Third Letter
Brother Lawrence encourages a soldier to trust in God and practice inward worship, even in times of danger.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- Trust in God
- Practicing inward worship
- Accustoming oneself to internal adorations
- Nobody perceives it, and nothing is easier
- Recommend to others to think of God often
Key Quotes
“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;” — Brother Lawrence
“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:” — Brother Lawrence
“I hope the affliction which GOD has sent him will prove a wholesome remedy to him, and make him enter into himself;” — Brother Lawrence
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to think of God often, especially in times of danger.
- Practice inward worship by repeating internal adorations often in the day.
- Trust in God's care and provision, and hope in Him more than ever.