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Plan of Salvation

Fourteenth Letter:

Gratitude, for mercies to his correspondent, and measure of relief while he has himself been near death, but with consolation in his suffering

...we must make our heart a spiritual temple, wherein to adore Him incessantly: we must watch continually over ourselves, that we may not do, nor say, nor think anything that may displease Him. 

     I render thanks to our Lord, for having relieved you a little, according to your desire.  I have been often near expiring, though I was never so much satisfied as then.  Accordingly I did not pray for any relief, but I prayed for strength to suffer with courage, humility, and love.  Ah, how sweet is it to suffer with God!  However great the sufferings may be, receive them with love.  

     'Tis paradise to suffer and be with Him; so that if in this life we would enjoy the peace of paradise, we must accustom ourselves to a familiar, humble, affectionate conversation with Him: we must hinder our spirits wandering from Him upon any occasion: we must make our heart a spiritual temple, wherein to adore Him incessantly: we must watch continually over ourselves, that we may not do, nor say, nor think anything that may displease Him.  When our minds are thus employed about God, suffering will become full of unction and consolation.

...we can do all things with the grace of God, which He never refuses to them who ask it earnestly.  

     I know that to arrive at this state, the beginning is very difficult; for we must act purely in faith.  But though it is difficult, we know also that we can do all things with the grace of God, which He never refuses to them who ask it earnestly.  

     Knock, persevere in knocking, and I answer for it that He will open to you in His due time, and grant you all at once what He has deferred during many years.  Adieu.  Pray to Him for me, as I pray to Him for you.  I hope to see Him quickly.

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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. ____________