In the Seventh Letter, Brother Lawrence encourages us to simply begin to practice the presence of God, no matter how old we may be or whether we spend a lot or a little time in the practice. The important thing is to begin.

 

A question we all experience is addressed in the Eighth Letter, that of what to do about wandering thoughts in prayer. He advises us not to disquiet ourselves because of wandering thoughts, since trouble and disquiet serve to distract the mind. He suggests that one way to recollect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to wander too far at other times but to keep the mind in the presence of God and to think of Him often.

 

The Ninth Letter is to a colleague in response to a letter he received from a lady; he asks his colleague to deliver his letter to her and to report to him on her progress from time to time. In so doing he also brings to his colleague the importance of a greater awareness and attention to the practice of the presence of God, and I quote:

 

“We must know before we can love. In order to know God, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure.”

 

Now we turn our attention to two more letters.

 

 

TENTH LETTER

 

I have had a good deal of difficulty to bring myself to write to Mr. ____, and I do it now purely because you and Madame _____ desire me. Pray write the directions and send it to him. I am very well pleased with the trust which you have in God; I wish that He may increase it in you more and more. We cannot have too much in as good and faithful a Friend, who will never fail us in this world nor in the next.

 

If Mr. ______ makes his advantage of the loss he has had, and puts all his confidence in God, He will soon give him another friend, more powerful and more inclined to serve him. He disposes of hearts as He pleases. Perhaps Mr. _______ was too much attached to him he has lost. We ought to love our friends, but without encroaching on the love due to God, which must be the principal.

 

Pray remember what I have recommended to you, which is, to think often on God, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone who came to visit you; why, then, must God be neglected?

 

Do not, then, forget Him, but think on Him often, adore Him continually, live and die with Him; this is the glorious employment of a Christian. In a word, this is our profession; if we do not know it, we must learn it. I will endeavor to help you with my prayers, and am, in our Lord,

Yours, etc.

 

ELEVENTH LETTER

 

I do not pray that you be delivered from your pains, but I pray God earnestly that He would give you strength and patience to bear them as long as He pleases. Comfort yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the cross. He will loose you when He thinks fit. Happy those who suffer with Him. Accustom yourself to suffer in that manner, and seek from Him the strength to endure as much, and as long, as He shall judge to be necessary for you.

 

The men of the world do not comprehend these truths, nor is it to be wondered at, since they suffer like what they are, and not like Christians. They consider sickness as a pain to nature, and not as a favor from God; and seeing it only in that light, they fid nothing in it but grief and distress.

 

But those who consider sickness as coming from the hand of God, as the effect of His mercy, and the means which He employs for their salvation – such commonly find in it great sweetness and sensible consolation.

 

I wish you could convince yourself that God is often (in some sense) nearer to us, and more effectually present with us, in sickness than in health. Rely upon no other physician; for, according to my apprehension, He reserves your cure to Himself.

 

Put, then, all your trust in Him, and you will soon find the effects of it in your recovery, which we often retard by putting greater confidence in physic than in God.

 

Whatever remedies you make use of, they will succeed only so far as He permits. When pains come from God, He only can cure them. He often sends diseases of the body to cure those of the soul. Comfort yourself with the sovereign Physician both of the soul and body.

 

Be satisfied with the condition in which God places you; however happy you may think me, I envy you. Pains and sufferings would be a paradise to me while I should suffer with my God, and the greatest pleasures would be hell to me if I could relish them without Him. All my consolation would be to suffer something for His sake.

 

I must, in a little time, go to God. What comforts me in this life is that I now see Him by faith; and I see Him in such a manner as might make me say sometimes, I believe no more, but I see. I feel what faith teaches us, and in that assurance and that practice of faith I will live and die with Him.

 

Continue, then, always with God; it is the only support and comfort for your affliction. I shall beseech Him to be with you. I present my service.

Yours, etc.

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham

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Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or go directly to the Spiritual Solutions Blog

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