One who has sinned cannot escape retribution in any other way than by repentance corresponding to his sin.

When the mind forgets the purpose of Christian life, then even the clear fulfillment of virtue becomes profitless.

One evil receives strength from another. In the same way, good deeds also sprout one from another, and the one in whom they are found grows larger.

Every affliction tests our will, showing whether it is inclined to good or evil. That is why an unforeseen affliction is called a test, because it enables a man to test his hidden desires.

As water and fire oppose one another when combined, so are self-justification and humility opposed to one another.

Whatever we do or say without prayer always ends up either sinful or harmful and convicts us through the deeds in some mysterious way.

A man who is enticed by sinful thoughts is blinded by them, and he sees the action of sin in himself, but he can not see the cause of this action.