And here we must narrowly watch ourselves, seeing that banquets can scarcely be celebrated blamelessly, for almost always luxury accompanies feasting; and when the body is swallowed up in the delight of refreshing itself, the heart relaxes to empty joys.

Whoever wishes to hold the fortress of contemplation must first of all train in the camp of action.

If the work of God could be comprehended by reason, it would no longer be wonderful, and faith would have no merit if reason provided proof.

What do they not see, who see Him Who sees all things?

We must observe also, that among the heathen the names of poor men are more likely to be known than of rich. Now our Lord mentions the name of the poor, but not the name of the rich, because God knows and approves the humble, but not the proud.

Because God that is immutable changes what He willed, He is said to repent, although what changes is a thing and not His counsel.

You don't climb a mountain in leaps and bounds, but by taking it slowly.