Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself.

To abstain from sin when one can no longer sin is to be forsaken by sin, not to forsake it.

I never resist temptation because I have found that things that are bad for me do not tempt me.

The devil tempts us not; 'tis we who tempt him, beckoning his skill with opportunity.

With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can watch over ourselves. We can pray to recognize and reject the first thoughts of sin. We can pray to recognize a warning not to speak words which would hurt or tempt someone else. And we can, when we must, pray for the humility and the faith to repent.

The only condition necessary for us to break out of our material limitations and attain spiritual life is that we accept the life-giving warmth of God's spirit, just as the chick receives its mother's warmth. Without that warmth, we will not take on the nature of the Spirit, and we may die without ever hatching out of this material body.

Give me chastity and continence, but not just now.

Remove prostitutes from human affairs, and you will destroy everything with lust.

When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting.

When the Word, by the power of the Spirit, is heard, embraced, and enjoyed, we are strengthened to resist the flesh and to savor the Son.

Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus!

It is absolutely impossible at the same time to be a man of understanding and not to be ashamed to gratify the body.