"Otherwise grace is no more grace," since it is bestowed on us, not because we have done good works, but that we may be able to do them.

The wicked exist in this world either to be converted or that through them the good may exercise patience.

God's faithful servant has no desire for people to say or to give to him, or what he likes to hear or see, for his first and greatest aim is to hear what is most pleasing to God.

Punishment is justice for the unjust.

Whoever seems to himself to have understood the Scriptures in such a way that he does not build up that double love of God and neighbor has not yet understood.

The desire for fame tempts even noble minds.

Hear, O God. Alas, for man's sin! So saith man, and Thou pitiest him; for Thou madest him, but sin is in him Thou madest not. Who remindeth me of the sins of my infancy? for in Thy sight none is pure from sin, not even the infant whose life is but a day upon the earth.