Love makes labour light. Love alone gives value to all things.

It is of great importance, when we begin to practise prayer, not to let ourselves be frightened by our own thoughts.

Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul.

It is true that we cannot be free from sin, but at least let our sins not always be the same.

It is a great folly to be willing to violate the friendship of God, rather than the law of human friendship.

Be gentle and kind with every one, and severe with yourself.

A beginner must look on himself as one setting out to make a garden for his Lord's pleasure, on most unfruitful soil which abounds in weeds. His Majesty roots up the weeds and will put in good plants instead. Let us reckon that this is already done when the soul decides to practice prayer and has begun to do so.