While extremely sensitive as to the slightest approach to slander, you must also guard against an extreme into which some people fall, who, in their desire to speak evil of no one, actually uphold and speak well of vice.

If you would fall into any extreme, let it be on the side of gentleness. The human mind is so constructed that it resists rigor, and yields to softness.

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew.

We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear.

He prays well who is so absorbed with God that he does not know he is praying.

It is right that you should begin again every day. There is no better way to complete the spiritual life than to be ever beginning it over again.

For every great temptation there will be many small ones. Wolves and bears are more dangerous than flies, but we are bothered most by flies.