We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.

Nature makes trees put down deep roots before having them bear fruit, and even this is done gradually.

There is a vast difference between an Apostolic life and the solitude of the Carthusians. The latter is truly very holy but is not suited to those whom God has called to the former, which is in itself more excellent.

I am the only wretch who keeps on heaping new iniquities and abominations on myself. O Monsieur, how merciful God is to put up with me with so much patience and forbearance, and how weak and miserable I am to abuse his mercies so greatly!

...a great good is worth being long desired.

You should not open your mouth except to express gratitude for benefits you have received, and never to mention your discontent.

Scandal often does as much harm to the listeners as to those who devise it, even if it were to do no other harm than disturb the mind, as it does, and give rise to temptations to speak or write about it to others.