The devil put before me that I could not endure the trials of the religious life, because of my delicate nurture. I defended myself against him by alleging the trials which Christ endured, and that it was not much for me to suffer something for His sake; besides, He would help me to bear it.

There is more security in self-denial, mortification, and other like virtues, than in an abundance of tears.

Do you think it is only a little thing to possess a house from which lovely things can be seen?

God, deliver me from sullen saints.

The soul of the just man is but a paradise, in which, God tells us, He takes His delight. What do you imagine, must that dwelling be in which a King so mighty, so wise, and so pure, containing in Himself all good, can delight to rest? Nothing can be compared to the great beauty and capabilities of a soul; however keen our intellects may be, they are as unable to comprehend them as to comprehend God, for, as He told us, He created us in his own image and likeness.

Those who in fact risk all for God will find that they have both lost all and gained all.

Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes away except God. God alone is sufficient.