The intercourse between man and God reposes upon truths of another order than that of reason, upon a light different and more elevated than that which naturally enlightens created intelligences.

Neither genius, fame, nor love show the greatness of the soul. Only kindness can do that.

Real excellence and humility are not incompatible one with the other, on the contrary they are twin sisters.

The universe shows us the life of God, or rather it is in itself the life of God. We behold in it his permanent action, the scene upon which his power is exercised, and in which all his attributes are reflected. God is not out of the universe any more than the universe is out of God. God is the principle, the universe is the consequence, but a necessary consequence, without which the principle would be inert, unfruitful, impossible to conceive.

As to the lawful pleasures of the mind, the heart, or the senses, indulge in them with gratitude and moderation, drawing up sometimes in order to punish yourself, without waiting to be forced to do so by necessity.

It is not genius, nor glory, nor love that reflects the greatness of the human soul; it is kindness.

There is nothing fruitful except sacrifice.