“Idleness is an enemy of the soul.”

And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace.

Before all, and above all, attention shall be paid to the care of the sick, so that they shall be served as if they were Christ Himself.

Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading.

The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all.

It is useless to subdue the flesh by abstinence, unless one gives up his irregular life, and abandons vices which defile his soul.

Whenever you begin any good work you should first of all make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to perfection.

He who has ears for hearing, let him listen

Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father’s advice, that by the labor of obedience you may return to Him from whom you had departed by the sloth of disobedience.

There is nothing better to display the truth in an excellent light, than a clear and simple statement of facts.

Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.

He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands.

Be careful to be gentle, lest in removing the rust, you break the whole instrument.

Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.

He should first show them in deeds rather than words all that is good and holy.

The prophet shows that, for the sake of silence, we are to abstain even from good talk. If this be so, how much more needful is it that we refrain from evil words, on account of the penalty of the sin!

Listen carefully, my child, to your master’s precepts, and incline the ear of your heart.

In travelling I shape myself betimes to idleness And take fools’ pleasure

Idleness and lack of occupation tend – nay are dragged – towards evil.