During mental prayer, it is well, at times, to imagine that many insults and injuries are being heaped upon us, that misfortunes have befallen us, and then strive to train our heart to bear and forgive these things patiently, in imitation of our Saviour. This is the way to acquire a strong spirit.

He who desires anything but God deceives himself, and he who loves anything but God errs miserably.

It is easy to infuse a most fervent devotion into others, even in a short time; but the great matter is - to persevere.

We must sometimes bear with little defects in others, as we have, against our will, to bear with natural defects in ourselves. If we wish to keep peace with our neighbor, we should never remind anyone of his natural defects.

There is nothing the devil fears so much, or so much tries to hinder, as prayer.

A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.

Not to know how to deny our soul its own wishes, is to foment a very hot-bed of vices.