If I alone might have all the solace and comfort of this world, and might use the delights of this world according to my own desire and without sin, it is certain that they would not long endure. And so, my soul cannot be fully comforted or perfectly refreshed, except in God alone, who is the Comforter of the poor in spirit and the Embracer of the humble and low in heart...
You can in no manner be satisfed with temporal goods, for you were not created to find your rest in them.
(p. 128)
Forsake all things, and you will find all things.
(p. 153)
To desire nothing outwardly brings peace to a man's soul, so a man, by an inward forsaking of himself, joins himself to God.
(pp. 191-192)
He who merely flees the outward occasions and does not cut away the inordinate desires hidden inwardly in his heart shall gain little...
(p. 45)
The greatest hindrance to heavenly contemplation is that we are not yet clearly delivered from all passions... We do not force ourselves to follow the way that holy saints have taken before us, but when any little adversity comes to us, we are at once cast down, and turn all too soon to seek human comfort. But if... we would fight strongly in this spiritual battle, we should undoubtedly see the help of God come in our need, for He is always ready to help all who trust in Him. And He brings about occasions for such battles so that we may overcome and win the victory, and in the end have the greater reward.
(pp. 42-43)
We must set our axe deep to the root of the tree, so that, purged from all passion, we may have a quiet mind.
(p. 43)
Keep yourself as a pilgrim and a stranger here in this world, as one to whom the world's business counts by little. Keep your heart free, and always lift it up to God.
(p. 65)
The more you withdraw yourself form the consolation of all creatures, the sweeter and more blessed consolations you will receive from your Creator.
(p. 123)
Nevertheless, it is our own fault that we sometimes do not have heavenly comfort, or that we so seldom feel such comfort. We do not ... cast false outward comfort completely away.
(p. 59)
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