The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rather it is he who bends them into the shape of reason and right judgement. Who has a stiffer battle to fight than the man who is striving to conquer himself.

As iron cast into fire loses its rust and becomes glowing white, so he who turns completely to God is stripped of his sluggishness and changed into a new man.

Of two evils we must always choose the least.

Be Yourself -The man who is neither bent upon pleasing his fellows nor afraid of offending them will enjoy great peace.

All earthly joy begins pleasantly, but at the end it gnaws and kills.

Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying or meditating or endeavoring something for the public good.

Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame.