The trials of man are of two kinds. (a) The consequences of
his own actions. If a man eats too much, he ruins his digestion; if he takes
poison he becomes ill or dies. If a person gambles he
will lose his money; if he drinks too much he will lose his equilibrium. All
these sufferings are caused by the man himself, it is quite clear therefore
that certain sorrows are the result of our own deeds. (b) Other sufferings
there are, which come upon the Faithful of God. Consider the great sorrows
endured by Christ and by His apostles!
Those who suffer most, attain to the greatest perfection.
- 'Abdu'l-Baha (Words
of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, October 27, 1911, Paris; ‘Paris Talks’)
