[E]xcess in the practice of virtue is no less imperfect than the lack of it.

So, we pray well when we remain in this way in the presence of God, with no exertion of the understanding or will. Therefore, you will do well to listen to God in the urge you feel to return to us.

I hope that this man can be won over by your bearing charitably with him, advising him prudently, and praying for him. This is what I do for your family in general and for you in particular.

Nevertheless, when one is ill, one should be submissive to the doctor and obey him.

But the blessed Bishop of Geneva taught his nuns another kind of prayer, which even the sick can make: to remain peacefully in the presence of God, manifesting our needs to Him with no other mental effort, like a poor person who uncovers his sores and by this means is more effective in inciting passers-by to do him some good than if he wore himself out trying to convince them of his need.

Providence must call us and we must follow it, if we are to go forward confidently.

Who will excuse us before God for the loss of such a great number of people, who could be saved by the slight assistance we could give them?