My child, seek those things which make for peace. Cease to stir up the King against the Church, and urge upon him a better course of action. If you will promise to do this, I in return promise to entreat the merciful Lord to grant you offspring.
Bernard of ClairvauxIf anyone makes himself his own master in the spiritual life, he makes himself scholar to a fool.
Bernard of ClairvauxThus understanding and love, that is, the knowledge of and delight in the truth, are, as it were, the two arms of the soul, with which it embraces and comprehends with all the saints the length and breath, the height and depth, that is the eternity, the love, the goodness, and the wisdom of God.
Bernard of ClairvauxSo far from being able to answer for my sins, I cannot even answer for my righteousness!
Bernard of ClairvauxThere are some who wish to learn for no other reason than that they may be looked upon as learned, which is ridiculous vanity ... Others desire to learn that they may morally instruct others, that is love. And, lastly, there are some who wish to learn that they may be themselves edified; and that is prudence.
Bernard of Clairvaux