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  THIRD LETTER
  by Brother Lawrence
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Summary: Brother Lawrence encourages a soldier to trust in God and
practice inward worship, even in times of danger.

Topics: "Trusting God", "Inner Worship"
Scripture References: Psalm 27:14, Psalm 34:17, Psalm 91:11, Psalm 147:5, Philippians 4:6

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DESCRIPTION
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Brother Lawrence encourages his soldier friend to trust in God's
infinite grace and provision, reminding him to hope in God, thank Him
for His favors, and find comfort and strength in Him during afflictions.
He admires the fortitude and bravery of another soldier, urging him to
turn to God in times of danger and to make a habit of inward worship and
remembrance of God, which strengthens courage. Brother Lawrence
emphasizes the importance of constantly thinking of God, especially for
soldiers facing daily dangers, as it is a vital practice for their well-
being and salvation.

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CONTENT
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For a soldier friend whom he encourages to trust in God.

WE have a GOD who is infinitely gracious, and knows all our wants. I
always thought that He would reduce you to extremity. He will come in
His own time, and when you least expect it. Hope in Him more than ever:
thank Him with me for the favours He does you, particularly for the
fortitude and patience which He gives you in your afflictions: it is a
plain mark of the care He takes of you; comfort yourself then with Him,
and give thanks for all.

I admire also the fortitude and bravery of M. GOD has given him a good
disposition, and a good will; but there is in him still a little of the
world, and a great deal of youth. I hope the affliction which GOD has
sent him will prove a wholesome remedy to him, and make him enter into
himself; it is an accident very proper to engage him to put all his
trust in Him, who accompanies him everywhere: let him think of Him the
oftenest he can, especially in the greatest dangers. A little lifting up
the heart suffices; a little remembrance of GOD, one act of inward
worship, though upon a march, and sword in hand, are prayers which,
however short, are nevertheless very acceptable to GOD; and far from
lessening a soldier's courage in occasions of danger, they best serve to
fortify it.

Let him then think of GOD the most he can; let him accustom himself, by
degrees, to this small but holy exercise; nobody perceives it, and
nothing is easier than to repeat often in the day these little internal
adorations. Recommend to him, if you please, that he think of GOD the
most he can, in the manner here directed; it is very fit and most
necessary for a soldier, who is daily exposed to dangers of life, and
often of his salvation. I hope that GOD will assist him and all the
family, to whom I present my service, being theirs and yours.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/brother-lawrence/third-letter/
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