Affliction strengthens the vigor of our soul, whereas happiness weakens it.

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

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

The human mind is prone to pride even when not supported by power; how much more, then, does it exalt itself when it has that support?

Affliction strengthens the vigor of our soul, whereas happiness weakens it.

If we are, in fact, now occupied in good deeds, we should not attribute the strength with which we are doing them to ourselves. We must not count on ourselves, because even if we know what kind of person we are today, we do not know what we will be tomorrow.

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