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Tenth Letter:

Has difficulty, but sacrifices his will, to write as requested.  The loss of a friend may lead to acquaintance with the Friend.

...we cannot have too much in so good and faithful a Friend, who will never fail us in this world nor in the next.

     I have had a good deal of difficulty to bring myself to write to M. -, and I do it now purely because you and Madam 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 so good and faithful a Friend, who will never fail us in this world nor in the next.

     If M. - 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 M. - was too much attached to him he has lost.  We ought to love our friends, but without encroaching upon the love of God, which must be the principal.

...think on Him often, adore Him continually, live and die with Him...

     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 endeavour to help you with my prayers, and am yours in our Lord.

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Text is in the Public Domain.

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Brother Lawrence

(1611-1691)

(no portrait is available)

    Brother Lawrence was a French monk (Carmelite) who lived from 1611 to 1691. Prior to becoming a monk he was known as Nicholas Herman of Lorraine. 

    Like St. Francis, as a young man he was a soldier, but after becoming a monk he lived a quiet life performing various domestic chores for his monastery. 

   Nonetheless When talking to individuals, Brother Lawrence shared information about his own repeated efforts to keep his attention riveted on God no matter what business was occupying him. He reports that eventually this continual recollection of God became effortless and filled him with peace and joy. ____________