A sure way of retaining the grace of heaven is to disregard outward appearances, and diligently to cultivate such things as foster amendment of life and fervour of soul, rather than to cultivate those qualities that seem most popular.

Permit no hour to go by without it due improvement.

It is much safer to be subject than it is to command. Many live in obedience more from necessity than from love. Such become discontented and dejected on the slightest pretext; they will never gain peace of mind unless they subject themselves wholeheartedly for the love of God.

Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars.

Learn to humble yourself, you are but earth and clay.

He who knows himself well is mean and abject in his own sight, and takes no delight in the vain praise of men.

Faith is required of thee, and a sincere life, not loftiness of intellect, nor deepness in the mysteries of God.