Brother Lawrence

This collection includes conversations with and letters from Brother Lawrence. Born Nicholas Herman in 1610, Brother Lawrence begins his adult life in the army. He finally joins a new monastery in Paris, hoping to gain some self-control and coordination.

Brother Lawrence finds fulfillment in his religious life. He begins a daily habit of conversing with God, more than just during their daily prayer times. Others soon notice his unusual calm throughout life. He writes to friends about his tactics, though he pleads with them to share the letters with no one.

Though a belief not common in his time and in his sect, Brother Lawrence believes one should talk to God as a counselor, and one should converse with God continually. Brother Lawrence claims that his very action, no matter how small, stems from his deep love for God.

In the monastery, Brother Lawrence works first as the...