Let him never cease from prayer, who has once begun to pray, even though his life is ever so bad. For prayer is the only way to amend one's life and without prayer it will never be mended. Let him not be tempted of the devil, as I was, to give up prayer on account of one's unworthiness. Let such a one rather believe that if he will only repent and pray, our Lord will still hear and answer.

In a state of grace, the soul is like a well of limpid water, from which flow only streams of clearest crystal. Its works are pleasing both to God and man, rising from the River of Life, beside which it is rooted like a tree.

Seldom or never is a poor man honored by the world; however worthy of honor he may be, he is apt rather to be despised by it.

The tree that is beside the running water is fresher and gives more fruit.

Patience attains All that it strives for. He who has God Finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices.

The life of the spirit is not our life, but the life of God within us.

His Majesty [the Lord] . . . rewards great services with trials, and there can be no better reward, for out of trials springs love for God.