God often permits virtuous men to be tried by something: He permits temptations to rise up against them on all sides… Whether these trials come from men, demons or flesh, let it be a cause for thanksgiving. For God cannot show his favor to a man who desires to dwell with Him, except by sending him trials for the sake of truth; just as no man can become worthy of this greatness… without the grace of Christ… St. Paul plainly calls it a gift… ‘For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake’ (Phil. 1:29).