Be neat, Philothea; let nothing be negligent about you. It is a kind of contempt of those with whom we converse, to frequent their company in uncomely apparel; but, at the same time, avoid all affectation, vanity, curiosity, or levity in your dress. Keep yourself always, as much as possible, on the side of plainness and modesty, which, without doubt, is the greatest ornament of beauty, and the best excuse for the want of it.

Those who love to be feared fear to be loved, and they themselves are more afraid than anyone, for whereas other men fear only them, they fear everyone.

By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God.

All the science of the Saints is included in these two things: To do, and to suffer. And whoever had done these two things best, has made himself most saintly.

Work hard every day at increasing your purity of heart, which consists in appraising things and weighing them in the balance of God's will.

Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence.

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.