“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 abbot ought ever to bear in mind what he is and what he is called; he ought to know that to whom more is entrusted, from him more is exacted.”

“He should know that whoever undertakes the government of souls must prepare himself to account for them.”

“For at all times we must so serve Him with the good things He has given us, that he may not, as an angry Father, disinherit his children, nor as a dread Lord, provoked by our evil deeds, deliver us to everlasting punishment as wicked servants who refuse to follow Him to glory.”

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

“Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.”

“The sleepy like to make excuses.”