Indeed, good is not good if one does not suffer in doing it.

Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.

Let us do our duty well; let us go straight to God; let us work to become very humble, very patient, very mortified, and very charitable.

It is a ruse of the devil, by which he deceives good people, to induce them to do more than they are able, so that they end up not being able to do anything. The spirit of God urges one gently to do the good that can be done reasonably, so that it may be done perseveringly and for a long time.

. . . [Y]ou must understand that we have always considered the writing of books a hindrance to our work, and that for this reason the custom was not to be introduced into the Company. However, since no rule, however general, does not have some exception, we shall see whether it is advisable to have yours printed.

It is not light they need but strength, and strength permeates through the external balm of words and good example.

[L]et us believe that all is going along the best in the world when we take no satisfaction in it, provided we humble ourselves for this and redouble our confidence in God.