From the Preface: This book consists of notes of several conversations had with, and letters written by Nicholas Herman, of Lorraine, a lowly and unlearned man, who, after having been a footman and soldier, was admitted a Lay Brother among the barefooted Carmelites at Paris in 1666 and was afterwards known as "Brother Lawrence." His conversion, which took place when he was about eighteen years old, was the result, under God, of the mere sight in midwinter, of a dry and leafless tree, and of the reflections it stirred respecting the change the coming spring would bring. From that time, he grew eminently in the knowledge and love of God, endeavoring constantly to walk " as in His presence ." Pocket Edition, edited by Nathan J. Davolt