God Sometimes Works by Contraries

"God sometimes works by contraries. He makes men grow by their decreasing, and to stand by their falls. Sometimes when God will have a man grow, He will allow him to fall, that by his fall he may grow in a deeper hatred of sin and in jealousy over his own heart, and in a nearer watchfulness over his own ways; that he may grow more in love with God for pardoning him, and stronger in his resolution; and that he may grow more in humility."

-Richard Sibbes