Glory follows afflictions, not as the day follows the night but as the spring follows the winter; for the winter prepares the earth for the spring, so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory.

Richard Sibbes
About This Quote

In the context of this quote, glory refers to good fortune and prosperity, while afflictions refers to suffering and adversity. In this quote, there is a clear contrast between the two. One can see that afflictions are necessary for the soul to be prepared for glory, but at the same time, there is a secondary meaning in which afflictions are not good for one’s personal happiness. The reason why Jesus here mentions that afflictions sanctify, or purify, the soul is that afflictions help us overcome our selfishness and self-centeredness. Without it, we could be so selfishly focused on ourselves that we would not give much thought to others.

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  1. Glory follows afflictions, not as the day follows the night but as the spring follows the winter; for the winter prepares the earth for the spring, so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory.
  2. Every creature thinks itself best in its own element, that is the place it thrives in, and enjoys its happiness in; now Christ is the element of a Christian.
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