The Practice of the Presence of God/Preface
PREFACE
This book consists of notes of several conversations had with, and letters written by, Nicholas Herman, of Lorraine, a lowly and unlearned man, who, after having been a footman and soldier, was admitted a Lay brother among the barefooted Carmelites at Paris in 1666, and was afterward known as “Brother Lawrence”.
His conversion, which took place when he was about eighteen years old, was the result, under God, of the mere sight in midwinter of a dry and leafless tree, and of the reflections it stirred respecting the change the coming spring would bring. From that time he grew eminently in the knowledge and love of God, endeavoring constantly to walk “as in His presence.” No wilderness wanderings seem to have intervened between the Red Sea and the Jordan of his experience. A wholly consecrated man, he lived his Christian life through as a pilgrim, as a steward and not as an owner, and died at the age of eighty, leaving a name which has been as “ointment poured forth.” The “Conversations” are supposed to have been written by M. Beaufort, Grand Vicar to M. de Chalons, formerly Cardinal de Noailles, by whose recommendation the “Letters” were first published.
The book has, within a short time, gone through repeated editions, and has been a means of blessing to many souls. It contains very much of that wisdom which only lips the Lord has touched can express, and which only hearts He has made teachable can receive.
May this edition also be blessed by God, and redound to the praise of the glory of His grace.