Brother Lawrence was born Nicolas Herman in Herimenil, near
Luneville in the region of Lorraine, located in modern day eastern
France. Having felt he had received a revelation of the providence
and power of God at the age of 18, within six years he joined the
Discalced Carmelite Priory in Paris. In this intervening period he
fought in the Thirty Years' War and later served as a valet.
Nicolas entered the priory in Paris as a lay brother, not having
the education necessary to become a cleric, and took the religious
name, "Lawrence of the Resurrection." He spent almost all of the
rest of his life within the walls of the priory, working in the
kitchen for most of his life and as a repairer of sandals in his
later years. Despite his lowly position in life and the priory, his
character attracted many to him. He had a reputation for
experiencing profound peace and visitors came to seek spiritual
guidance from him. The wisdom he passed on to them, in
conversations and in letters, would later become the basis for the
book, The Practice of the Presence of God. Father Joseph de
Beaufort, later vicar general to the Archbishop of Paris, compiled
this work after Brother Lawrence died. It became popular among
Catholics and Protestants alike, with John Wesley and A. W. Tozer
recommending it to others. As a young man, Herman's poverty forced
him into joining the army, which guaranteed him meals and a small
stipend. During this period, Herman claimed an experience that set
him on a unique spiritual journey. He considered it a supernatural
clarity into a common sight, more so than as a supernatural vision.
During the winter, Herman looked at a barren tree, stripped of
leaves and fruit, and realized it awaited the sure hope of a
springtime revival and summer abundance. Gazing at the tree, Herman
grasped deeply the extravagance of God's grace and the unfailing
sovereignty of divine providence. Like the tree, he felt seemingly
dead, but held hope that God had life waiting for him, and the turn
of seasons would bring fullness. At that moment, he said, that
leafless tree "first flashed in upon my soul the fact of God," and
a love for God that never ceased. Shortly after, an injury forced
his retirement from the army, and after a stint as a footman, he
sought a place where he could suffer for his failures. He thus
entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Paris as Brother
Lawrence. This is an out-of-print manuscript. All pages are intact
and it has been carefully reviewed.
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