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