It is a good thing that the persons who have been inwardly renewed by grace should be induced to perform works of piety and penance proportionate to their ability, because both are preserved by the proportion existing between the goodness of the works and the spirit in which they are performed. When someone not yet inwardly renewed is forced to perform extraordinary works of piety and penance, both are spoiled, the man corrupting the works through his wickedness, and the works proving too much for the weakness of the man, who is unable to bear them. It is a bad sign when someone is seen producing outward results as soon as he is converted. The order of charity is to drive roots into the heart before producing good works outside.
-Blaise Pascal