It is useless to subdue the flesh by abstinence, unless one gives up his irregular life, and abandons vices which defile his soul. Benedict of Nursia More Quotes by Benedict of Nursia More Quotes From Benedict of Nursia 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. Benedict of Nursia catholic perfection firsts He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands. Benedict of Nursia inspiration faith heart Listen and attend with the ear of your heart. Benedict of Nursia inspiration faith heart Be careful to be gentle, lest in removing the rust, you break the whole instrument. Benedict of Nursia rust instruments break He should first show them in deeds rather than words all that is good and holy. Benedict of Nursia catholic deeds firsts There is nothing better to display the truth in an excellent light, than a clear and simple statement of facts. Benedict of Nursia light simple facts 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. Benedict of Nursia sick healing attention The first degree of humility is prompt obedience. Benedict of Nursia degrees humility firsts 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. Benedict of Nursia reading soul enemy Run while you have the light of life! Benedict of Nursia light running Prayer ought to be short and pure, unless it be prolonged by the inspiration of Divine grace. Benedict of Nursia inspiration grace prayer Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart. 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. Benedict of Nursia heart father children The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all. Benedict of Nursia humility steps firsts It is time now for us to rise from sleep. Benedict of Nursia sleep time Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel. Benedict of Nursia catholic path jesus And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace. Benedict of Nursia together may firsts To attribute to God, and not to self, whatever good one sees in oneself; but to recognize always that the evil is one's own doing, and to impute it on one's self. Benedict of Nursia attributes self evil Every age and degree of understanding should have its proper measure of discipline. With regard to boys and adolescents, therefore, or those who cannot understand the seriousness of the penalty of excommunication, whenever such as these are delinquent let them be subjected to severe fasts or brought to terms by harsh beatings, that they may be cured. Benedict of Nursia discipline should-have boys The sleepy like to make excuses. Benedict of Nursia sleepy excuse Idleness is an enemy of the soul. Benedict of Nursia idleness soul enemy
