The Anatomy of Melancholy

Chrysostom says the very same thing in his second homily on Matthew 3: grain is separated only by threshing, and people from worldly hindrances only by affliction. This is what Cyprian repeats in his fourth sermon, On Immortality; what Jerome and all the Fathers impress upon us: in this way we are instructed for eternity. The proverb implies the same: “A hurt is a lesson.” It is what the whole world keeps ringing in our ears.

“God has one son without sin, none without the scourge”: God, says Augustine, has one son without sin, none without correction. A skilled sailor is tested in a storm, a runner in a race, a commander in battle, a brave man in adversity, and a Christian in temptation and misery—Basil, homily 8. We are sent into this world as soldiers, to struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Our life is warfare: who does not know it?

“There is no easy road from earth to the stars.” Perhaps, therefore, this world has been made troublesome for us so that, as Gregory observes, we should not be delighted with the journey and forget where we are going.

Go now, brave souls, where the lofty path Of a great example leads. Why turn your backs In cowardly flight? Earth, once overcome, Grants you the stars.

Go cheerfully on, then, towards heaven. If the way is troublesome and you suffer misery and many grievances, you also have pleasant amusements and sights, sweet smells, delightful tastes, music, food, herbs, flowers, and much else to refresh your senses.

Or suppose the world has now forsaken, cast down, and despised you. Still, take comfort in what was said to Hagar in the wilderness: God sees you; he takes notice of you. There is a God above who can vindicate your cause and bring you relief.

Indeed, Seneca thinks that he takes pleasure in watching you. The gods are pleased to see great men contending with adversity, just as we enjoy watching men fight, or a man fight a beast. But those are trifles by comparison. “Behold,” he says, “a spectacle worthy of God: a good man content with his condition.” The ancients held that a tyrant was the best sacrifice to Jupiter; the finest sight for him is a contented mind.

For your part, then, remain content. Cast all your care and your burden upon him; rely on him, trust him, and he will sustain you, care for you, and give you your heart’s desire. Say with David, “God is our hope and strength, ready to be found in trouble,” Psalm 46:1. For those who trust in the Lord shall be like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, Psalm 124:1–2; as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forever.