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 afterwards known as "Brother Lawrence."

This book contains notes on several conversations with Nicholas Herman of Lorraine, as well as letters he wrote. He was a humble man with little formal education. After serving as a footman and a soldier, he became a lay brother among the barefooted Carmelites in Paris in 1666. He was later 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."

His conversion came when he was about eighteen. Under God, it resulted simply from seeing a dry, leafless tree in midwinter. He reflected on how the coming spring would change it. From then on, he grew greatly in his knowledge and love of God. He constantly tried to walk "as in his presence." No wilderness wanderings seem to have come between the Red Sea and the Jordan of his experience. He was a wholly dedicated man who lived his Christian life as a pilgrim. He lived as a steward, not an owner. He died at eighty, leaving a name that has been like "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 "Conversations" are thought to have been written by M. Beaufort. He was Grand Vicar to M. de Chalons, formerly Cardinal de Noailles. The letters were first published on his recommendation.

The book has, within a short time, gone through repeated English and American 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.

In a short time, the book has gone through several English and American editions. It has been a blessing to many souls. It contains much wisdom that only those touched by the Lord can express. Only those whose hearts he has made teachable can receive it.

May this edition also be blessed by GOD, and redound to the praise of the glory of His grace.

May God also bless this edition, and may it bring praise to his glorious grace.