y son, patience and humility in adversities are more pleasing to Me, than much comfort and devotion when things go well. Why does a little matter spoken against you make you sad? Although it had been much more, you ought not to have been moved. But now let it pass. It is not the first time it has happened, nor is it anything new; neither will it be the last, if you live long.
You are manly enough, so long as nothing adverse befalls you. You can give good counsel also, and can strengthen others with your words; but when sudden tribulation comes to your door, you fail in counsel and in strength. Observe then your frailty, of which you too often have experience in small events. Even though it is done for your good, when these and such like trials happen to you.
Put it out of your heart according to your better knowledge, and if it has touched you, let it not cast you down, nor long perplex you. Bear it at least patiently, if you cannot joyfully. Although you are unwilling to hear it, and conceive indignation at its mention, yet restrain yourself, and suffer no ill-ordered word to pass out of your mouth, whereby little ones may be offended. The storm which is now raised will quickly be at peace, and
