Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire... Fear is the motive which constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed (James 1:14). But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.

If anyone makes himself his own master in the spiritual life, he makes himself scholar to a fool.

And truly, O man, if you concentrate hard on the state you are in it will be surprising if you have time for anything else.

What does God hate or punish except self-will? Let self-will cease, and there will be no hell. On what does that fire feed except on self-will?

We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us.

Love of Mary and devotion to her are a sure sign of obtaining eternal salvation.

Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.