingandthatitmayprovetobeawholesomeremedytohim.ItisachanceforhimtoputallhistrustinGodwhoaccompanieshimeverywhere.LethimthinkofHimasmuchashecan,especiallyintimeofgreatdanger.

AlittleliftingupoftheheartandaremembranceofGodsuffices.Oneactofinwardworship,thoughuponamarchwithswordinhand,areprayerswhich,howevershort,areneverthelessveryacceptabletoGod.And,farfromlesseningasoldier'scourageinoccasionsofdanger,theyactuallyservetofortifyit.LethimthinkofGodasoftenaspossible.Lethimaccustomhimself,bydegrees,tothissmallbutholyexercise.Nooneseesit,andnothingiseasierthantorepeattheselittleinternaladorationsallthroughtheday.

PleaserecommendtohimthathethinkofGodthemosthecaninthisway.Itisveryfitandmostnecessaryforasoldier,whoisdailyfacedwithdangertohislife,andoftentohisverysalvation.

IhopethatGodwillassisthimandallthefamily,towhomIpresentmyservice,beingtheirsandyours.

FourthLetter:IamtakingthisopportunitytotellyouaboutthesentimentsofoneofoursocietyconcerningtheadmirableeffectsandcontinualassistancehereceivesfromthepresenceofGod.Maywebothprofitbythem.

ForthepastfortyyearshiscontinualcarehasbeentobealwayswithGod;andtodonothing,saynothing,andthinknothingwhichmaydispleaseHim.HedoesthiswithoutanyviewormotiveexceptpureloveofHimandbecauseGoddeservesinfinitelymore.

HeisnowsoaccustomedtothatDivinepresencethathereceivesfromitcontinualcomfortandpeace.Foraboutthirtyyearshissoulhasbeenfilledwithjoyanddelightsocontinual,andsometimessogreat,thatheisforcedtofindwaystohidetheirappearingoutwardlytootherswhomaynotunderstand.

IfsometimeshebecomesalittledistractedfromthatDivinepresence,GodgentlyrecallsHimselfbyastirringinhissoul.Thisoftenhappenswhenheismostengagedinhisoutwardchoresandtasks.Heanswerswithexactfidelitytotheseinwarddrawings,eitherbyanelevationofhishearttowardsGod,orbyameekandfondregardtoHim,orbysuchwordsasloveformsuponthese

occasions.Forinstance,hemaysay,"MyGod,hereIamalldevotedtoYou,"or"Lord,makemeaccordingtoYourheart."

Itseemstohim(infact,hefeelsit)thatthisGodoflove,satisfiedwithsuchfewwords,reposesagainandrestsinthedepthandcenterofhissoul.TheexperienceofthesethingsgiveshimsuchcertaintythatGodisalwaysintheinnermostpartofhissoulthatheisbeyonddoubtingitunderanycircumstances.

Judgebythiswhatcontentandsatisfactionheenjoys.Whilehecontinuallyfindswithinhimselfsogreatatreasure,henolongerhasanyneedtosearchforit.Henolongerhasanyanxietyaboutfindingitbecausehenowhashisbeautifultreasureopenbeforehimandmaytakewhathepleasesofit.

Heoftenpointsoutourblindnessandexclaimsthatthosewhocontentthemselveswithsolittlearetobepitied.God,sayshe,hasinfinitetreasuretobestow,andwetakesolittlethroughroutinedevotionwhichlastsbutamoment.Blindasweare,wehinderGod,andstopthecurrentofHisgraces.ButwhenHefindsasoulpenetratedwithalivelyfaith,HepoursintoitHisgracesandfavorsplentifully.Theretheyflowlikeatorrent,which,afterbeingforciblystoppedagainstitsordinarycourse,whenithasfoundapassage,spreadsitselfwithimpetuosityandabundance.

Yetweoftenstopthistorrentbythelittlevaluewesetuponit.Letusstopitnomore.Letusenterintoourselvesandbreakdownthebankwhichhindersit.Letusmakewayforgrace.Letusredeemthelosttime,forperhapswehavebutlittleleft.Deathfollowsusclosesoletusbewellpreparedforit.Wediebutonceandamistakethereisirretrievable.

Isayagain,letusenterintoourselves.Thetimepresses.Thereisnoroomfordelay.Oursoulsareatstake.Itseemstomethatyouarepreparedandhavetakeneffectualmeasuressoyouwillnotbetakenbysurprise.Icommendyouforit.Itistheonethingnecessary.Wemustalwaysworkatit,becausenottopersevereinthespirituallifeistogoback.ButthosewhohavethegaleoftheHolySpiritgoforwardeveninsleep.Ifthevesselofoursoulisstilltossedwithwindsandstorms,letusawaketheLordwhoreposesinit.Hewillquicklycalmthesea.

Ihavetakenthelibertytoimparttoyouthesegoodsentimentsthatyoumaycomparethemwithyourown.Maytheyservetore-kindlethem,ifatanytimetheymaybeevenalittlecooled.Letusrecallourfirstfavorsandrememberour

earlyjoysandcomforts.And,letusbenefitfromtheexampleandsentimentsofthisbrotherwhoislittleknownbytheworld,butknownandextremelycaressedbyGod.

Iwillprayforyou.Pleaseprayalsoforme,asIamyoursinourLord.

FifthLetter:TodayIreceivedtwobooksandaletterfromSisterM—,whoispreparingtomakeherprofession.Shedesirestheprayersofyourholysociety,andyoursinparticular.Ithinkshegreatlyvaluesyoursupport.Pleasedonotdisappointher.PraytoGodthatshemaytakehervowsinviewofHislovealone,andwithafirmresolutiontobewhollydevotedtoHim.IwillsendyouoneofthosebooksaboutthepresenceofGod;asubjectwhich,inmyopinion,containsthewholespirituallife.Itseemstomethatwhoeverdulypracticesitwillsoonbecomedevout.

Iknowthatfortherightpracticeofit,theheartmustbeemptyofallotherthings;becauseGodwillpossesstheheartalone.AsHecannotpossessitalone,withoutemptyingitofallbesides,soneithercanHeactthereanddoinitwhatHepleasesunlessitbeleftvacanttoHim.ThereisnotintheworldakindoflifemoresweetanddelightfulthanthatofacontinualconversationwithGod.Onlythosecancomprehenditwhopracticeandexperienceit.YetIdonotadviseyoutodoitfromthatmotive.Itisnotpleasurewhichweoughttoseekinthisexercise.Letusdoitfromaprincipleoflove,andbecauseitisGod'swillforus.

WereIapreacher,IwouldaboveallotherthingspreachthepracticeofthepresenceofGod.WereIadirector,Iwouldadvisealltheworldtodoit,sonecessarydoIthinkit,andsoeasytoo.Ah!knewwebutthewantwehaveofthegraceandassistanceofGod,wewouldneverlosesightofHim,no,notforamoment.

Believeme.ImmediatelymakeaholyandfirmresolutionnevermoretoforgetHim.ResolvetospendtherestofyourdaysinHissacredpresence,deprivedofallconsolationsfortheloveofHimifHethinksfit.Setheartilyaboutthiswork,andifyoudoitsincerely,beassuredthatyouwillsoonfindtheeffectsofit.

Iwillassistyouwithmyprayers,poorastheyare.Irecommendmyselfearnestlytoyouandthoseofyourholysociety.

SixthLetter:IhavereceivedfromM—thethingswhichyougaveherforme.IwonderthatyouhavenotgivenmeyourthoughtsonthelittlebookIsenttoyou

andwhichyoumusthavereceived.Setheartilyaboutthepracticeofitinyouroldage.Itisbetterlatethannever.

IcannotimaginehowreligiouspersonscanlivesatisfiedwithoutthepracticeofthepresenceofGod.FormypartIkeepmyselfretiredwithHiminthedepthandcenterofmysoulasmuchasIcan.WhileIamwithHimIfearnothing;buttheleastturningfromHimisinsupportable.Thispracticedoesnottirethebody.Itis,however,propertodepriveitsometimes,nayoften,ofmanylittlepleasureswhichareinnocentandlawful.GodwillnotpermitasoulthatdesirestobedevotedentirelytoHimtotakepleasuresotherthanwithHim.Thatismorethanreasonable.

Idonotsaywemustputanyviolentconstraintuponourselves.No,wemustserveGodinaholyfreedom.Wemustworkfaithfullywithouttroubleordisquiet,recallingourmindtoGodmildlyandwithtranquillityasoftenaswefinditwanderingfromHim.Itis,however,necessarytoputourwholetrustinGod.Wemustlayasideallothercaresandevensomeformsofdevotion,thoughverygoodinthemselves,yetsuchasoneoftenengagesinroutinely.Thosedevotionsareonlymeanstoattaintotheend.OncewehaveestablishedahabitofthepracticeofthepresenceofGod,wearethenwithHimwhoisourend.Wehavenoneedtoreturntothemeans.WemaysimplycontinuewithHiminourcommerceoflove,perseveringinHisholypresencewithanactofpraise,ofadoration,orofdesireorwithanactofresignation,orthanksgiving,andinallthewaysourspiritscaninvent.

Benotdiscouragedbytherepugnancewhichyoumayfindinitfromnature.Youmustsacrificeyourself.Atfirst,oneoftenthinksitawasteoftime.Butyoumustgoonandresolvetopersevereinituntildeath,notwithstandingallthedifficultiesthatmayoccur.

Irecommendmyselftotheprayersofyourholysociety,andyoursinparticular.IamyoursinourLord.

SeventhLetter:Ipityyoumuch.ItwillbeagreatreliefifyoucanleavethecareofyouraffairstoM—andspendtheremainderofyourlifeonlyinworshippingGod.Herequiresnogreatmattersofus;alittleremembranceofHimfromtimetotime,alittleadoration.SometimestoprayforHisgrace.SometimestoofferHimyoursufferings.AndsometimestoreturnHimthanksforthefavorsHehasgivenyou,andstillgivesyou,inthemidstofyourtroubles.Consoleyourself

withHimtheoftenestyoucan.LiftupyourhearttoHimatyourmealsandwhenyouareincompany.TheleastlittleremembrancewillalwaysbepleasingtoHim.

Youneednotcryveryloud.Heisnearertousthanweareaware.AndwedonotalwayshavetobeinchurchtobewithGod.Wemaymakeanoratoryofourheartsowecan,fromtimetotime,retiretoconversewithHiminmeekness,humility,andlove.EveryoneiscapableofsuchfamiliarconversationwithGod,somemore,someless.Heknowswhatwecando.

Letusbeginthen.PerhapsHeexpectsbutonegenerousresolutiononourpart.Havecourage.Wehavebutlittletimetolive.Youarenearlysixty-four,andIamalmosteighty.LetusliveanddiewithGod.SufferingswillbesweetandpleasantwhilewearewithHim.WithoutHim,thegreatestpleasureswillbeacruelpunishmenttous.MayHebeblessedbyall.

GraduallybecomeaccustomedtoworshipHiminthisway;tobegHisgrace,toofferHimyourheartfromtimetotime;inthemidstofyourbusiness,eveneverymomentifyoucan.Donotalwaysscrupulouslyconfineyourselftocertainrulesorparticularformsofdevotion.Instead,actinfaithwithloveandhumility.

YoumayassureM—ofmypoorprayers,andthatIamtheirservant,andyoursparticularly.

EighthLetter:Youtellmenothingnew.Youarenottheonlyonewhoistroubledwithwanderingthoughts.Ourmindisextremelyroving.Butthewillismistressofallourfaculties.ShemustrecallourstraythoughtsandcarrythemtoGodastheirfinalend.

Ifthemindisnotsufficientlycontrolledanddisciplinedatourfirstengagingindevotion,itcontractscertainbadhabitsofwanderinganddissipation.Thesearedifficulttoovercome.Themindcandrawus,evenagainstourwill,toworldlythings.IbelieveoneremedyforthisistohumblyconfessourfaultsandbegGod'smercyandhelp.

Idonotadviseyoutousemultiplicityofwordsinprayer.Manywordsandlongdiscoursesareoftentheoccasionsofwandering.HoldyourselfinprayerbeforeGod,likeadumborparalyticbeggaratarichman'sgate.LetitbeyourbusinesstokeepyourmindinthepresenceoftheLord.IfyourmindsometimeswandersandwithdrawsitselffromHim,donotbecomeupset.Troubleanddisquietserve

rathertodistractthemindthantore-collectit.Thewillmustbringitbackintranquillity.Ifyoupersevereinthismanner,Godwillhavepityonyou.

Onewaytore-collectthemindeasilyinthetimeofprayer,andpreserveitmoreintranquillity,isnottoletitwandertoofaratothertimes.KeepyourmindstrictlyinthepresenceofGod.ThenbeingaccustomedtothinkofHimoften,youwillfinditeasytokeepyourmindcalminthetimeofprayer,oratleasttorecallitfromitswanderings.IhavetoldyoualreadyoftheadvantageswemaydrawfromthispracticeofthepresenceofGod.Letussetaboutitseriouslyandprayforoneanother.

NinthLetter:TheenclosedisananswertothatwhichIreceivedfromM—.Pleasedeliverittoher.Sheisfullofgoodwillbutshewouldgofasterthangrace!Onedoesnotbecomeholyallatonce.Irecommendhertoyourguidance.Weoughttohelponeanotherbyouradvice,andyetmorebyourgoodexample.Pleaseletmehearofherfromtimetotimeandwhethersheisveryferventandobedient.

LetusoftenconsiderthatouronlybusinessinthislifeistopleaseGod,thatperhapsallbesidesisbutfollyandvanity.YouandIhavelivedoverfortyyearsinthemonasticlife.HaveweemployedtheminlovingandservingGod,whobyHismercyhascalledustothisstateandforthatveryend?IamsometimesfilledwithshameandconfusionwhenIreflect,ontheonehand,uponthegreatfavorswhichGodhasdoneandcontinuestodoforme;and,ontheother,upontheilluseIhavemadeofthemandmysmalladvancementinthewayofperfection.

Since,byHismercy,Hegivesusyetalittletime,letusbegininearnest.Letusrepairthelosttime.LetusreturnwithfullassurancetothatFatherofmercies,whoisalwaysreadytoreceiveusaffectionately.Letusgenerouslyrenounce,fortheloveofHim,allthatisnotHimself.Hedeservesinfinitelymore.LetusthinkofHimperpetually.LetusputallourtrustinHim.

IhavenodoubtthatweshallsoonreceiveanabundanceofHisgrace,withwhichwecandoallthings,and,withoutwhichwecandonothingbutsin.WecannotescapethedangerswhichaboundinlifewithouttheactualandcontinualhelpofGod.LetuspraytoHimforitconstantly.

HowcanwepraytoHimwithoutbeingwithHim?HowcanwebewithHimbutinthinkingofHimoften?AndhowcanweoftenthinkofHim,butbyaholy

habitwhichweshouldformofit?YouwilltellmethatIalwayssaythesamething.Itistrue,forthisisthebestandeasiestmethodIknow.Iusenoother.Iadvisealltheworldtodoit.

Wemustknowbeforewecanlove.InordertoknowGod,wemustoftenthinkofHim.AndwhenwecometoloveHim,weshallthenalsothinkofHimoften,forourheartwillbewithourtreasure.

TenthLetter:IhavehadagooddealofdifficultybringingmyselftowritetoM.—.Idoitnowpurelybecauseyoudesiremetodoso.Pleaseaddressitandsendittohim.ItispleasingtoseeallthefaithyouhaveinGod.MayHeincreaseitinyoumoreandmore.WecannothavetoomuchtrustinsogoodandfaithfulaFriendwhowillneverfailusinthisworldnorinthenext.

IfM.—takesadvantageofthelosshehashadandputsallhisconfidenceinGod,Hewillsoongivehimanotherfriendmorepowerfulandmoreinclinedtoservehim.HedisposesofheartsasHepleases.PerhapsM.—wastooattachedtohimhehaslost.Weoughttoloveourfriends,butwithoutencroachingupontheloveofGod,whichmustalwaysbefirst.

PleasekeepmyrecommendationinmindthatyouthinkofGodoften;byday,bynight,inyourbusiness,andeveninyourdiversions.Heisalwaysnearyouandwithyou.LeaveHimnotalone.Youwouldthinkitrudetoleaveafriendalonewhocametovisityou.Why,then,mustGodbeneglected?DonotforgetHimbutthinkonHimoften.AdoreHimcontinually.LiveanddiewithHim.ThisisthegloriousworkofaChristian;inaword,thisisourprofession.Ifwedonotknowit,wemustlearnit.

Iwillendeavortohelpyouwithmyprayers,andamyoursinourLord.

EleventhLetter:Idonotpraythatyoumaybedeliveredfromyourpains;butIprayearnestlythatGodgivesyoustrengthandpatiencetobearthemaslongasHepleases.ComfortyourselfwithHimwhoholdsyoufastenedtothecross.HewilllooseyouwhenHethinksfit.HappyarethosewhosufferwithHim.Accustomyourselftosufferinthatmanner,andseekfromHimthestrengthtoendureasmuch,andaslong,asHejudgesnecessaryforyou.

Worldlypeopledonotcomprehendthesetruths.Itisnotsurprisingthough,sincetheysufferlikewhattheyareandnotlikeChristians.TheyseesicknessasapainagainstnatureandnotasafavorfromGod.Seeingitonlyinthatlight,theyfind

nothinginitbutgriefanddistress.ButthosewhoconsidersicknessascomingfromthehandofGod,outofHismercyandasthemeansHeusesfortheirsalvation,commonlyfindsweetnessandconsolationinit.

IpraythatyouseethatGodisoftennearertousandpresentwithinusinsicknessthaninhealth.DonotrelycompletelyonanotherphysicianbecauseHereservesyourcuretoHimself.PutallyourtrustinGod.Youwillsoonfindtheeffectsinyourrecovery,whichweoftendelaybyputtinggreaterfaithinmedicinethaninGod.Whateverremediesyouuse,theywillsucceedonlysofarasHepermits.WhenpainscomefromGod,onlyHecanultimatelycurethem.Heoftensendssicknesstothebodytocurediseasesofthesoul.ComfortyourselfwiththeSovereignPhysicianofbothsoulandbody.

IexpectyouwillsaythatIamverymuchatease,andthatIeatanddrinkatthetableoftheLord.Youhavereason.Butthinkhowpainfulitwouldbetothegreatestcriminalintheworldtoeatattheking'stableandbeservedbyhim,yethavenoassuranceofpardon?Ibelievehewouldfeelananxietythatnothingcouldcalmexcepthistrustinthegoodnessofhissovereign.SoIassureyou,thatwhateverpleasuresItasteatthetableofmyKing,mysins,everpresentbeforemyeyes,aswellastheuncertaintyofmypardon,tormentme.ThoughIacceptthattormentassomethingpleasingtoGod.

BesatisfiedwiththeconditioninwhichGodplacesyou.Howeverhappyyoumaythinkme,Ienvyyou.Painandsufferingwouldbeaparadisetome,ifIcouldsufferwithmyGod.ThegreatestpleasureswouldbehellifIrelishedthemwithoutHim.MyonlyconsolationwouldbetosuffersomethingforHissake.

Imust,inalittletime,gotoGod.WhatcomfortsmeinthislifeisthatInowseeHimbyfaith.IseeHiminsuchamannerthatIsometimessay,Ibelievenomore,butIsee.Ifeelwhatfaithteachesus,and,inthatassuranceandthatpracticeoffaith,IliveanddiewithHim.

StaywithGodalwaysforHeistheonlysupportandcomfortforyouraffliction.IshallbeseechHimtobewithyou.Ipresentmyservice.

TwelfthLetter:IfwewerewellaccustomedtothepracticeofthepresenceofGod,bodilydiscomfortswouldbegreatlyalleviated.GodoftenpermitsustosufferalittletopurifyoursoulsandobligeustostayclosetoHim.

Takecourage.OfferHimyourpainandpraytoHimforstrengthtoendurethem.

Aboveall,getinthehabitofoftenthinkingofGod,andforgetHimtheleastyoucan.AdoreHiminyourinfirmities.OfferyourselftoHimfromtimetotime.And,intheheightofyoursufferings,humblyandaffectionatelybeseechHim(asachildhisfather)tomakeyouconformabletoHisholywill.Ishallendeavortoassistyouwithmypoorprayers.

GodhasmanywaysofdrawingustoHimself.HesometimesseemstohideHimselffromus.Butfaithaloneoughttobeoursupport.Faithisthefoundationofourconfidence.WemustputallourfaithinGod.Hewillnotfailusintimeofneed.IdonotknowhowGodwilldisposeofmebutIamalwayshappy.AlltheworldsuffersandI,whodeservetheseverestdiscipline,feeljoyssocontinualandgreatthatIcanscarcelycontainthem.

IwouldwillinglyaskGodforapartofyoursufferings.IknowmyweaknessissogreatthatifHeleftmeonemomenttomyself,Iwouldbethemostwretchedmanalive.Andyet,IdonotknowhowHecouldleavemealonebecausefaithgivesmeasstrongaconvictionasreason.HeneverforsakesusuntilwehavefirstforsakenHim.LetusfeartoleaveHim.LetusalwaysbewithHim.LetusliveanddieinHispresence.Doprayforme,asIprayforyou.

ThirteenthLetter:Iamsorrytoseeyousuffersolong.WhatgivesmesomeeaseandsweetensthefeelingIhaveaboutyourgriefs,isthattheyareproofofGod'sloveforyou.Seeyourpainsinthatviewandyouwillbearthemmoreeasily.Inyourcase,itismyopinionthat,atthispoint,youshoulddiscontinuehumanremediesandresignyourselfentirelytotheprovidenceofGod.PerhapsHewaitsonlyforthatresignationandperfectfaithinHimtocureyou.Since,inspiteofallthecareyouhavetaken,treatmenthasprovedunsuccessfulandyourmaladystillincreases,waitnolonger.PutyourselfentirelyinHishandsandexpectallfromHim.

ItoldyouinmylastletterthatHesometimespermitsbodilydiscomfortstocurethedistempersofthesoul.Havecourage.Makeavirtueofnecessity.DonotaskGodfordeliverancefromyourpain.Instead,outofloveforHim,askforthestrengthtoresolutelybearallthatHepleases,andaslongasHepleases.Suchprayersarehardatfirst,buttheyareverypleasingtoGod,andbecomesweettothosethatloveHim.

Lovesweetenspains.AndwhenonelovesGod,onesuffersforHissakewithjoyandcourage.Doso,Ibeseechyou.ComfortyourselfwithHim.Heistheonly

physicianforallourillnesses.HeistheFatheroftheafflictedandalwaysreadytohelpus.Helovesusinfinitelymorethanwecanimagine.LoveHiminreturnandseeknoconsolationelsewhere.IhopeyouwillsoonreceiveHiscomfort.Adieu.

Iwillhelpyouwithmyprayers,poorastheyare,andshallalwaysbeyoursinourLord.

FourteenthLetter:IgivethankstoourLordforhavingrelievedyoualittleasyoudesired.IhaveoftenbeenneardeathandIwasneversomuchsatisfiedasthen.AtthosetimesIdidnotprayforanyrelief,butIprayedforstrengthtosufferwithcourage,humility,andlove.HowsweetitistosufferwithGod!Howevergreatyoursufferingsmaybe,receivethemwithlove.ItisparadisetosufferandbewithHim.If,inthislife,wemightenjoythepeaceofparadise,wemustaccustomourselvestoafamiliar,humble,andaffectionateconversationwithGod.

WemusthinderourspiritswanderingfromHimonalloccasions.WemustmakeourheartaspiritualtemplesowecanconstantlyadoreHim.WemustcontinuallywatchoverourselvessowedonotdoanythingthatmaydispleaseHim.WhenourmindsandheartsarefilledwithGod,sufferingbecomesfullofunctionandconsolation.

Iwellknowthattoarriveatthisstate,thebeginningisverydifficultbecausewemustactpurelyonfaith.But,thoughitisdifficult,weknowalsothatwecandoallthingswiththegraceofGod.Heneverrefusesthosewhoaskearnestly.Knock.Persevereinknocking.AndIanswerforit,that,inHisduetime,HewillopenHisgracestoyou.Hewillgrant,allatonce,whatHehasdeferredduringmanyyears.Adieu.

PraytoHimforme,asIpraytoHimforyou.IhopetoseeHimsoon.

FifteenthLetter:Godknowsbestwhatweneed.AllthatHedoesisforourgood.IfweknewhowmuchHelovesus,wewouldalwaysbereadytoreceiveboththebitterandthesweetfromHisHand.Itwouldmakenodifference.AllthatcamefromHimwouldbepleasing.Theworstafflictionsonlyappearintolerableifweseetheminthewronglight.WhenweseethemascomingfromthehandofGodandknowthatitisourlovingFatherwhohumblesanddistressesus,oursufferingslosetheirbitternessandcanevenbecomeasourceofconsolation.

LetalloureffortsbetoknowGod.ThemoreoneknowsHim,thegreateronedesirestoknowHim.Knowledgeiscommonlythemeasureoflove.Thedeeperandmoreextensiveourknowledge,thegreaterisourlove.IfourloveofGodweregreatwewouldloveHimequallyinpainandpleasure.

WeonlydeceiveourselvesbyseekingorlovingGodforanyfavorswhichHehasormaygrantus.Suchfavors,nomatterhowgreat,canneverbringusasneartoGodascanonesimpleactoffaith.LetusseekHimoftenbyfaith.Heiswithinus.SeekHimnotelsewhere.

ArewenotrudeanddeserveblameifweleaveHimalonetobusyourselveswithtrifleswhichdonotpleaseHimandperhapsevenoffendHim?Thesetriflesmayonedaycostusdearly.LetusbeginearnestlytobedevotedtoHim.Letuscasteverythingelseoutofourhearts.Hewantstopossesstheheartalone.BegthisfavorofHim.Ifwedoallwecan,wewillsoonseethatchangewroughtinuswhichwesogreatlydesire.

IcannotthankHimenoughforthereliefHehasgivenyou.IhopetoseeHimwithinafewdays.Letusprayforoneanother.

BrotherLawrencediedpeacefullywithindaysofthislastletter.

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