========================================================================
  PREFACE
  by Brother Lawrence
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the reality of the communion of saints
and the importance of authenticity in spiritual experiences.

Topics: "Christian Unity", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 4:4, Colossians 3:14, Hebrews 12:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brother Lawrence emphasizes the belief in the communion of saints,
highlighting the universal oneness of experimental Christianity
throughout all ages and lands. He points to the shared experiences of
various spiritual figures like Thomas á Kempis, Tauler, Madame Guyon,
John Woolman, and Hester Ann Rogers, showcasing the remarkable agreement
and harmony in their spiritual journeys. Brother Lawrence himself, a lay
brother among the Carmelites, exemplified the practice of the presence
of God in a secular and skeptical environment, contributing to the
growth of household and evangelistic piety in the eighteenth century.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I believe in the ... communion of saints."

SURELY if additional proof of its reality were needed, it might be found
in the universal oneness of experimental Christianity in all ages and in
all lands. The experiences of Thomas á Kempis, of Tauler and of Madame
Guyon, of John Woolman and Hester Ann Rogers, how marvellously they
agree, and how perfectly they harmonize! And Nicholas Herman, of
Lorraine, whose letters and converse are here given, testifies to the
same truth! In communion with Rome, a lay brother among the Carmelites,
for several years a soldier, in an irreligious age, amid a sceptical
people, yet in him the practice of the presence of GOD was as much a
reality as the "watch" of the early Friends, and the "holy seed" in him
and others was the "stock" (Isa. vi. 13) from which grew the household
and evangelistic piety of the eighteenth century, of Epworth and of
Moorfields.

"When unadorned, adorned the most" is the line which deters from any
interpolations or interpretations other than the few "contents" headings
which are given. May the "Christ in you" be the "hope of glory" to all
who read.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/brother-lawrence/preface/
========================================================================