Now let us thank th' eternal power, convinc'd
That Heaven but tries our virtue by affliction:
That read more

Now let us thank th' eternal power, convinc'd
That Heaven but tries our virtue by affliction:
That oft the cloud which wraps the present hour,
Serves but to brighten our future days!

When something [an affliction] happens to you, you either let it defeat you, or you defeat it.

When something [an affliction] happens to you, you either let it defeat you, or you defeat it.

The afflictions to which we are accustomed, do not disturb us.

The afflictions to which we are accustomed, do not disturb us.

With silence only as their benediction,
God's angels come
Where in the shadow of a great affliction,
read more

With silence only as their benediction,
God's angels come
Where in the shadow of a great affliction,
The soul sits dumb!

As threshing separates the wheat from the chaff, so does affliction purify virtue.

As threshing separates the wheat from the chaff, so does affliction purify virtue.

Henceforth, I'll bear
Affliction till it do cry out itself,
'Enough, enough, and die.'

Henceforth, I'll bear
Affliction till it do cry out itself,
'Enough, enough, and die.'

Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
read more

Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
Do scald me like molten lead.

To bear other people's afflictions, everyone has courage and enough to spare.

To bear other people's afflictions, everyone has courage and enough to spare.

Affliction is not sent in vain, young man,
From that good God, who chastens whom he loves.

Affliction is not sent in vain, young man,
From that good God, who chastens whom he loves.