to all kinds of misery, and numberless accidents, which trouble us, and
cause perpetual vicissitudes in our health, in our humours, in our
internal and external dispositions: in fine, persons whom GOD would
humble by many pains and labours, as well within as without. After
this, we should not wonder that troubles, temptations, oppositions and
contradictions, happen to us from men. We ought, on the contrary, to
submit ourselves to them, and bear them as long as GOD pleases, as
things highly advantageous to us.
That the greater perfection a soul aspires after, the more dependent it
is upon Divine grace.
Being questioned by one of his own society (to whom he was obliged to
open himself) by what means he had attained such an habitual sense of
GOD? he told him that, since his first coming to the monastery, he had
considered GOD as the end of all his thoughts and desires, as the mark
to which they should tend, and in which they should terminate.
That in the beginning of his novitiate he spent the hours appointed for
private prayer in thinking of GOD, so as to convince his mind of, and to
impress deeply upon his heart, the Divine existence, rather by devout
sentiments, and submission to the lights of faith, than by studied
reasonings and elaborate meditations. That by this short and sure
method, he exercised himself in the knowledge and love of GOD, resolving
to use his utmost endeavour to live in a continual sense of His
Presence, and, if possible, never to forget Him more.
That when he had thus in prayer filled his mind with great sentiments of
that infinite Being, he went to his work appointed in the kitchen (for
he was cook to the society); there having first considered severally
the things his office required, and when and how each thing was to be
done, he spent all the intervals of his time, as well before as after
his work, in prayer.
That, when he began his business, he said to GOD, with a filial trust in
Him, "O my GOD, since Thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to
Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to
grant me the grace to continue in Thy Presence; and to this end do Thou
prosper me with Thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my
affections."
As he proceeded in his work, he continued his familiar conversation with
his Maker, imploring His grace, and offering to Him all his actions.
When he had finished, he examined himself how he had discharged his
duty; if he found well, he returned thanks to GOD; if otherwise, he
asked pardon; and without being discouraged, he set his mind right
again, and continued his exercise of the presence of GOD, as if he had
never deviated from it. "Thus," said he, "by rising after my falls, and
by frequently renewed acts of faith and love, I am come to a state,
wherein it would be as difficult for me not to think of GOD, as it was
at first to accustom myself to it."
As Bro. Lawrence had found such an advantage in walking in the presence
of GOD, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly to others; but
his example was a stronger inducement than any arguments he could
propose. His very countenance was edifying; such a sweet and calm
devotion appearing in it, as could not but affect the beholders. And it
was observed, that in the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen, he
still preserved his recollection and heavenly-mindedness. He was never
hasty nor loitering, but did each thing in its season, with an even
uninterrupted composure and tranquillity of spirit. "The time of
business," said he, "does not with me differ from the time of prayer;
and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at
the same time calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great
tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament."
LETTERS
FIRST LETTER
How the habitual sense of God's Presence was found.