Who has a stronger conflict than he who strives to overcome himself?
And this must be our business, to strive to overcome ourselves, and daily to gain strength against ourselves, and to grow better and better.
4. All perfections in this life are attended with some imperfections: and all our speculations with a certain obscurity.
The humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God, than the deepest search after science.
Learning is not to be blamed, nor the mere knowledge of any thing, which is good in itself, and ordained by God: but a good conscience and a virtuous life is always to be preferred before it.
But because many make it more their study to know, than to live well: therefore are they often deceived, and bring forth none, or very little fruit.
5. Oh! if men would use as much diligence in rooting out vices and planting virtues, as they do in proposing questions: there would not be so great evils committed, nor scandals among the people, nor so much relaxation in monasteries.
Verily, when the day of judgment comes, we shall not be examined what we have read, but what we have done; nor how learnedly we have spoken, but how religiously we have lived.
Tell me now where are all those great doctors, with whom thou wast well acquainted, whilst they were living, and flourished in learning?