Imitation of Christ

Si libenter crucem portas, portabit te, et deducet te ad desideratum finem, ubi scilicet finis patiendi erit. Si invite portas, onus tibi facis, et te ipsum magis gravas, et tamen oportet ut sustineas. Si abjicis unam crucem, aliam proculdubio invenies, et forsitan graviorem.

If you willingly bear the Cross, it will bear you, and will bring you to the end which you seek, even where there will be the end of suffering; though it will not be here. If you bear it unwillingly, you make a burden for yourself and greatly increase your load, and yet you must bear it. If you cast away one cross, without doubt you will find another and maybe a heavier one.

Imitation of Christ, II, 12:5