Let us not be surprised when we have to face difficulties. When the wind blows hard on a tree, the roots stretch and grow the stronger, Let it be so with us. Let us not be weaklings, yielding to every wind that blows, but strong in spirit to resist.
When a founder has cast a bell he does not presently fix it in the steeple, but tries it with his hammer, and beats it on every side to see if there be any flaw in it. So Christ doth not, presently after he has converted a man, convey him to heaven; but suffers him first to be beaten upon by many temptations, and then exalts him to his crown.
God hath many sharp-cutting instruments and rough files for the polishing of his jewels; and those he especially loves, and means to make the most resplendent, he hath oftenest his tools upon.
Nothing can work me damage, except myself. The harm that I sustain I carry about me, and never am a real sufferer but by my own fault. - Bernard of Clairvaux
The whole way from Syria to Rome, chained as I am to half a score of soldiers, who only grow more insolent the more bribes they are given. I look forward to the real lions that have been prepared for me. Oh I pray, as I will find them swift. I am going to make overtures to them, so that they may devour me with all speed." - Ignatius of Antioch
Suffer me to become food for the wild beasts, through whose instrumentality it will be granted me to attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts that I may be found the pure bread of Christ. - Ignatius of Antioch
Keep God's covenant in your trials; hold you by His blessed word, and sin not; flee anger, wrath, grudging, envying, fretting; forgive a hundred pence to your fellow-servant, because your Lord hath forgiven you ten thousand talents: for, I assure you by the Lord, your adversaries shall get no advantage against you, except you sin, and offend your Lord, in your sufferings.
That which is bitter to endure may be sweet to remember.