Book I, Chapter XII

Of the Advantage of Adversity

1. It is good for us to have sometimes troubles and adversities, for they make a man enter into himself, that he may know that he is in a state of banishment, and may not place his hope in any thing of this world. It is good that we suffer sometimes contradictions, and that men have an evil or imperfect opinion of us, even when we do and intend well. These things are often helps to humility, and defend us from vain-glory; for then we better run to God, our inward witness, when outwardly we are despised by men, and little credit is given to us. „

2. Therefore should a man establish himself in such a manner in God as to have no need of seeking many comforts from men. — When a man of good will is troubled or tempted, or afflicted with evil thoughts, then he better understands what need he hath of God, without whom he finds he can do no good. Then also he laments, he sighs, he prays, by reason of the miseries which he puffers: then he is weary of living longer, and wishes death to come, that he may be dissolved and be with Christ. (Philippians 1) Then also he well perceives that perfect security and full peace cannot be found in this world.

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