Let him never cease from prayer who has once begun it, be his life ever so wicked; for prayer is the way to amend it, and without prayer such amendment will be much more difficult.
Teresa of AvilaThat is how His Majesty [the Lord] rewards our good works---I mean, by predisposing us to perform better ones.
Teresa of AvilaHow is it that there are not many who are led by sermons to forsake open sin? Do you know what I think? That is because preachers have too much worldly wisdom.
Teresa of Avila