It is much safer to obey than to rule.

Scruples, temptations, and fears, and cutting perplexities of the heart, are often the lot of the most excellent persons.

So fixed are our spirits in slothfulness and cold indifference that we seldom overcome so much as one evil habit.

Jesus has many lovers of His kingdom of heaven, but he has few bearers of His Cross. Many desire His consolation, but few desire His tribulation. He finds many comrades in eating and drinking, but He finds few hands who will be with Him in His abstinence and fastingBut those who love Jesus purely for Himself, and not for their own profit or convenience, bless Him as heartily in temptation and tribulation and in all other adversities as they do in time of consolation. And if He never sent them consolation, they would still bless and praise Him.

We must imitate Christ's life and his ways if we are to be truly enlightened and set free from the darkness of our own hearts. Let it be the most important thing we do, then, to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ.

Be therefore thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be worthy to receive greater.

If you wish to live in peace and harmony with others, you must learn to discipline yourself in many ways.