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.

Affliction comes to us, not to make us sad but sober; not to make us sorry but wise.

Affliction comes to us, not to make us sad but sober; not to make us sorry but wise.

What region of the earth is not full of our calamities?
[Lat., Quae regio in terris nostri non plena read more

What region of the earth is not full of our calamities?
[Lat., Quae regio in terris nostri non plena laboris.]

Affliction is enamoured of thy parts,
And thou art wedded to calamity.

Affliction is enamoured of thy parts,
And thou art wedded to calamity.

By afflictions God is spoiling us of what otherwise might have spoiled us. When he makes the world too hot read more

By afflictions God is spoiling us of what otherwise might have spoiled us. When he makes the world too hot for us to hold, we let it go.

If I didn't have this affliction, I would be the first. As a rule the if-clause contains an unfulfillable condition, read more

If I didn't have this affliction, I would be the first. As a rule the if-clause contains an unfulfillable condition, or the patient's own arrangement, which only he can change.

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

Believe me, the gods spare the afflicted, and do not always
oppress those who are unfortunate.
[Lat., Crede read more

Believe me, the gods spare the afflicted, and do not always
oppress those who are unfortunate.
[Lat., Crede mihi, miseris coelestia numina parcunt;
Nec semper laesos, et sine fine, premunt.]

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.'