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.
Bernard of ClairvauxHumility is, of all graces, the chiefest when it does not know itself to be a grace at all.
Bernard of ClairvauxGrace is necessary to salvation, free will equally so - but grace in order to give salvation, free will in order to receive it.
Bernard of Clairvaux