Let not your peace rest in the utterances of men, for whether they put a good or bad construction on your conduct does not make you other than you are.

If your heart were sincere and upright, every creature would be unto you a looking-glass of life and a book of holy doctrine.

A disciple once complained, "You tell us stories, but you never reveal their meaning to us." The master replied, "How would you like it if someone offered you fruit and then chewed it up for you before giving it to you?" If your heart is straight with God, then every creature will be to you a mirror of life and a book of holy doctrine.

Love alone makes heavy burdens light and bears in equal balance things pleasing and displeasing. Love bears a heavy burden and does not feel it, and love makes bitter things tasteful and sweet.

Endeavor to be always patient of the faults and imperfections of others; for thou hast many faults and imperfections of thine own that require forbearance. If thou art not able to make thyself that which thou wishest, how canst thou expect to mold another in conformity to thy will?

If thou be not busy for thyself now, who shall be busy for thee in time to come?

A book has but one voice, but it does not instruct everyone alike.