By predestination we mean the eternal decree of God, by which He determined with Himself whatever He wished to happen with regard to every man.
Free will does not enable any man to perform good works, unless he is assisted by grace; indeed, the special grace which the elect alone receive through regeneration. For I stay not to consider the extravagance of those who say that grace is offered equally and promiscuously to all.
Whenever the Lord holds us in suspense, and delays his aid, he is not therefore asleep, but, on the contrary, regulates all His works in such a manner that he does nothing but at the proper time.
Prayers belong strictly to the worship of God. Fasting is a subordinate aid, which is pleasing to God no farther than as it aids the earnestness and fervency of prayer.
Involvement in public life provides the opportunity to shape our manners in accordance with civil justice.
The one condition for spiritual progress is that we remain sincere and humble.
In knowing God, each of us also knows himself.
It is amazing how much our lack of trust provokes God if we request of him a boon that we do not expect.
Nobody seriously believes the universe was made by God without being persuaded that He takes care of His works.
Whether each of the faithful has a particular angel assigned him for his defense, I cannot venture certainly to affirm; not one angel only has the care of every one of us, but that all the angels together with one consent watch over our salvation...
In the maxims of the law, God is seen as the rewarder of perfect righteousness and the avenger of sin. But in Christ, His face shines out, full of grace and gentleness to poor, unworthy sinners.
Distinction between virtuous and vicious actions has been engraven by the Lord in the heart of every man.
The invention of the arts, and other things which serve the common use and convenience of life, is a gift of God by no means to be despised, and a faculty worthy of commendation.
If true religion is to beam upon us, our principle must be, that it is necessary to begin with heavenly teaching, and that it is impossible for any man to obtain even the minutest portion of right and sound doctrine without being a disciple of Scripture.
To be pure in heart is to take no delight in cunning, but converse sincerely with men, and express nothing, by word or look, which is not felt in the heart.
When we know God to be our Father, should we not desire that he be known as such by all? And if we do not have this passion, that all creatures do him homage, is it not a sign that his glory means little to us?
Whoever shall now contend that it is unjust to put heretics and blasphemers to death will knowingly and willingly incur their very guilt.
If grace acts in us, grace, and not we who do the work, but will be crowned.
All men were created to busy themselves with the labor for the common good.
Our true wisdom is to embrace with meek docility, and without reservation, whatever the holy scriptures have delivered.