I am really much more afraid of those people who have so great a fear of the devil, than I am of the devil himself.
Teresa of AvilaIt should be observed that perfect love of God consists not in those delights, tears and sentiments of devotion that we generally seek, but in a strong determination and keen desire to please God in all things, and to promote His glory.
Teresa of AvilaWith all this wide and beautiful creation before me, the restless soul longs to enjoy its liberty and rest beyond its bound.
Teresa of AvilaMy good works, however wretched and imperfect, have been made better and perfected by Him Who is my Lord: He has rendered them meritorious. As to my evil deeds and my sins, He hid them at once. The eyes of those who saw them, He made even blind; and He has blotted them out of their memory.
Teresa of AvilaKeep this in mind, for it is very important advice, so do not neglect it until you find you have such a fixed determination not to offend the Lord that you would rather lose a thousand lives and be persecuted by the whole world, than commit one mortal sin, and until you are most careful not to commit venial sins.
Teresa of Avila