From ancient times, holy men and women have spoken strongly about the need for conversion and personal sanctity.  Here is a part of an exhortation to the holy life, especially recommending the reading of the Sacred Scriptures, by St. Paulinus Aquileia (d. 804) to his friend Eric, Duke of Friuli (d. 799): 

"Sanctity consists in works of justice.  According to the Prophet, it is accomplished in two just ways: that we not do those things which are forbidden, and that we do the things that are commanded: 'Avoid evil and do good' (Psalm 33, 15).  A whole succession of holy books has been written for our instruction.  It speaks loudly in our ears and repeats again and again what men must avoid and what they must follow.  Your dignity knows that he occupies himself excellently with these books because our God and Lord himself speaks through them to us, and he shows the power of his holy will to us in them.  And we recognize and understand with what honor this legation of his to us must be received.  Supposing a legation or summon should come to us from a king?  Would we not set aside our other cares with a prompt will and receive this letter with all reverence and busy ourselves in fulfilling its requirements?  Certainly, the King of kings and Lord of lords, and, indeed, our Redeemer, has deigned to direct his letters to us from heaven through his Prophets and Apostles -- not in order to demand some service necessary for him, but to grant those things which are able to profit us in terms of our salvation and glory."