Fifteen Historic Letters

7/31/2019 Fifteen Historic Letters

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FIFTEEN HISTORIC

LETTERSOF BROTHER LAWRENCE

Preface from the author of Cry of theFountain of Life

Brother Lawrence lived in the 17th century. Though he was a Catholic and had

biases, he offers us a unique spectacle of spiritual wisdom in his life in the

convent as he challenged the practices of the Catholics and other convent

members, particularly in denouncing the useless rituals and exercises as well assalvation by works. His example of acknowledging the holy presence of God is

highly exemplary of how we should approach God and practice Christianity

todaywalking with the Lord daily as Enoch did. As Lawrence clearly

demonstrated, a person need not live in isolation or in silence to practice this

lifestyle; in fact, it thrives where there is maximum outward chaos. Keep in


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mind that prayer time, Bible study, and evangelism are all very important and

necessary; however, relishing the presence of God in sweet continual

communion eclipses everything. Do not take the words you are about to read

lightly. Determine to immediately practice what you learn by Gods grace. This

may very well be the greatest spiritual breakthrough of your life. Enjoy.

First Letter:

Since you desire so earnestly that I shouldcommunicate to you the method by which Iarrived at that habitual sense of God'sPresence, which our Lord, of His mercy, has

been pleased to vouchsafe to me; I must tellyou, that it is with great difficulty that I amprevailed on by your importunities; and now Ido it only upon the terms, that you show myletter to nobody. If I knew that you would letit be seen, all the desire that I have for youradvancement would not be able to determine

me to it. The account I can give you is: Having found in many books differentmethods of going to God, and diverspractices of the spiritual life, I thought thiswould serve rather to puzzle me, thanfacilitate what I sought after, which wasnothing but how to become wholly God's.

This made me resolve to give the all for theAll: so after having given myself wholly toGod, to make all the satisfaction I could formy sins, I renounced, for the love of Him,


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everything that was not He; and I began tolive as if there was none but He and I in theworld. Sometimes I considered myself before

Him as a poor criminal at the feet of hisjudge; at other times I beheld Him in myheart as my Father, as my God: I worshippedHim the oftenest that I could, keeping mymind in His holy Presence, and recalling it asoften as I found it wandered from Him.

I found no small pain in this exercise, and

yet I continued it, notwithstanding all thedifficulties that occurred, without troublingor disquieting myself when my mind hadwandered involuntarily. I made this mybusiness, as much all the day long as at theappointed times of prayer; for at all times,every hour, every minute, even in the height

of my business, I drove away from my mindeverything that was capable of interruptingmy thought of God.

Such has been my common practice eversince I entered into religion; and though Ihave done it very imperfectly, yet I havefound great advantages by it. These, I well

know, are to be imputed to the mere mercyand goodness of God, because we can donothing without Him; and I still less than any.But when we are faithful to keep ourselves inHis holy Presence, and set Him always before


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us, this not only hinders our offending Him,and doing anything that may displease Him,at least willfully, but it also begets in us a

holy freedom, and if I may so speak, afamiliarity with God, wherewith we ask, andthat successfully, the graces we stand inneed of.

In fine, by often repeating these acts, theybecome habitual, and the presence of God isrendered as it were natural to us. Give Him

thanks, if you please, with me, for His greatgoodness towards me, which I can neversufficiently admire, for the many favours Hehas done to so miserable a sinner as I am.May all things praise Him. Amen.

Second Letter: Not finding my manner of life in books,although I have no difficulty about it, yet, forgreater security, I shall be glad to know yourthoughts concerning it.

In a conversation some days since with a

person of piety, he told me the spiritual lifewas a life of grace, which begins with servilefear, which is increased by hope of eternallife, and which is consummated by pure love;that each of these states had its different


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stages, by which one arrives at last at thatblessed consummation.

I have not followed all these methods. Onthe contrary, from I know not what instincts,I found they discouraged me. This was thereason why, at my entrance into religion, Itook a resolution to give myself up to God, asthe best satisfaction I could make for mysins; and, for the love of Him, to renounce allbesides.

For the first years, I commonly employedmyself during the time set apart fordevotion, with the thoughts of death,judgment, hell, heaven, and my sins. Thus Icontinued some years applying my mindcarefully the rest of the day, and even in themidst of my business, to the presence ofGod, whom I considered always as with me,often as in me.

At length I came insensibly to do the samething during my set time of prayer, whichcaused in me great delight and consolation.This practice produced in me so high an

esteem for God, that faith alone was capableto satisfy me in that point.

Such was my beginning; and yet I must tellyou, that for the first ten years I sufferedmuch: the apprehension that I was not


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devoted to God, as I wished to be, my pastsins always present to my mind, and thegreat unmerited favours which God did me,

were the matter and source of my sufferings.During this time I fell often, and rose againpresently. It seemed to me that thecreatures, reason, and God Himself wereagainst me; And faith alone for me. I wastroubled sometimes with thoughts, that tobelieve I had received such favours was aneffect of my presumption, which pretendedto be at once where others arrive withdifficulty; at other times that it was a willfuldelusion, and that there was no salvation forme.

When I thought of nothing but to end mydays in these troubles (which did not at all

diminish the trust I had in God, and whichserved only to increase my faith), I foundmyself changed all at once; and my soul,which till that time was in trouble, felt aprofound inward peace, as if she were in hercentre and place of rest.

Ever since that time I walk before God

simply, in faith, with humility and with love;and I apply myself diligently to do nothingand think nothing which may displease Him. Ihope that when I have done what I can, Hewill do with me what He pleases.


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As for what passes in me at present, Icannot express it.I have no pain or difficultyabout my state, because I have no will but

that ofGod, which I endeavour to accomplishin all things, and to which I am so resigned,that I would not take up a straw from theground against His order, or from any othermotive but purely that of love to Him.

I have quitted all forms of devotion and setprayers but those to which my state obliges

me. And I make it my business only topersevere in His holy presence, wherein Ikeep myself by a simple attention, and ageneral fond regard to God, which I may callan actual presence of God; or, to speakbetter, an habitual, silent, and secretconversation of the soul with God, which

often causes in me joys and rapturesinwardly, and sometimes also outwardly, sogreat that I am forced to use means tomoderate them, and prevent theirappearance to others.

In short, I am assured beyond all doubt,that my soul has been with Godabove these

thirty years. I pass over many things, that Imay not be tedious to you, yet I think itproper to inform you after what manner Iconsider myself before God, whom I beholdas my King.


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I consider myself as the most wretched ofmen, full of sores and corruption, and whohas committed all sorts of crimes against his

King; touched with a sensible regret I confessto Him all my wickedness, I ask Hisforgiveness, I abandon myself in His hands,that He may do what He pleases with me.This King, full of mercy and goodness, veryfar from chastising me, embraces me withlove, makes me eat at His table, serves mewith His own hands, gives me the key of Histreasures; He converses and delights Himselfwith me incessantly, in a thousand and athousand ways, and treats me in all respectsas His favourite. It is thus I consider myselffrom time to time in His holy presence.

My most usual method is this simple

attention, and such a general passionateregard to God; to whom I find myself oftenattached with greater sweetness and delightthan that of an infant at the mother's breast:so that if I dare use the expression, I shouldchoose to call this state the bosom of God,for the inexpressible sweetness which I tasteand experience there. If sometimes mythoughts wander from it by necessity orinfirmity, I am presently recalled by inwardmotions, so charming and delicious that I amashamed to mention them.


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I desire your reverence to reflect ratherupon my great wretchedness, of which youare fully informed, than upon the great

favours which Goddoes me, all unworthy andungrateful as I am.

As for my set hours of prayer, they are onlya continuation of the same exercise.Sometimes I consider myself there, as astone before a carver, whereof he is to makea statue: presenting myself thus before God,

I desire Him to make His perfect image in mysoul, and render me entirely like Himself.

At other times, when I apply myself toprayer, I feel all my spirit and all my soul liftitself up without any care or effort of mine;and it continues as it were suspended andfirmly fixed in God, as in its centre and placeof rest.

I know that some charge this state withinactivity, delusion, and self-love: I confessthat it is a holy inactivity, and would be ahappy self-love, if the soul in that state werecapable of it; because in effect, while she is

in this repose, she cannot be disturbed bysuch acts as she was formerly accustomed to,and which were then her support, but wouldnow rather hinder than assist her.


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Yet I cannot bear that this should be calleddelusion; because the soul which thus enjoysGoddesires herein nothing but Him. If this be

delusion in me, it belongs to Godto remedyit. Let Him do what He pleases with me: Idesire only Him, and to be wholly devotedHim.

You will, however, oblige me in sending meyour opinion, to which I always pay a greatdeference, for I have a singular esteem for

your reverence, and am yours in our Lord.

Third Letter:

We have a God who is infinitely gracious,and knows all our wants. I always thoughtthat He would reduce you to extremity. Hewill come in His own time, and when youleast expect it. Hope in Him more than ever:thank Him with me for the favours He doesyou, particularly for the fortitude andpatience which He gives you in yourafflictions: it is a plain mark of the care He

takes of you; comfort yourself then with Him,and give thanks for all.

I admire also the fortitude and bravery ofM. Godhas given him a good disposition, and


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a good will; but there is in him still a little ofthe world, and a great deal of youth. I hopethe affliction which God has sent him will

prove a wholesome remedy to him, and makehim enter into himself; it is an accident veryproper to engage him to put all his trust inHim, who accompanies him everywhere: lethim think of Him the oftenest he can,especially in the greatest dangers.

A little lifting up the heart suffices; a little

remembrance of God, one act of inwardworship,though upon a march, and sword inhand, are prayers which, however short, arenevertheless very acceptable to God; and farfrom lessening a soldier's courage inoccasions of danger, they best serve tofortify it.

ooo

Let him then think ofGod the most he can;let him accustom himself, by degrees, to thissmall but holy exercise; nobody perceives it,and nothing is easier than to repeat often inthe day these little internal adorations.

Recommend to him, if you please, that hethink ofGodthe most he can, in the mannerhere directed; it is very fit and mostnecessary for a soldier, who is daily exposedto dangers of life, and often of his salvation. I


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hope that God will assist him and all thefamily, to whom I present my service, beingtheirs and yours.

Fourth Letter: (Written in third-person)

I have taken this opportunity tocommunicate to you the sentiments of one ofour society concerning the admirable effects

and continual assistances which he receivesfrom the presence of God. Let you and meboth profit by them.

You must know, his continual care hasbeen, for above forty years past that he hasspent in religion, to be always with God; andto do nothing, say nothing, and think nothingwhich may displease Him; and this withoutany other view than purely for the love ofHim, and because He deserves infinitelymore.

He is now so accustomed to that Divinepresence, that he receives from it continual

succours upon all occasions. For about thirtyyears, his soul has been filled with joys socontinual, and sometimes so great, that he isforced to use means to moderate them, andto hinder their appearing outwardly.


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If sometimes he is a little too much absentfrom that Divine presence, God presentlymakes Himself to be felt in his soul to recall

him; which often happens when he is mostengaged in his outward business: he answerswith exact fidelity to these inward drawings,either by an elevation of his heart towardsGod, or by a meek and fond regard to Him, orby such words as love forms upon theseoccasions; as for instance, My God, here I amall devoted to Thee: Lord, make me accordingto Thy heart.

And then it seems to him (as in effect hefeels it) that this Godof love, satisfied withsuch few words, reposes again, and rests inthe depth and centre of his soul. Theexperience of these things gives him such an

assurance that Godis always in the depth orbottom of his soul, and renders himincapable of doubting it, upon any accountwhatever.

Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] Mythrone, and the earth [is] My footstool: where[is] the house that ye build unto Me? And where

[is] the place of My rest? For all those [things]hath Mine hand made, and all those [things]have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man]will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a


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contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word (Is.66:1, 2).

Judge by this what content and satisfaction

he enjoys, while he continually finds inhimself so great a treasure: he is no longer inan anxious search after it, but has it openbefore him, and may take what he pleases ofit.

He complains much of our blindness; and

cries often that we are to be pitied whocontent ourselves with so little. God, saithhe, has infinite treasure to bestow, and wetake up with a little sensible devotion whichpasses in a moment. Blind as we are, wehinder God, and stop the current of His

graces. But when He finds a soul

penetrated with a lively faith, Hepours into it His graces and favoursplentifully; there they flow like atorrent, which, after being forcibly stoppedagainst its ordinary course, when it hasfound a passage, spreads itself withimpetuosity and abundance.

Yes, we often stop this torrent, by the littlevalue we set upon it. But let us stop it nomore: let us enter into ourselves and breakdown the bank which hinders it. Let us make


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way for grace; let us redeem the lost time,for perhaps we have but little left; deathfollows us close, let us be well prepared for

it; for we die but once, and a miscarriagethere is irretrievable.

I say again, let us enter into ourselves. Thetime presses: there is no room for delay; oursouls are at stake. I believe you have takensuch effectual measures, that you will not besurprised. I commend you for it, it is the one

thing necessary: we must, nevertheless,always work at it, because not to advance, inthe spiritual life, is to go back. But those whohave the gale of the Holy Spirit go forwardeven in sleep. If the vessel of our soul is stilltossed with winds and storms, let us awakethe Lord, who reposes in it, and He will

quickly calm the sea. I have taken the liberty to impart to youthese good sentiments, that you maycompare them with your own: they will serveagain to kindle and inflame them, if bymisfortune (which Godforbid, for it would beindeed a great misfortune) they should be,

though never so little, cooled. Let us thenboth recall our first fervours. Let us profit bythe example and the sentiments of thisbrother, who is little known of the world, butknown of God, and extremely caressed by


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Him. I will pray for you; do you pray instantlyfor me, who am yours in our Lord.

Fifth Letter:

I received this day two books and a letterfrom Sister, who is preparing to make herprofession, and upon that account desiresthe prayers of your holy society, and yours in

particular. I perceive that she reckons muchupon them; pray do not disappoint her. BegofGodthat she may make her sacrifice in theview of His love alone, and with a firmresolution to be wholly devoted to Him.

I will send you one of those books whichtreat of the presence ofGod; a subject which,

in my opinion, contains the whole spirituallife; and it seems to me that whoever dulypractices it will soon become spiritual.

I know that for the right practice of it, theheart must be empty of all other things;because God will possess the heart alone ;and as He cannot possess it alone, withoutemptying it of all besides, so neither can Heact there, and do in it what He pleases,unless it be left vacant to Him.


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Casting down imaginations, and every highthing that exalteth itself against the knowledgeof God, and bringing into captivity every

thought to the obedience of Christ (IICorinthians 10:5).

There is not in the world a kind of life moresweet and delightful, than that of a continualconversation with God: those only cancomprehend it who practice and experienceit; yet I do not advise you to do it from that

motive; it is not pleasure which we ought toseek in this exercise; but let us do it from aprinciple of love, and because God wouldhave us.

Were I a preacher, I should aboveall other things preach the practice

of the presence ofGod; and were Ia director, I should advise all theworld to do it: so necessary do Ithink it, and so easy too.

Ah! knew we but the want we

have of the grace and assistance ofGod, we should never lose sight ofHim, no, not for a moment. Believeme; make immediately a holy and firmresolution never more willfully to forget Him,


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and to spend the rest of your days in Hissacred presence, deprived for the love ofHim, if He thinks fit, of all consolations.

One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, thatwill I seek after; that I may dwell in the houseof the LORD all the days of my life, to beholdthe beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in Histemple (Psalm 27:4).

Set heartily about this work, and if you do

it as you ought, be assured that you will soonfind the effects of it. I will assist you with myprayers, poor as they are: I recommendmyself earnestly to yours, and those of yourholy society.

Sixth Letter: I have received from Mrs. - the things whichyou gave her for me. I wonder that you havenot given me your thoughts of the little bookI sent to you, and which you must havereceived. Pray set heartily about the practiceof it in your old age; it is better late than

never.

I cannot imagine how religious persons canlive satisfied without the practice of thepresence of God. For my part I keep myself


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retired with Him in the depth of centre of mysoul as much as I can; and while I am so withHim I fear nothing; but the least turning from

Him is insupportable. This exercise does not much fatigue thebody: it is, however, proper to deprive itsometimes, nay often, of many littlepleasures which are innocent and lawful: forGodwill not permit that a soul which desiresto be devoted entirely to Him should take

other pleasures than with Him; that is morethan reasonable.

I do not say that therefore we must put anyviolent constraint upon ourselves. No, wemust serve God in a holy freedom, we mustdo our business faithfully, without trouble ordisquiet; recalling our mind to Godmildly andwith tranquility, as often as we find itwandering from Him.

It is, however, necessary to put our wholetrust in God, laying aside all other cares, andeven some particular forms of devotion,though very good in themselves, yet such as

one often engages in unreasonably: becausethose devotions are only means to attain tothe end; so when by this exercise of thepresence ofGodwe are with Him who is ourend, it is then useless to return to the


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means; but we may continue with Him ourcommerce of love, persevering in His holypresence: one while by an act of praise, of

adoration, or of desire; one while by an act ofresignation, or thanksgiving; and in all themanner which our spirit can invent.

Be not discouraged by the repugnancewhich you may find in it from nature; youmust do yourself violence. At the first, oneoften thinks it lost time; but you must go on,

and resolve to persevere in it to death,notwithstanding all the difficulties that mayoccur. I recommend myself to the prayers ofyour holy society, and yours in particular. Iam yours in our Lord.

Seventh Letter:

I pity you much. It will be of greatimportance if you can leave the care of youraffairs to, and spend the remainder of yourlife only in worshipping God. He requires nogreat matters of us; a little remembrance of

Him from time to time, a little adoration:sometimes to pray for His grace, sometimesto offer Him your sufferings, and sometimesto return Him thanks for the favours He hasgiven you, and still gives you, in the midst of


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your troubles, and to console yourself withHim the oftenest you can. Lift up your heartto Him, sometimes even at your meals, and

when you are in company: the least littleremembrance will always be acceptable toHim. You need not cry very loud; He is nearerto us than we are aware of.

It is not necessary for being with Godto bealways at church; we may make an oratory ofour heart, wherein to retire from time to

time, to converse with Him in meekness,humility, and love. Every one is capable ofsuch familiar conversation with God, somemore, some less: He knows what we can do.

Let us begin then; perhaps He expectsbut one generous resolution on our part.

Have courage. We have but little time to live;you are near sixty-four, and I am almosteighty. Let us live and die with God:sufferings will be sweet and pleasant to us,while we are with Him: and the greatestpleasures will be, without Him, a cruelpunishment to us. May He be blessed for all.Amen.

Use yourself then by degrees thus toworship Him, to beg His grace, to offer Himyour heart from time to time, in the midst ofyour business, even every moment if you


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can. Do not always scrupulously confineyourself to certain rules, or particular formsof devotion; but act with a general

confidence in God, with love and humility.You may assure - of my poor prayers, andthat I am their servant, and yoursparticularly.

[Note: Believe that God will give you grace to commune with Him everymoment. You may fail at first, but day by dayby degreesyou will develop a

habitual sense of His presence. You must make an initial persevering, if not

painstaking, effort. The promise will not fail: Thou wilt keep[him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed[on Thee]: because he trusteth in Thee. Trustye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD

JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:3,

4).]

Eighth Letter:

You tell me nothing new: you are not theonly one that is troubled with wanderingthoughts. Our mind is extremely roving; butas the will is mistress of all our faculties, she

must recall them, and carry them to God, astheir last end.

When the mind, for want of beingsufficiently reduced by recollection, at ourfirst engaging in devotion, has contracted


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certain bad habits of wandering anddissipation, they are difficult to overcome,and commonly draw us, even against our

wills, to the things of the earth. I believe one remedy for this is, to confessour faults, and to humble ourselves beforeGod. I do not advise you to use multiplicity ofwords in prayer; many words and longdiscourses being often the occasions ofwandering: hold yourself in prayer before

God, like a dumb or paralytic beggar at a richman's gate: let it be your business to keepyour mind in the presence of the Lord.

If it sometimes wander, and withdraw itselffrom Him, do not much disquiet yourself forthat; trouble and disquiet serve rather todistract the mind, than to re-collect it; thewill must bring it back in tranquility; if youpersevere in this manner, Godwill have pityon you.

One way to re-collect the mind easily in thetime of prayer, and preserve it more intranquillity, is not to let it wander too far at

other times: you should keep it strictly in thepresence of God; and being accustomed tothink of Him often, you will find it easy tokeep your mind calm in the time of prayer, orat least to recall it from its wanderings.


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I have told you already at large, in myformer letters, of the advantages we maydraw from this practice of the presence of

God: let us set about it seriously and pray forone another.

Ninth Letter:

The enclosed is an answer to that which Ireceived from - ; pray deliver it to her. Sheseems to me full of good will, but she would

go faster than grace. One does not becomeholy all at once. I recommend her to you: weought to help one another by our advice, andyet more by our good examples. You willoblige me to let me hear of her from time totime, and whether she be very fervent andvery obedient.

Let us thus think often that our onlybusiness in this life is to please God, thatperhaps all besides is but folly and vanity.You and I have lived above forty years inreligion. Have we employed them in lovingand serving God, who by His mercy has calledus to this state and for that very end? I am

filled with shame and confusion, when Ireflect on the one hand upon the greatfavours which Godhas done, and incessantlycontinues to do, me; and on the other, upon


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the ill use I have made of them, and my smalladvancement in the way of perfection.

Since by His mercy He gives us still a littletime, let us begin in earnest, let us repair thelost time, let us return with a full assuranceto that Father of mercies, who is alwaysready to receive us affectionately. Let usrenounce, let us generously renounce, for thelove of Him, all that is not Himself; Hedeserves infinitely more. Let us think of Him

perpetually. Let us put all our trust in Him: Idoubt not but we shall soon find the effectsof it, in receiving the abundance of His grace,with which we can do all things, and withoutwhich we can do nothing but sin.

We cannot escape the dangers whichabound in life, without the actual andcontinual help ofGod; let us then pray to Him

for it continually. How can we pray toHim without being with Him? Howcan we be with Him but in thinkingof Him often? And how can weoften think of Him, but by a holyhabit which we should form of it?You will tell me that I am always saying thesame thing: it is true, for this is the best andeasiest method I know; and as I use no other,


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I advise all the world to it. We must knowbefore we can love. In order to know God, wemust often think of Him; and when we come

to love Him, we shall then also think of Himoften, for our heart will be with our treasure.This is an argument which well deserves yourconsideration.

Tenth Letter:

I have had a good deal of difficulty to bringmyself to write to M. -, and I do it now purelybecause you and Madam desire me. Praywrite the directions and send it to him. I amvery well pleased with the trust which youhave in God: I wish that He may increase it inyou more and more: we cannot have toomuch in so good and faithful a Friend, whowill never fail us in this world nor in the next.

If M. - makes his advantage of the loss hehas had, and puts all his confidence in God,He will soon give him another friend, morepowerful and more inclined to serve him. He

disposes of hearts as He pleases. Perhaps M.- was too much attached to him he has lost.We ought to love our friends, but withoutencroaching upon the love of God, whichmust be the principal.


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Pray remember what I have recommendedto you, which is, to think often on God, byday, by night, in your business, and even in

your diversions. He is always near you andwith you; leave Him not alone. You wouldthink it rude to leave a friend alone, whocame to visit you: why then must God beneglected? Do not then forget Him, but thinkon Him often, adore Him continually, live anddie with Him; this is the glorious employmentof a Christian; in a word, this is ourprofession, if we do not know it we mustlearn it. I will endeavour to help you with myprayers, and am yours in our Lord.

Eleventh Letter:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning thefiery trial which is to try you, as though somestrange thing happened unto you: But rejoice,inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ'ssufferings; that, when his glory shall berevealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding

joy (I Peter 4:12, 13).

I do not pray that you may be deliveredfrom your pains; but I pray God earnestlythat He would give you strength and patienceto bear them as long as He pleases. Comfortyourself with Him who holds you fastened to


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the cross: He will loose you when He thinksfit. Happy those who suffer with Him:accustom yourself to suffer in that manner,

and seek from Him the strength to endure asmuch, and as long, as He shall judge to benecessary for you.

The men of the world do not comprehendthese truths, nor is it to be wondered at,since they suffer like what they are, and notlike Christians: they consider sickness as a

pain to nature, and not as a favour from God;and seeing it only in that light, they findnothing in it but grief and distress. But thosewho consider sickness as coming from thehand ofGod, as the effects of His mercy, andthe means which He employs for theirsalvation, commonly find in it great

sweetness and sensible consolation.[Note: Sickness is of the devil and is caused by breaking the laws that govern the

universe. However, God has full control as to how much He allows us to have,

including both the duration and severity. Suffering from sickness will draw the

honest and humble soul close to Jesus and will exercise the persons faith. The

devil is aware of this, but he still tries to make people sick, because he knows that

the majority will fall into despair and not seek Christ.]

I wish you could convince yourself that Godis often (in some sense) nearer to us andmore effectually present with us, in sicknessthan in health. Rely upon no other Physician,for, according to my apprehension, Hereserves your cure to Himself. Put then all


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your trust in Him, and you will soon find theeffects of it in your recovery, which we oftenretard, by putting greater confidence in

physic than in God. Whatever remedies you make use of, theywill succeed only so far as He permits. Whenpains come from God, He only can cure them.He often sends diseases of the body, to curethose of the soul. Comfort yourself with thesovereign Physician both of soul and body.

I foresee that you will tell me that I am verymuch at my ease, that I eat and drink at thetable of the Lord. You have reason: but thinkyou that it would be a small pain to thegreatest criminal in the world, to eat at theking's table, and be served by him, andnotwithstanding such favours to be withoutassurance of pardon?

I believe he would feel exceeding greatuneasiness, and such as nothing couldmoderate, but only his trust in the goodnessof his sovereign. So I assure you, thatwhatever pleasures I taste at the table of my

King, yet my sins, ever present before myeyes, as well as the uncertainty of mypardon, torment me, though in truth thattorment itself is pleasing.


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Be satisfied with the condition in whichGod places you: however happy you maythink me, I envy you. Pains and suffering

would be a paradise to me, while I shouldsuffer with my God; and the greatestpleasure would be hell to me, if I could relishthem without Him; all my consolation wouldbe to suffer something for His sake.

I must, in a little time, go to God. Whatcomforts me in this life is, that I now see Him

by faith; and I see Him in such a manner asmight make me say sometimes, I believe nomore, but I see. I feel what faith teaches us,and, in that assurance and that practice offaith, I will live and die with Him.

Continue then always with God: tis the onlysupport and comfort for your affliction. I shallbeseech Him to be with you. I present myservice.

Twelfth Letter:

If we were well accustomed to the exerciseof the presence of God, all bodily diseaseswould be much alleviated thereby.Godoftenpermits that we should suffer a little, topurify our souls, and oblige us to continuewith Him.


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Take courage, offer Him your painsincessantly, pray to Him for strength toendure them. Above all, get a habit of

entertaining yourself often with God, andforget Him the least you can. Adore Him inyour infirmities, offer yourself to Him fromtime to time; and, in the height of yoursufferings, beseech Him humbly andaffectionately (as a child his father) to makeyou conformable to His holy will. I shallendeavour to assist you with my poorprayers.

God has many ways of drawing us toHimself. He sometimes hides Himself fromus: but faith alone, which will not fail us intime of need, ought to be our support, andthe foundation of our confidence, which must

be all in God. I know not how Godwill dispose of me: I amalways happy: all the world suffer; and I, whodeserve the severest discipline, feel joys socontinual, and so great, that I can scarcecontain them.

I would willingly ask ofGoda part of yoursufferings, but that I know my weakness,which is so great, that if He left me onemoment to myself, I should be the mostwretched man alive. And yet I know not how


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He can leave me alone, because faith givesme as strong a conviction as sense can do,that He never forsakes us, till we have first

forsaken Him. Let us fear to leave Him. Let usbe always with Him. Let us live and die in Hispresence. Do you pray for me, as I for you.

Thirteenth Letter:

I am in pain to see you suffer so long; whatgives me some ease, and sweetens thefeeling I have of your griefs, is that they areproofs ofGod's love towards you : see them inthat view, and you will bear them moreeasily. As your case is, tis my opinion thatyou should leave off human remedies, andresign yourself entirely to the providence ofGod; perhaps He stays only for thatresignation and a perfect trust in Him to cureyou.

Since notwithstanding all your cares,physic has hitherto proved unsuccessful, andyour malady still increases, it will not be

tempting God to abandon yourself in Hishands, and expect all from Him.

I told you, in my last, that He sometimespermits bodily diseases to cure thedistempers of the soul. Have courage then:


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make a virtue of necessity: ask of God, notdeliverance from your pains, but strength tobear resolutely, for the love of Him, all that

He should please, and as long as He shallplease.

Such prayers, indeed, are a little hard tonature, but most acceptable to God, andsweet to those that love Him. Love sweetenspains; and when one loves God, one suffersfor His sake with joy and courage. Do you so,

I beseech you; comfort yourself with Him,who is the only Physician of all our maladies.He is the Fatherof the afflicted, always readyto help us. He loves us infinitely more thanwe imagine: love Him then, and seek notconsolation elsewhere: I hope you will soonreceive it. Adieu. I will help you with my

prayers, poor as they are, and shall be,always, yours in our Lord.

Fourteenth Letter:

I render thanks to our Lord, for havingrelieved you a little, according to your desire.I have been often near expiring, though I was

never so much satisfied as then. AccordinglyI did not pray for any relief, but I prayed forstrength to suffer with courage, humility, andlove. Ah, how sweet is it to suffer with God!


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However great the sufferings may be, receivethem with love.

'Tis paradise to suffer and be with Him; sothat if in this life we would enjoy the peace ofparadise, we must accustom ourselves to afamiliar, humble, affectionate conversationwith Him: we must hinder our spiritswandering from Him upon any occasion: wemust make our heart a spiritual temple,wherein to adore Him incessantly: we must

watch continually over ourselves, that wemay not do, nor say, nor think anything thatmay displease Him. When our minds are thusemployed about God, suffering will becomefull of unction and consolation.

I know that to arrive at this state, thebeginning is very difficult; for we must actpurely in faith. But though it is difficult, weknow also that we can do all things with thegrace ofGod, which He never refuses to themwho ask it earnestly.

Knock, persevere in knocking, and I answerfor it that He will open to you in His due time,

and grant you all at once what He hasdeferred during many years. Adieu. Pray toHim for me, as I pray to Him for you. I hopeto see Him quickly.


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Fifteenth Letter:

Godknoweth best what is needful for us,and all that He does is for our good. If weknew how much He loves us, we should bealways ready to receive equally and withindifference from His hand the sweet and thebitter; all would please that came from Him.The sorest afflictions never appearintolerable, but when we see them in thewrong light. When we see them in the handofGod, who dispenses them: when we knowthat it is our loving Father, who abases anddistresses us: our sufferings will lose their

bitterness, and become even matter ofconsolation.

Let all our employment be to know God: themore one knows Him, the more one desiresto know Him. And as knowledge is commonlythe measure of love, the deeper and moreextensive our knowledge shall be, thegreater will be our love: and if our love ofGodwere great we should love Him equally inpains and pleasures.


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Let us not amuse ourselves to seek or tolove Godfor any sensible favours (howsoeverelevated) which He has or may do us. Such

favours, though never so great, cannot bringus so near to Godas faith does in one simpleact. Let us seek Him often by faith: He iswithin us; seek Him not elsewhere. Are wenot rude and deserve blame, if we leave Himalone, to busy ourselves about trifles, whichdo not please Him and perhaps offend Him?'Tis to be feared these trifles will one daycost us dear.

Let us begin to be devoted to Him in goodearnest. Let us cast everything besides outof our hearts; He would possess them alone.Beg this favour of Him. If we do what we canon our parts, we shall soon see that change

wrought in us which we aspire after. I cannotthank Him sufficiently for the relaxation Hehas vouchsafed you. I hope from His mercythe favour to see Him within a few days. Letus pray for one another. [He died twodays later, Feb. 12, 1691. His next conscious moment will be seeing Christ

come in great glory.]

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Fifteen Historic Letters