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.

It is no wonder you are tempted; on the contrary, it would be something new if you were not, because man's life is nothing but temptation, and no one is exempt from it, especially those who have given themselves to God; his own Son even passed through this trial. But if it is necessary for everyone, it is also a source of merit for those to whom God grants the grace of turning all things to good, as you do.

. . . [T]hese [ideas] are only suggestions of the evil spirit who, to jeopardize your salvation, suggests to you extraordinary works that are beyond your strength, under the fine pretext of practicing, on your own, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy . . .

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

God always gives a great blessing to humble beginnings than to those that start with the chiming of bells.

People are made in such a way that even the holiest ones are liable to offend one another.

When in Rome, you must do as the Romans do and accept the local customs, if they are not immoral.