words and tempting God, for He ordinarily does not give patience without tribulation, nor humility without humiliations.
The same may be said of all other virtues, which are doubtless only to be gained by adverse circumstances; and the more painful these are, the more effectually do they aid us, and therefore the more acceptable and welcome should they be.
For acts of virtue, done in such cases, are more heroic and generous, and more easily and quickly open to us the way to holiness.
But even the slightest opportunity, though but a word or look, which crosses our will, should be prized and not allowed to pass unused; for such acts, though less intense than those made in the face of considerable difficulties, are more frequent.
Another consideration (of which I have already spoken) is, that everything which happens to us comes from God for our good, and in order that we may turn it to account.
And although (as we have elsewhere said) some things spring from our own defects, and those of others, and therefore cannot be said to be of God, Who wills nothing that is sinful, yet are they from God, inasmuch as He permits them, and does not prevent them, though He has it in His power to do so.
