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| Brother Lawrence Practice of Presence of God IntraText - Concordances (Hapax - words occurring once) |
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1 Pref | born Nicholas Herman around 1610 in Herimenil, Lorraine,
2 Conv, 1 | upon the 3rd of August, 1666. He told me that God had
3 Pref | Brother Lawrence died in 1691, having practiced God's
4 Conv, 1 | Brother Lawrence was upon the 3rd of August, 1666. He told
5 Lett, 15 | is our loving Father who abases and distresses us, our sufferings
6 Lett, 1 | advancement would not be able to determine me to it.~The
7 Lett, 9 | escape the dangers which abound in life without the actual
8 Lett, 4 | he is a little too much absent from that Divine presence,
9 Conv, 2 | greatly needed a confessor to absolve him. He said he was very
10 Lett, 3 | enter into himself. It is an accident very proper to engage him
11 Conv, 4 | of misery, and numberless accidents, which trouble us and cause
12 Lett, 3 | all his trust in Him who accompanies him everywhere. Let him
13 Lett, 2 | God, which I endeavor to accomplish in all things, and to which
14 Lett, 14 | much satisfied as then. Accordingly I did not pray for any relief,
15 Conv, 2 | fail in my duty, I readily acknowledge it, saying, I am used to
16 Conv, 3 | disquiet himself for it. Having acknowledged his wretchedness to God,
17 Conv, 2 | then I give God thanks acknowledging that it comes from Him." ~
18 Conv, 4 | mistook the means for the end, addicting themselves to certain works
19 Conv, 4 | intimately present with us and address ourselves to Him every moment.
20 Conv, 2 | some virtue was offered, he addressed himself to God saying, "
21 Conv, 4 | are as strictly obliged to adhere to God by action in the
22 Lett, 4 | our society concerning the admirable effects and continual assistances
23 Lett, 3 | day these little internal adorations. Recommend to him, if you
24 Conv, 4 | also engage in praising, adoring, and loving him incessantly
25 Conv, 4 | pleases as things highly advantageous to us. The greater perfection
26 Lett, 9 | help one another by our advice, and yet more by our good
27 Conv, 4 | appearing that he could not but affect the beholders. ~It was observed,
28 Lett, 14 | ourselves to a familiar, humble, affectionate conversation with Him.~We
29 Conv, 4 | works, and possess all my affections." As he proceeded in his
30 Lett, 13 | He is the Father of the afflicted, always ready to help us.
31 Pref | was three hundred years ago.~Brother Lawrence died in
32 Lett, 5 | think it, and so easy too. Ah! knew we but the want we
33 Conv, 4 | and external dispositions. Alas, we are persons whom God
34 Lett, 12 | be the most wretched man alive. And yet I know not how
35 Lett, 12 | bodily diseases would be much alleviated. God often permits that
36 | almost
37 | although
38 Conv, 2 | falling and mend what is amiss." Then, after this, he gave
39 Lett, 15 | and pleasures.~Let us not amuse ourselves to seek or to
40 Conv, 1 | rule of their conduct, men amused themselves with trivial
41 Lett, 4 | his outward business. He answers with exact fidelity to these
42 Conv, 2 | Instead, we ought, without anxiety, to expect the pardon of
43 Lett, 4 | treasure he is no longer in an anxious search after it. He now
44 Conv, 3 | occasion to consult with anybody about his state. In the
45 Pref | can practice -anywhere, anytime. Brother Lawrence also left
46 | anywhere
47 Lett, 2 | myself during the time set apart for devotion, with the thoughts
48 Conv, 3 | God which is the end. This appeared plainly by their works and
49 Lett, 2 | Thus I continued some years applying my mind carefully the rest
50 Pref | left the gift of a direct approach to living in God's presence
51 Pref | and counsel to the local archbishop, first published the letters
52 Conv, 4 | stronger inducement than any arguments he could propose. His very
53 | around
54 Lett, 1 | you the method by which I arrived at that habitual sense of
55 Lett, 2 | different stages, by which one arrives at last at that blessed
56 Lett, 6 | trust in God. We must lay aside all other cares and even
57 Conv, 4 | to God. If otherwise, he asked pardon and, without being
58 Conv, 2 | for the love of God and asking for His grace to do his
59 Lett, 15 | change wrought in us which we aspire after. ~I cannot thank Him
60 Conv, 4 | greater perfection a soul aspires after, the more dependent
61 Lett, 4 | admirable effects and continual assistances which he receives from the
62 Lett, 6 | devotions are only means to attain to the end. When by this
63 Conv, 4 | himself) by what means he had attained such an habitual sense of
64 Conv, 3 | In the past, when he had attempted to do it, he had always
65 Conv, 1 | requires, we should watch attentively over all the passions which
66 Conv, 1 | Lawrence was upon the 3rd of August, 1666. He told me that God
67 Conv, 2 | mentioned he had been sent into Auvergne the year before upon the
68 Pref | the gift of a way of life available to anyone who seeks to know
69 Conv, 2 | he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself
70 Lett, 4 | winds and storms, let us awake the Lord, who reposes in
71 Lett, 7 | nearer to us than we are aware.~It is not necessary for
72 Conv, 1 | and that he was a great awkward fellow who broke everything.
73 Conv, 1 | be made to smart for his awkwardness and the faults he should
74 Lett, 8 | has contracted certain bad habits of wandering and
75 Lett, 4 | ourselves and break down the bank which hinders it. Let us
76 Pref | Brother Lawrence simply and beautifully explains how to continually
77 | becomes
78 | beforehand
79 Lett, 1 | may displease Him. It also begets in us a holy freedom, and
80 Lett, 8 | like a dumb or paralytic beggar at a rich man's gate. Let
81 Lett, 2 | was a life of grace, which begins with servile fear, which
82 Lett, 1 | judge. At other times I beheld Him in my heart as my Father,
83 Lett, 2 | myself before God, whom I behold as my King.~I consider myself
84 Conv, 4 | could not but affect the beholders. ~It was observed, that
85 Conv, 2 | troubled in mind from a certain belief that he should be damned.
86 Conv, 4 | are possible to him who believes. They are less difficult
87 Lett, 2 | this be delusion in me, it belongs to God to remedy it. Let
88 | beyond
89 Pref | a Duchy of France. His birth records were destroyed in
90 Lett, 15 | His hand the sweet and the bitter. All would please that came
91 Lett, 15 | sufferings will lose their bitterness and become even a source
92 Lett, 15 | we not rude and deserve blame, if we leave Him alone to
93 Conv, 4 | continued with God, praising and blessing Him with all his might.
94 Lett, 4 | which passes in a moment. Blind as we are, we hinder God,
95 Lett, 4 | He complains much of our blindness; and cries often that we
96 Conv, 2 | pardon of our sins from the blood of Jesus Christ only endeavoring
97 Conv, 2 | and could not go about the boat but by rolling himself over
98 Pref | Carmelite lay brother, was born Nicholas Herman around 1610
99 Lett, 2 | choose to call this state the bosom of God, for the inexpressible
100 Lett, 3 | admire also the fortitude and bravery of M--. God has given him
101 Lett, 4 | enter into ourselves and break down the bank which hinders
102 Lett, 2 | an infant at the mother's breast. If I dare use the expression,
103 Lett, 10 | good deal of difficulty bringing myself to write to M.--.
104 Conv, 1 | great awkward fellow who broke everything. He finally decided
105 Conv, 2 | had been lately sent into Burgundy to buy the provision of
106 Lett, 15 | if we leave Him alone to busy ourselves about trifles
107 Conv, 2 | lately sent into Burgundy to buy the provision of wine for
108 Conv, 4 | persons are at the same time calling for different things, I
109 Lett, 2 | some years applying my mind carefully the rest of the day, and
110 Lett, 4 | known of God, and extremely caressed by Him.~I will pray for
111 Conv, 2 | not offend Him. He said he carried no guilt. "When I fail in
112 Lett, 8 | she must recall them and carry them to God as their last
113 Lett, 2 | there, as a stone before a carver, whereof he is to make a
114 Conv, 2 | rolling himself over the casks. Yet he gave himself no
115 Lett, 15 | in good earnest. Let us cast everything besides out of
116 Conv, 4 | accidents, which trouble us and cause perpetual vicissitudes in
117 Lett, 2 | set time of prayer, which caused in me great delight and
118 Lett, 2 | soul with God, which often causes in me joys so great that
119 Pref | full of severe trials and challenges. ~A gentle man of joyful
120 Lett, 15 | we shall soon see that change wrought in us which we aspire
121 Conv, 4 | sanctification did not depend upon changing our works. Instead, it depended
122 Lett, 2 | recalled by inward emotions so charming and delicious that I cannot
123 Lett, 2 | goodness, very far from chastising me, embraces me with love,
124 Lett, 12 | and affectionately (as a child his Father) to make you
125 Lett, 2 | the expression, I should choose to call this state the bosom
126 Lett, 11 | what they are and not like Christians. They consider sickness
127 Pref | him quite crippled and in chronic pain for the rest of his
128 Pref | anyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can practice -anywhere,
129 Conv, 3 | he found in God, as in a clear mirror, all that was fit
130 Lett, 4 | little left. Death follows us close. Let us be well prepared
131 Conv, 4 | prayer. In the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several
132 Pref | few of his letters were collected. Joseph de Beaufort, representative
133 Lett, 11 | little time, go to God. What comforts me in this life is that
134 Conv, 4 | now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these
135 Lett, 4 | will not be surprised. I commend you for it. It is the one
136 Conv, Int| Joseph de Beaufort later commented that the crippled brother,
137 Lett, 6 | continue with Him in our commerce of love, persevering in
138 Conv, 1 | and the faults he should commit, and so he should sacrifice
139 Pref | new beginning and a fresh commitment to love God with all his
140 Lett, 2 | corruption, and who has committed all sorts of crimes against
141 Conv, 2 | impertinence and return to our communion with God. In the beginning
142 Lett, 7 | meals and when you are in company. The least little remembrance
143 Conv, 2 | Acts of the intellect were comparatively of little value. Acts of
144 Lett, 4 | sentiments that you may compare them with your own. They
145 Conv, 2 | this world were not to be compared with what he had experienced
146 Lett, 4 | what he pleases of it. He complains much of our blindness; and
147 Conv, 4 | Him thanks when we have completed them. ~In our conversation
148 Conv, 4 | with an even uninterrupted composure and tranquillity of spirit. "
149 Conv, 2 | but he greatly needed a confessor to absolve him. He said
150 Lett, 7 | not always scrupulously confine yourself to certain rules
151 Lett, 12 | his Father) to make you conformable to His holy will. I shall
152 Lett, 9 | am filled with shame and confusion, when I reflect on the one
153 Conv, 4 | already. He told me that all consists in one hearty renunciation
154 Lett, 5 | presence, deprived of all consolations, for the love of Him if
155 Lett, 7 | midst of your troubles. Console yourself with Him the oftenest
156 Lett, 6 | we must put any violent constraint upon ourselves. No, we must
157 Conv, 3 | nothing. He had no occasion to consult with anybody about his state.
158 Conv, 2 | mind, Brother Lawrence had consulted nobody. Knowing only by
159 Lett, 2 | eternal life, and which is consummated by pure love; that each
160 Lett, 2 | at last at that blessed consummation.~I have not followed all
161 Lett, 5 | subject which, in my opinion, contains the whole spiritual life.
162 Conv, 4 | ourselves worthy of all contempt and subject to all kinds
163 Conv, 2 | that God was present, he contented himself with directing all
164 Lett, 2 | prayer, they are only a continuation of the same exercise. Sometimes
165 Lett, 8 | engaging in devotion, has contracted certain bad habits of wandering
166 Conv, 4 | temptations, oppositions, and contradictions happen to us from men. We
167 Lett, Int| and a sister at a nearby convent, one or both who were from
168 Lett, Int| prioress of one of these convents. Note that the fourth letter
169 Lett, 7 | retire from time to time, to converse with Him in meekness, humility,
170 Lett, 2 | key of His treasures. He converses and delights Himself with
171 Conv, 1 | a singular favor in his conversion at the age of eighteen.
172 Lett, 12 | faith gives me as strong a conviction as sense can do. He never
173 Conv, 4 | thinking of God so as to convince his mind and impress deeply
174 Lett, 4 | though never so little, cooled. Let us then both recall
175 Lett, 2 | of men, full of sores and corruption, and who has committed all
176 Lett, 15 | these trifles will one day cost us dearly. Let us begin
177 Pref | Beaufort, representative and counsel to the local archbishop,
178 Conv, 4 | could propose. His very countenance was edifying with such a
179 Lett, 4 | stopped against its ordinary course, when it has found a passage,
180 Lett, 2 | It seemed to me that all creatures, reason, and God Himself
181 Lett, 4 | much of our blindness; and cries often that we are to be
182 Lett, 2 | has committed all sorts of crimes against his King. Touched
183 Lett, 11 | holds you fastened to the cross. He will loose you when
184 Lett, 7 | will be, without Him, a cruel punishment to us. May He
185 Lett, 7 | acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud. He is nearer
186 Lett, 4 | hinder God, and stop the current of His graces. But when
187 Conv, 2 | belief that he should be damned. All the men in the world
188 Lett, 2 | the mother's breast. If I dare use the expression, I should
189 Lett, 15 | trifles will one day cost us dearly. Let us begin to be devoted
190 Conv, 1 | broke everything. He finally decided to enter a monastery thinking
191 Lett, 15 | the measure of love. The deeper and more extensive our knowledge
192 Conv, 4 | convince his mind and impress deeply upon his heart the Divine
193 Lett, 2 | which I always pay a great deference, for I have a singular esteem
194 Lett, 14 | all at once what He has deferred during many years. Adieu.~
195 Conv, 1 | sufficient to bring us to a high degree of perfection. We ought
196 Lett, 4 | presses. There is no room for delay. Our souls are at stake.
197 Lett, 2 | emotions so charming and delicious that I cannot even describe
198 Lett, 5 | kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual
199 Lett, 2 | treasures. He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly,
200 Lett, 9 | received from M--. Pray deliver it to her. She seems to
201 Lett, 13 | necessity. Ask of God, not deliverance from your pains, but strength
202 Lett, 11 | not pray that you may be delivered from your pains; but I pray
203 Conv, 3 | faithful in doing our duty and denying ourselves and then, after
204 Conv, 4 | Our sanctification did not depend upon changing our works.
205 Conv, 4 | changing our works. Instead, it depended on doing that for God's
206 Conv, 4 | aspires after, the more dependent it is upon Divine Grace. ~
207 Lett, 6 | It is, however, proper to deprive it sometimes, nay often,
208 Lett, 5 | in His sacred presence, deprived of all consolations, for
209 Lett, 2 | delicious that I cannot even describe them.~I desire your reverence
210 Lett, Int| person, Brother Lawrence describing his own experience.~ ~
211 Conv, 4 | doubts, when we had no other design but to please Him. ~Our
212 Conv, 2 | result he feared nothing, desiring only one thing of God -
213 Pref | His birth records were destroyed in a fire at his parish
214 Lett, 1 | advancement would not be able to determine me to it.~The account I
215 Conv, 3 | only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing
216 Conv, 4 | of God as if he had never deviated from it. "Thus," said he, "
217 Conv, 4 | existence. He did this by devout sentiments and submission
218 Conv, 2 | first apply to Him with some diligence. Then, after a little care,
219 Lett, 2 | love; and I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think
220 Lett, 2 | troubles (which did not at all diminish the trust I had in God,
221 Pref | also left the gift of a direct approach to living in God'
222 Lett, 3 | can, in the manner here directed. It is very fit and most
223 Conv, 2 | he contented himself with directing all his actions to Him.
224 Lett, 5 | much upon them. Pray do not disappoint her. Beg of God that she
225 Conv, 1 | Lawrence said that God had disappointed him because he met with
226 Conv, 4 | examined himself how he had discharged his duty. If he found well,
227 Lett, 12 | who deserve the severest discipline, feel joys so continual
228 Lett, 8 | prayer. Many words and long discourses are often the occasions
229 Pref | today, Brother Lawrence, discovered, then followed, a pure and
230 Conv, 1 | the visit was to sincerely discuss how to serve God, I might
231 Lett, 15 | them in the hand of God who dispenses them, when we know that
232 Lett, 12 | I know not how God will dispose of me. I am always happy.
233 Lett, 10 | inclined to serve him. He disposes of hearts as He pleases.
234 Lett, 3 | God has given him a good disposition, and a good will; but there
235 Conv, 4 | our internal and external dispositions. Alas, we are persons whom
236 Lett, 1 | occurred, without troubling or disquieting myself when my mind had
237 Lett, 8 | habits of wandering and dissipation, they are difficult to overcome.
238 Lett, 13 | bodily diseases to cure the distempers of the soul. Have courage.
239 Lett, 8 | disquiet serve rather to distract the mind than to re-collect
240 Pref | limelight, knowing that outside distraction "spoils all." It was not
241 Lett, 11 | nothing in it but grief and distress. But those who consider
242 Lett, 15 | loving Father who abases and distresses us, our sufferings will
243 Lett, 2 | this repose, she cannot be disturbed by such acts as she was
244 Lett, 1 | methods of going to God, and divers practices of the spiritual
245 Lett, 10 | business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and
246 Conv, 2 | greatest business did not divert him from God.~Since he knew
247 Conv, 3 | do. When outward business diverted him a little from the thought
248 Conv, 4 | knowing His will in things doubtful and for rightly performing
249 Lett, 4 | renders him incapable of doubting it on any account whatever.~
250 Conv, 4 | always gave us light in our doubts, when we had no other design
251 Lett, 12 | prayers.~God has many ways of drawing us to Himself. He sometimes
252 Lett, 4 | fidelity to these inward drawings, either by an elevation
253 Conv, 3 | God honors Him much and draws down great graces. Also,
254 Lett, 11 | my ease, that I eat and drink at the table of the Lord.
255 Lett, 1 | height of my business, I drove away from my mind everything
256 Conv, 1 | we need fidelity in those drynesses, or insensibilities and
257 Pref | in Herimenil, Lorraine, a Duchy of France. His birth records
258 Lett, 14 | to you His graces in His due time, and grant you all
259 Lett, 5 | seems to me that whoever duly practices it will soon become
260 Lett, 8 | prayer before God, like a dumb or paralytic beggar at a
261 Lett, 8 | wills, to the things of the earth. I believe one remedy for
262 Lett, 3 | perceives it, and nothing is easier than to repeat often in
263 Lett, 9 | for this is the best and easiest method I know. I use no
264 Conv, 4 | His very countenance was edifying with such a sweet and calm
265 Pref | EDITOR’S PREFACE ~ ~Brother Lawrence,
266 Conv, 2 | the love of God, could not efface a single sin. Instead, we
267 Conv, 1 | which has never since been effaced from his soul. This view
268 Lett, 11 | often nearer to us and more effectually present with us in sickness
269 Lett, 2 | itself up without any care or effort of mine. It continues as
270 Conv, 1 | conversion at the age of eighteen. During that winter, upon
271 Lett, 8 | Eighth Letter~You tell me nothing
272 Lett, 7 | sixty-four, and I am almost eighty. Let us live and die with
273 | either
274 Conv, 4 | by studied reasonings and elaborate meditations. By this short
275 Lett, 15 | sensible favors (however elevated) which He has or may do
276 Lett, 4 | inward drawings, either by an elevation of his heart towards God,
277 Lett, 11 | Eleventh Letter~I do not pray that
278 Lett, 2 | far from chastising me, embraces me with love, makes me eat
279 Lett, 2 | presently recalled by inward emotions so charming and delicious
280 Conv, 2 | account of. Brother Lawrence emphasized that all bodily mortifications
281 Conv, 3 | united to God in his outward employments than when he left them for
282 Lett, 11 | mercy and the means which He employs for their salvation, commonly
283 Lett, 5 | of it, the heart must be empty of all other things; because
284 Lett, 5 | possess it alone, without emptying it of all besides, so neither
285 Conv, 2 | cannot do this unless Thou enablest me". And then he received
286 Lett, 9 | Ninth Letter~The enclosed is an answer to that which
287 Lett, 10 | our friends, but without encroaching upon the love of God, which
288 Conv, 2 | blood of Jesus Christ only endeavoring to love Him with all our
289 Conv, 4 | we often failed in our endeavors, but that at last we should
290 Lett, 4 | happens when he is most engaged in his outward business.
291 Lett, 6 | themselves, yet such as one often engages in unreasonably. Those devotions
292 Lett, 8 | recollection, at our first engaging in devotion, has contracted
293 Lett, 14 | If in this life we would enjoy the peace of paradise, we
294 Conv, 3 | sense of God which he had enjoyed so long. Yet the goodness
295 Conv, 1 | we ought to quicken and enliven our faith. It was lamentable
296 Lett, 12 | Above all, gain a habit of entertaining yourself often with God,
297 Lett, 2 | was the reason why, at my entrance into religion, I took a
298 Lett, 11 | happy you may think me, I envy you. Pain and suffering
299 Conv, 1 | consolation all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.~
300 Lett, 9 | nothing but sin. We cannot escape the dangers which abound
301 Lett, 3 | Him the oftenest he can, especially in the greatest dangers.~
302 Conv, 1 | Lawrence related that we should establish ourselves in a sense of
303 Lett, 2 | is increased by hope of eternal life, and which is consummated
304 Conv, 4 | we hope to be through all eternity. ~Brother Lawrence said
305 | everywhere
306 Conv, 3 | strength to bear whatever evil He permitted to happen to
307 Lett, 4 | business. He answers with exact fidelity to these inward
308 Conv, 4 | spiritual we should consider and examine to the bottom what we are.
309 Conv, 4 | When he had finished, he examined himself how he had discharged
310 Lett, 9 | and yet more by our good examples. Please let me hear of her
311 Conv, 4 | without our care and to our exceeding great delight. ~The whole
312 Conv, 4 | selfish regards. The most excellent method he had found for
313 Conv, 2 | should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty.~
314 Conv, 2 | them to God and made no excuses. When he had so done, he
315 Conv, 4 | short and sure method he exercised himself in the knowledge
316 Conv, 4 | upon his heart the Divine existence. He did this by devout sentiments
317 Conv, 2 | without any difficulty.~He expected after the pleasant days
318 Lett, 7 | us begin then. Perhaps He expects but one generous resolution
319 Pref | for the rest of his life.~Experiencing the "trouble of mind" that
320 Lett, 14 | I have been often near expiring, though I was never so much
321 Pref | Lawrence simply and beautifully explains how to continually walk
322 Lett, 3 | a soldier, who is daily exposed to dangers of life, and
323 Lett, 2 | me at present, I cannot express it. I have no pain or difficulty
324 Lett, 2 | breast. If I dare use the expression, I should choose to call
325 Lett, 15 | love. The deeper and more extensive our knowledge shall be,
326 Conv, 4 | humors, in our internal and external dispositions. Alas, we are
327 Lett, 3 | that He would reduce you to extremity. He will come in His own
328 Lett, 11 | ever present before my eyes, as well as the uncertainty
329 Lett, 1 | rather to puzzle me, than facilitate what I sought after, which
330 Lett, 8 | will is mistress of all our faculties, she must recall them and
331 Lett, 6 | We must do our business faithfully without trouble or disquiet,
332 Conv, 4 | he, "by rising after my falls, and by frequently renewed
333 Lett, 1 | and if I may so speak, a familiarity with God, where, when we
334 Lett, 3 | will assist him and all the family, to whom I present my service,
335 Lett, 11 | yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the cross. He will loose
336 Lett, 9 | good will, but she would go faster than grace. One does not
337 Pref | which he sustained a near fatal injury to his sciatic nerve.
338 Lett, 6 | This exercise does not much fatigue the body. It is, however,
339 Conv, 2 | duty, he only confessed his fault saying to God, "I shall
340 Lett, 2 | me in all respects as His favorite. It is thus I consider myself
341 Conv, 1 | and fooleries. We should feed and nourish our souls with
342 Lett, 13 | some ease and sweetens the feeling I have of your griefs, is
343 Lett, 4 | to him (as in effect he feels it) that this God of love,
344 Lett, 1 | as a poor criminal at the feet of his judge. At other times
345 Lett, 2 | sufferings.~During this time I fell often, and rose again presently.
346 Conv, 1 | that he was a great awkward fellow who broke everything. He
347 Lett, 9 | and whether she is very fervent and obedient.~Let us thus
348 Conv, 1 | he had been footman to M. Fieubert, the treasurer, and that
349 Conv, 2 | everything easy during the fifteen years that he had been employed
350 Lett, 15 | Fifteenth Letter~God knows best what
351 Lett, 5 | Fifth Letter~I received this day
352 Conv, Int| Lawrence was in his late fifties. Joseph de Beaufort later
353 Conv, 4 | business, he said to God with a filial trust in Him, "O my God,
354 Lett, 2 | Second Letter~Not finding my manner of life in books,
355 Lett, 1 | supplies the graces we need. In fine, by often repeating these
356 Conv, 4 | his actions. ~When he had finished, he examined himself how
357 Pref | records were destroyed in a fire at his parish church during
358 Lett, 2 | spirit were suspended and firmly fixed in God as in its center
359 Lett, 2 | were suspended and firmly fixed in God as in its center
360 Lett, 4 | plentifully. There they flow like a torrent, which, after
361 Conv, 1 | renewed and after that the flowers and fruit appear, Brother
362 Pref | in a small pamphlet. The following year, in a second publication
363 Lett, 4 | have but little left. Death follows us close. Let us be well
364 Lett, 9 | perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity. You and I have
365 Conv, 1 | to think of trifles and fooleries. We should feed and nourish
366 Conv, 1 | Lawrence said he had been footman to M. Fieubert, the treasurer,
367 Lett, 4 | by misfortune (which God forbid, for it would be indeed
368 Lett, 4 | torrent, which, after being forcibly stopped against its ordinary
369 Lett, 11 | both of soul and body.~I foresee that you will tell me that
370 Lett, 2 | my wickedness. I ask His forgiveness. I abandon myself in His
371 Conv, 4 | of God's Presence, or he forgot to ask His assistance. He
372 | former
373 | formerly
374 Conv, 3 | assured him He would not forsake him utterly and that He
375 Lett, 12 | forsakes us until we have first forsaken Him. Let us fear to leave
376 Lett, 12 | as sense can do. He never forsakes us until we have first forsaken
377 Lett, 3 | danger, they best serve to fortify it. Let him then think of
378 Lett, 4 | gale of the Holy Spirit go forward even in sleep. If the vessel
379 Pref | Years War, a war in which he fought as a young soldier. It was
380 Lett, 14 | Fourteenth Letter~I render thanks to
381 Pref | Herimenil, Lorraine, a Duchy of France. His birth records were
382 Conv, 2 | simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring
383 Conv, 4 | rising after my falls, and by frequently renewed acts of faith and
384 Conv, 1 | after that the flowers and fruit appear, Brother Lawrence
385 Conv, 1 | satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will. Whether God
386 Lett, 2 | wretchedness, of which you are fully informed, than upon the
387 Lett, 4 | But those who have the gale of the Holy Spirit go forward
388 Lett, 8 | paralytic beggar at a rich man's gate. Let it be your business
389 Lett, 7 | Perhaps He expects but one generous resolution on our part.
390 Lett, 9 | Let us renounce, let us generously renounce, for the love of
391 Conv, 2 | nothing else, not even His gifts. ~He said he had been long
392 Conv, 4 | Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have
393 Lett, 2 | greater security, I shall be glad to know your thoughts concerning
394 Lett, 10 | die with Him. This is the glorious employment of a Christian;
395 Conv, 2 | told me he had always been governed by love, without selfish
396 Lett, 3 | a God who is infinitely gracious and knows all our wants.
397 Conv, 2 | that God seemed to have granted the greatest favors to the
398 Conv, 2 | director to advise him, but he greatly needed a confessor to absolve
399 Conv, 4 | God, Who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love
400 Lett, 11 | they find nothing in it but grief and distress. But those
401 Lett, 13 | the feeling I have of your griefs, is that they are proof
402 Conv, 1 | things as well as those of a grosser nature. God would give light
403 Conv, 2 | Him. He said he carried no guilt. "When I fail in my duty,
404 Lett, 8 | has contracted certain bad habits of wandering and dissipation,
405 Lett, 4 | in his soul. This often happens when he is most engaged
406 Lett, 13 | prayers, indeed, are a little hard to nature, but most acceptable
407 Conv, 4 | heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty nor loitering, but did each
408 Pref | walk with God -not from the head but from the heart. Brother
409 Lett, 9 | examples. Please let me hear of her from time to time
410 Conv, 1 | the miseries and sins he heard of daily in the world, he
411 Conv, 4 | that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything
412 Conv, 4 | preserved his recollection and heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty nor
413 | herein
414 Pref | Nicholas Herman around 1610 in Herimenil, Lorraine, a Duchy of France.
415 Pref | brother, was born Nicholas Herman around 1610 in Herimenil,
416 Lett, 12 | Himself. He sometimes seems to hide Himself from us. But faith
417 Conv, 4 | as God pleases as things highly advantageous to us. The
418 Lett, 8 | occasions of wandering. Hold yourself in prayer before
419 Lett, 11 | Comfort yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the cross.
420 Conv, 3 | the trust we put in God honors Him much and draws down
421 Conv, 4 | in continual joy. Yet he hoped that God would give him
422 Conv, 4 | less difficult to him who hopes. They are more easy to him
423 Lett, 12 | sufferings, beseech Him humbly and affectionately (as a
424 Conv, 4 | vicissitudes in our health, in our humors, in our internal and external
425 Conv, 4 | observed, that in the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen,
426 Lett, 9 | and on the other, upon the ill use I have made of them
427 Lett, 2 | Him to make His perfect image in my soul, and render me
428 Lett, 5 | moment.~Believe me, make immediately a holy and firm resolution
429 Lett, 4 | have taken the liberty to impart to you these good sentiments
430 Conv, 2 | soon as we perceived their impertinence and return to our communion
431 Lett, 4 | passage, spreads itself with impetuosity and abundance. Yet we often
432 Lett, 7 | much. It will be of great importance if you can leave the care
433 Conv, 2 | Acts of the will were all important. Our only business was to
434 Lett, 1 | am prevailed on by your importunities. I do it only upon the terms
435 Conv, 3 | graces. Also, that it was impossible not only that God should
436 Conv, 4 | to convince his mind and impress deeply upon his heart the
437 Lett, 1 | I well know, are to be imputed to the mere mercy and goodness
438 Lett, 4 | soul that it renders him incapable of doubting it on any account
439 Lett, 10 | friend more powerful and more inclined to serve him. He disposes
440 Pref | Presence of God', de Beaufort included, as introductory material,
441 Lett, 13 | unsuccessful and your malady still increases, it will not be tempting
442 Lett, 15 | receive equally and with indifference from His hand the sweet
443 Conv, 4 | God. Everything else is indifferent and to be used as a means
444 Conv, 4 | his example was a stronger inducement than any arguments he could
445 Lett, 2 | the bosom of God, for the inexpressible sweetness which I taste
446 Lett, 2 | delight than that of an infant at the mother's breast.
447 Lett, 12 | you can. Adore Him in your infirmities. Offer yourself to Him from
448 Lett, 2 | from it by necessity or infirmity, I am presently recalled
449 Lett, 4 | serve again to kindle and inflame them, if by misfortune (
450 Conv, 3 | invested his soul and so inflamed and transported him that
451 Lett, 2 | yet I think it proper to inform you after what manner I
452 Lett, 2 | of which you are fully informed, than upon the great favors
453 Lett, 6 | little pleasures which are innocent and lawful. God will not
454 Conv, 1 | fidelity in those drynesses, or insensibilities and irksomenesses in prayer
455 Conv, 4 | soul being at that time insensible to everything but Divine
456 Lett, 2 | in me.~At length I came insensibly to do the same thing during
457 Lett, 4 | upon these occasions. For instance, he may say "My God, here
458 Lett, 2 | contrary, from I know not what instincts, I found they discouraged
459 Lett, 6 | least turning from Him is insupportable. This exercise does not
460 Lett, 1 | everything that was capable of interrupting my thought of God. Such
461 Conv, 4 | be done, he spent all the intervals of his time, both before
462 Conv, Int| the time of de Beaufort's interviews, Brother Lawrence was in
463 Conv, 4 | need only to recognize God intimately present with us and address
464 Lett, 15 | afflictions never appear intolerable except when we see them
465 Pref | de Beaufort included, as introductory material, the content of
466 Lett, 6 | manner which our spirit can invent.~Be not discouraged by the
467 Conv, 3 | remembrance coming from God invested his soul and so inflamed
468 Lett, 1 | when my mind had wandered involuntarily.~I made this my business,
469 Conv, 2 | we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without
470 Conv, 1 | or insensibilities and irksomenesses in prayer by which God tries
471 Lett, 4 | and a mistake there is irretrievable.~I say again, let us enter
472 Pref | challenges. ~A gentle man of joyful spirit, Brother Lawrence
473 Lett, 11 | much, and as long, as He judges necessary for you.~The men
474 Lett, 2 | with the thoughts of death, judgment, hell, heaven, and my sins.
475 Conv, 2 | assistance in our affairs just as they happen. God never
476 Lett, 1 | the oftenest that I could, keeping my mind in His holy Presence,
477 Lett, 2 | own hands, gives me the key of His treasures. He converses
478 Lett, 5 | There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful
479 Lett, 4 | They will serve again to kindle and inflame them, if by
480 Conv, 1 | loose from the world and kindled in him such a love for God,
481 Conv, 4 | tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Supper." ~
482 Lett, 14 | them who ask it earnestly. Knock, persevere in knocking,
483 Lett, 14 | earnestly. Knock, persevere in knocking, and I answer for it that
484 Conv, 4 | humble by many pains and labors as well within as without. ~
485 Conv, 2 | business and because he was lame and could not go about the
486 Conv, 2 | This trouble of mind had lasted four years during which
487 Conv, 2 | experienced.~He said he had been lately sent into Burgundy to buy
488 | later
489 Lett, 6 | pleasures which are innocent and lawful. God will not permit a soul
490 Conv, 4 | we are sensible does not lead to God. We might accustom
491 Conv, 1 | of His will. Whether God led us by suffering or by consolation
492 Lett, 2 | with me, often as in me.~At length I came insensibly to do
493 Lett, 3 | acceptable to God. And far from lessening a soldier's courage in occasions
494 Lett, 3 | greatest dangers.~A little lifting up the heart suffices. A
495 Conv, 4 | sentiments and submission to the lights of faith, rather than by
496 | likely
497 Conv, 2 | it proved very well.~So, likewise, in his business in the
498 Pref | shunned attention and the limelight, knowing that outside distraction "
499 Lett, 4 | a soul penetrated with a lively faith, He pours into it
500 Pref | of a direct approach to living in God's presence that is