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Faith working by love |
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Outward business no detriment. |
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Perfect resignation the sure way. |
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Brother Lawrence told me that the foundation of the spiritual life
in him had been a high notion and esteem of God in faith. When he
had once well established his faith he had no other care but to
reject every other thought so he might perform all his actions for
the love of God. He said when sometimes he had not thought of God
for a good while he did not disquiet himself for it. Having
acknowledged his wretchedness to God, he simply returned to Him
with so much the greater trust in Him.
He said the trust we put in God honors Him much and draws down
great graces. Also, that it was impossible not only that God
should deceive but that He should long let a soul suffer which is
perfectly resigned to Him and resolved to endure everything for
His sake.
Brother Lawrence often experienced the ready succors of Divine
Grace. And because of his experience of grace, when he had
business to do, he did not think of it beforehand. When it was
time to do it, he found in God, as in a clear mirror, all that was
fit for him to do. When outward business diverted him a little
from the thought of God a fresh remembrance coming from God
invested his soul and so inflamed and transported him that it was
difficult for him to contain himself. He said he was more united
to God in his outward employments than when he left them for
devotion in retirement.
Brother Lawrence said that the worst that could happen to him was
to lose that sense of God which he had enjoyed so long. Yet the
goodness of God assured him He would not forsake him utterly and
that He would give him strength to bear whatever evil He permitted
to happen to him. Brother Lawrence, therefore, said he feared
nothing. He had no occasion to consult with anybody about his
state. In the past, when he had attempted to do it, he had always
come away more perplexed. Since Brother Lawrence was ready to lay
down his life for the love of God, he had no apprehension of
danger.
He said that perfect resignation to God was a sure way to heaven,
a way in which we have always sufficient light for our conduct. In
the beginning of the spiritual life we ought to be faithful in
doing our duty and denying ourselves and then, after a time,
unspeakable pleasures followed. In difficulties we need only have
recourse to Jesus Christ and beg His grace with which everything
became easy.
Brother Lawrence said that many do not advance in the Christian
progress because they stick in penances and particular exercises
while they neglect the love of God which is the end. This appeared
plainly by their works and was the reason why we see so little
solid virtue. He said there needed neither art nor science for
going to God, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply
itself to nothing but Him and to love Him only.
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