The spiritual maxims of the Holy Mother St. Teresa, for her nuns: 1. Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so also, the mind of man. 2. Speak well of all that is spiritual, such as religious, priests, and hermits. 3. Let thy words be few when in the midst of many. 4. Be modest in all thy words and works. 5. Never be obstinate, especially in things of no moment. 6. In speaking to others be always calm and cheerful. 7. Never make a jest of anything. 8. Never rebuke any one but with discretion, and humility, and self-abasement. 9. Bend thyself to the temper of whomever is speaking to thee: be merry with the mirthful, sorrowful with the sad: in a word, make thyself all things to all, to gain all. 10. Never say anything thou hast not well considered and earnestly commended to our Lord, that nothing may be spoken which shall be displeasing unto Him. 11. Never defend thyself unless there be very good reasons for it. 12. Never mention anything concerning thyself