When God is our strength, it is strength indeed; when our strength is our own, it is only weakness.

Lust indulged became habit, and habit unresisted became necessity.

Whoever, then, thinks that he understands the Holy Scriptures, or any part of them, but puts such an interpretation upon them as does not tend to build up this twofold love of God and our neighbor, does not yet understand them as he ought.

Our bodies are shaped to bear children, and our lives are a working out of the processes of creation. All our ambitions and intelligence are beside that great elemental point.

Why then be perverted and follow thy flesh? Be it converted and follow thee.

What is reprehensible is that while leading good lives themselves and abhorring those of wicked men, some, fearing to offend, shut their eyes to evil deeds instead of condemning them and pointing out their malice.

We make ourselves a ladder out of our vices if we trample the vices themselves underfoot.