The Practice of the Presence of God | Page 9

will help him do some reflection and inner searching and that it may
prove to be a wholesome remedy to him. It is a chance for him to put all his trust in God
who accompanies him everywhere. Let him think of Him as much as he can, especially in
time of great danger.
A little lifting up of the heart and a remembrance of God suffices. One act of inward
worship, though upon a march with 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 actually serve to fortify it. Let him think of God as often as
possible. Let him accustom himself, by degrees, to this small but holy exercise. No one
sees it, and nothing is easier than to repeat these little internal adorations all through the
day.
Please recommend to him that he think of God the most he can in this way. It is very fit
and most necessary for a soldier, who is daily faced with danger to his life, and often to
his very salvation.
I hope that God will assist him and all the family, to whom I present my service, being
theirs and yours.
Fourth Letter: I am taking this opportunity to tell you about the sentiments of one of our
society concerning the admirable effects and continual assistance he receives from the
presence of God. May we both profit by them.
For the past forty years his continual care has been to be always with God; and to do
nothing, say nothing, and think nothing which may displease Him. He does this without
any view or motive except pure love of Him and because God deserves infinitely more.
He is now so accustomed to that Divine presence that he receives from it continual
comfort and peace. For about thirty years his soul has been filled with joy and delight so
continual, and sometimes so great, that he is forced to find ways to hide their appearing
outwardly to others who may not understand.
If sometimes he becomes a little distracted from that Divine presence, God gently recalls
Himself by a stirring in his soul. This often happens when he is most engaged in his
outward chores and tasks. He answers with exact fidelity to these inward drawings, either
by an elevation of his heart towards God, or by a meek and fond regard to Him, or by
such words as love forms upon these occasions. For instance, he may say, "My God, here
I am all devoted to You," or "Lord, make me according to Your heart."
It seems to him (in fact, he feels it) that this God of love, satisfied with such few words,
reposes again and rests in the depth and center of his soul. The experience of these things
gives him such certainty that God is always in the innermost part of his soul that he is
beyond doubting it under any circumstances.
Judge by this what content and satisfaction he enjoys. While he continually finds within
himself so great a treasure, he no longer has any need to search for it. He no longer has

any anxiety about finding it because he now has his beautiful treasure open before him
and may take what he pleases of it.
He often points out our blindness and exclaims that those who content themselves with so
little are to be pitied. God, says he, has infinite treasure to bestow, and we take so little
through routine devotion which lasts but a moment. Blind as we are, we hinder God, and
stop the current of His graces. But when He finds a soul penetrated with a lively faith, He
pours into it His graces and favors plentifully. There they flow like a torrent, which, after
being forcibly stopped against its ordinary course, when it has found a passage, spreads
itself with impetuosity and abundance.
Yet we often stop this torrent by the little value we set upon it. Let us stop it no more. Let
us enter into ourselves and break down the bank which hinders it. Let us make way for
grace. Let us redeem the lost time, for perhaps we have but little left. Death follows us
close so let us be well prepared for it. We die but once and a mistake there is
irretrievable.
I say again, let us enter into ourselves. The time presses. There is no room for delay. Our
souls are at stake. It seems to me that you are prepared and have taken effectual measures
so you will not be taken by surprise. I commend you for it. It is the one thing necessary.
We must always work at it, because not to persevere in