The greatness of contemplation can be given to none but those who love.

Because He moves against faults, God is said to be angered, although He is moved by no disturbance of equanimity.

Obedience is the only virtue that plants the other virtues in the heart and preserves them after they have been planted.

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.

We ascend to the heights of contemplation by the steps of action.

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.

Now if the wearing of fine and precious robes were not a fault, word of God would never have so carefully expressed this. For no one seeks costly garments except for vainglory, that he may seem more honorable than others; for no one wishes to be clothed with such, where he cannot be seen by others.