The measure of consolation is apportioned according to the weight of affliction. — All the things that he had lost he received double, because through the loving-kindness of the benign Judge the supports of consolations conquer the loss of our temptation. But the proving tempts less than the recompense consoles, so that from the merit of the retribution he may recognize that to have been light which he endured, who from the weight of the smiting was judging himself to be enduring something grievous. Whence also to the little friend of Judaea it is said: For a small moment have I forsaken thee, and in great mercies will I gather thee (Isa. 54:7). But sometimes the measure of consolation is apportioned according to the weight of affliction. Whence elsewhere it is written:
According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, Thy consolations have gladdened my soul (Ps. 93:19). For he indicates that he was consoled in that same measure in which he had been afflicted, who cries out that he was gladdened according to the multitude of sorrows. But the reader is by no means little instructed, if he contemplate that very order of remuneration. For correction follows upon excess, penance upon correction, pardon upon penance, but gifts follow upon pardon. But because, being smitten by the permission of the divine dispensation, he was also afflicted by his friends' words, being consoled by the gifts of the divine loving-kindness, he ought also to be cherished again by human charity;
so that from every side the joys of consolation might answer him whom on every side the sorrows and adversities of griefs were tearing. Whence it is subjoined concerning him: