The friend of silence comes close to God. In secret he converses with him and receives his light.

Just as the winds whip up the sea, so does anger stir confusion in the mind.

Even though one is well advanced in virtue, should he stop mortifying himself, he soon would lose his modesty and virtue - just as fertile soul quickly becomes dry and arid and produces nothing but thorns and thistles if it is not cultivated.

When the soul betrays itself and loses the blessed and longed-for fervor, let it carefully investigate the reason for losing it. And let it arm itself with all its longing and zeal against whatever caused this. For the former fervor can return only through the same door through which it was lost.

The slave of the belly ponders the menu with which to celebrate the feast. The servant of God, however, thinks of the graces that may enrich him.

Faith furnishes prayer with wings, without which it cannot soar to Heaven.

Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it.