My father was a man of great charity towards the poor, and compassion for the sick, and also for servants; so much so, that he never could be persuaded to keep slaves, for he pitied them so much: and a slave belonging to one of his brothers being once in his house, was treated by him with as much tenderness as his own children.

Be kind to all and severe to thyself.

That is how His Majesty [the Lord] rewards our good works---I mean, by predisposing us to perform better ones.

What friends or kindred can be so close and intimate as the powers of our soul, which, whether we will or no, must ever bear us company?

True perfection consists in the love of God and our neighbour, and the better we keep both these commandments, the more perfect we shall be.

To converse with You, O King of glory, no third person is needed, You are always ready in the Sacrament of the Altar to give audience to all. All who desire You always find You there, and converse with You face to face

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.