"In order to soften the sadness you suffer because of me, I cannot omit to tell you something of my pleasure and joy so that you may rejoice with me and praise the Lord. I will say what no person will want to believe when I tell it. I have found a nest of honey and honeycombs in the bowels of a lion. Who will believe what I say? Or what person will be able to imagine that one can find a paradise of pleasure in a deep and dark cave? That there is rest and hope of life in the place of sadness and death? That one finds joy in ones soul in a hell hole? Isn\'t it nearly unbelievable to be cheerful in a place where others weep? To be full of strength and full of courage where others fear and tremble? Who would be able to imagine this, or dare to believe it? To enjoy such pleasure in such a miserable condition. To find a company of good people in such a lonely place. To find such rest in tight bands and cold irons. Dear Brothers! The good hand of God has done all that for me. Look, the One who was once far from me is now present; he is with me; he whom I\'d hardly notice now I see very clearly; him whom I once saw from afar is now close by. He after whom I once hungered now comes and offers me His hand. He comforts and overwhelms me with gladness. He drives away all bitterness; he gives all strength and courage. He heals and refreshes me, makes me continue and comforts me. Oh how good is the Lord who does not allow his servants to be tempted above what they are able! Oh how light and pleasant is His yoke! Is there anyone like the Almighty, who takes up the burdened, heals and refreshes the wounded? Is there anyone like Him? Learn my dearly beloved how loving the Lord is, how good and merciful He is who visits His servants in their trials and condescends to allow them his companionship in such terrible and stinking holes. "[A letter by Pomponius Algerius who died a martyrs death in 1555]
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