Of the uses of adversity
Chapter 12 the uses of adversity
surely we should see God's help coming down to us from heaven.
For He is ready to help them that fight bravely and trust in His grace; and He Himself provides us occasions to fight, in order that we may conquer.
If we place our spiritual progress in outward observances only, our devotion will soon come to an end.
But let us lay the axe to the root,^ so that, being purged of passions, we may possess our souls in peace.
If every year we rooted out one vice, we should soon become perfect men.
But now we often feel that things have gone the other way.
We find that we were better and purer in the beginning of our religious life than we are after many years of profession.
Our fervour and progress ought to increase daily; but now it is thought a great thing if anyone can retain something of his first fervour.
If we would do ourselves a little violence in the beginning, then we should be able afterwards to do all things with ease and joy.
It is hard to give up old habits; it is harder still to resist our own will.
But if you do not overcome little and easy things, how will you surmount greater difficulties?
Resist your inclination in the beginning, and unlearn evil habit, lest by little and little it bring you into greater trouble.
O if you did but consider what peace you would procure for yourself, and what joy for others, by bearing yourself well,
I think you would be more solicitous for your spiritual progress.
CHAPTER 12
OF THE USES OF ADVERSITY
It is good for us at times to have troubles and adversities; for often they make a man enter into himself, so that he may know that he is in exile, and may not place his hopes in anything of this world.
It is good for us that we sometimes suffer contradictions, and that people think ill and poorly of us, even when we do and mean well.
Such things often help to humility and keep us from vainglory.
1 Matthew iii, 10.