It is sometimes good for us to have 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 hopes in anything of this world.
It is good that we sometimes suffer 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 vainglory.
For then we better run to God, our inward witness, when outwardly we are despised by men, and little credit is given to us.
Therefore should a man so establish himself in God, as to have no need of seeking many comforts from men.
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Imitation of Christ
