Varieties of Religious Experience – William James
The course is not anthropological, but deals with personal documents. Percepts versus abstract concepts-Happiness is man’s chief concern-Healthy-mindedness and repentance- Heterogeneous personality- Sudden conversion- Testing human value of its fruits- Mysticism defined- Primacy of feeling in religion- Philosophy a secondary function- Aesthetic elements in religion- Summary of religious characteristics
Fifteenth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
Let us begin earnestly to be devoted to Him. Let us cast everything else out of our hearts. He wants to possess the heart alone. Beg this favor of Him. If we do all we can, we will soon see that change wrought in us which we so greatly desire.
Fourteenth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
We must hinder our spirits wandering from Him on all occasions. We must make our heart a spiritual temple so we can constantly adore Him. We must continually watch over ourselves so we do not do anything that may displease Him.
Thirteenth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
Love sweetens pains. And when one loves God, one suffers for His sake with joy and courage. Do so, I beseech you. Comfort yourself with Him. He is the only physician for all our illnesses.
Eleventh Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
I do not pray that you may be delivered from your pains; but I pray earnestly that God gives you strength and patience to bear them as long as He pleases. Comfort yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the cross. He will loose you when He thinks fit.
Twelfth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
Take courage. Offer Him your pain and pray to Him for strength to endure them. Above all, get in the habit of often thinking of God, and forget Him the least you can. Adore Him in your infirmities.