Preface
The sermon emphasizes the reality of the communion of saints and the importance of authenticity in spiritual experiences.
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.
Text
"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.
Sermon Outline
- The Reality of Communion of Saints
- The Practice of the Presence of God
- The Importance of Authenticity in Spiritual Experience
- Avoiding Interpolations and Interpretations
- Focusing on the Hope of Glory in Christ
Key Quotes
“When unadorned, adorned the most” — Brother Lawrence
“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!” — Brother Lawrence
“May the 'Christ in you' be the 'hope of glory' to all who read.” — Brother Lawrence
Application Points
- We should seek to be in communion with God and with other believers to experience the universal oneness of experimental Christianity.
- We should be authentic in our spiritual experiences and avoid interpolations or interpretations.
- We should focus on the hope of glory in Christ as the promise of eternal life and salvation.