Perspective

The conversations portion of this book is in third person, as Beaufort describes Lawrence's response. It may surprise the reader that a section labeled conversations fails to include question and answer portions.

The letters, however, are in first person, mostly. In one letter, however, Lawrence refers to himself in third person.

Tone

The tone of the piece remains formal throughout. Even in the most personal of letters, Lawrence maintains a sophisticated and detached voice. This tone serves to emphasize the gravity of the topic discussed.

Structure

The book is in two parts. The first part consists of four conversations between Brother Lawrence and Joseph de Beaufort. Part two contains fifteen letters from Brother Lawrence's personal correspondence. All was published after his death, as he insisted on total privacy during his lifetime. The volume is sixty-one pages long.