"Hardship does not befall the heathen without me and without a reasonable cause. Indeed, my prophets made many predictions about the adversities of the heathen in order that those who had neglected and abused reason might be taught by suffering, and in order that I, God, who permitted it all, should be known and glorified by every nation. Therefore, if I, God, do not spare pagans from suffering, even less will I spare those who have tasted the sweetness of my divine grace more plentifully."
‘The Book of Questions’ – St. Birgitta of Sweden – Interrogation 13, Revelation 8, pages 30-32; ‘Christ …
[Saint Bridget of Sweden – XIV Century AD; born: Uppland, Sweden/doed: Rome, Papal States; Patron Saint of Europe, Widow, Mystic, Spiritual Writer]
Interrogation 13
First question. Again the monk appeared on his rung as before saying: ”O Judge, I ask you: Why is your grace withdrawn quickly from some people while others are tolerated in their wickedness for a long time?”
Second question. ”Why is grace given to some people in youth, while others are deprived of it in old age?”
Third question. ”Why do some people suffer excessive hardship, while others live more or less free from hardship?”
Fourth question. ”Why is intelligence and an extremely quick mind given to some people, while others are like mindless asses?”
Fifth question. ”Why are some people exceedingly hardened, while others enjoy wonderful consolation?”
Sixth question. ”Why is more worldly success given to the wicked than to the good?”
Seventh question. ”Why does one person receive his or her calling at the beginning, while …More
"Hardship does not befall the heathen without me and without a reasonable cause. Indeed, my prophets made many predictions about the adversities of the heathen in order that those who had neglected and abused reason might be taught by suffering, and in order that I, God, who permitted it all, should be known and glorified by every nation. Therefore, if I, God, do not spare pagans from suffering, even less will I spare those who have tasted the sweetness of my divine grace more plentifully."
"There are also some people in this life who are afflicted neither in body nor in spirit. They pass their lives as carefree as though God did not exist, or as though God is sparing them for the sake of their righteous works. Such people should be filled with dread for fear that I, God, who spare them in the present, come suddenly and condemn them more harshly as being without contrition."